2023 Senior Bowl: Three defensive standouts Bengals fans need to know about
The Senior Bowl is a crucial moment in the NFL Draft timeline. It allows for media and NFL teams to get to watch players up close, and have access to interview them. NFL teams get the chance to sit down with players early, before the combine, and get to know them; get to know them […]
The Senior Bowl is a crucial moment in the NFL Draft timeline. It allows for media and NFL teams to get to watch players up close, and have access to interview them. NFL teams get the chance to sit down with players early, before the combine, and get to know them; get to know them as a person and check out where they are mentally.
As of 2022 the Cincinnati Bengals rank in the top-seven of NFL teams who have drafted the most players from the Senior Bowl.
So, it's safe to say it is quite an important event for them.
With that in mind, which top defensive prospects stood out the most and also fit what the Bengals are looking for?
There's an argument that no one had a better week than Wisconsin DT, Keeanu Benton. Benton dominated one-on-one sessions day in and day out. There were times he appeared unblockable.
Keeanu showed ability as a one tech and a 3 tech. He has most likely secured himself a top 100 selection. Keeanu checked in to the Senior Bowl at 6-4, 314 pounds as has plenty of experience playing nose tackle. The Bengals could have their eyes on him as DJ Reader enters the last year of his deal, and presents an option to move on from him if the Bengals choose to do so.
The next guy that Bengals fans should keep their eye on is Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State. The archetype for a Bengals corner is long and athletic. Well Brents measured in with 33 3/4" arm length. That would put him somewhere in the 98th for all defensive backs. How did he do? In a practice setting where defensive backs are geared to have a disadvantage, he did quite well.
With their two starters slated to hit the open market in this free agency period the Bengals could very well be looking at adding another safety. This prospect saved his best performance for the final day. Illinois safety, Sydney Brown showed a knack for locating the football and dislodging it upon receivers attempting to secure the catch.
Featured image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
