It isn’t hard to come up with x-factors for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
Fans know the usual names like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, plus some defenders like Trey Hendrickson and D.J. Reader.
But what about a rookie like Cam Taylor-Britt?
Tasked with breaking down all 32 rosters and finding x-factors, Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey tabbed the second-round rookie as the possible name to know in Cincinnati:
“The Bengals made their way to the Super Bowl with Eli Apple as their No. 2 cornerback, but their investments in the secondary early in the 2022 NFL draft indicate that they’re not necessarily looking to run that back this season. Their second-round pick out of Nebraska, Cam Taylor-Britt, could push Apple for his starting spot. Taylor-Britt allowed a sub-80.0 passer rating on throws into his coverage in each of the past three seasons. He could make an impact for Cincinnati as a rookie.”
It was easy to see with the Bengals drafting Dax Hill in the first round and CTB in the second that they had the long-term angle in mind, but also wanted to grab guys who could rotate in right away.
And for CTB’s case, it sure doesn’t hurt that he was impressing teammates right upon arrival at Paul Brown Stadium. He also managed to be wildly entertaining for fans during a mic’d up session.
While Eli Apple played superb ball in the system last year on the boundary, coaches would surely love to see CTB get in on the action and get those all-important reps, too.
