Bengals Depth Chart Preview: Defensive tackle play comes down to sophomore surges and welcomed new size
The defensive tackle position was once a strength of the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. Long gone are the days of DJ Reader, Larry Ogunjobi, and B.J. Hill commanding the interior as only one of those three remain four years after their Super Bowl run. Hill was about all Cincinnati had to show for the position last season. […]
The defensive tackle position was once a strength of the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. Long gone are the days of DJ Reader, Larry Ogunjobi, and B.J. Hill commanding the interior as only one of those three remain four years after their Super Bowl run.
Hill was about all Cincinnati had to show for the position last season. Rookies went through predictable struggles, depth was tarnished from injuries, and Sheldon Rankins was an unfortunate free agency dud. The Bengals dipped back into free agency waters this offseason to add a new starter next to Hill, and are relying on last year's NFL Draft picks to take another step this year.
The next installment of our Bengals depth chart preview series goes over the current state of the defensive tackle group.
Bengals Defensive Tackle Depth Chart
Under Tackle (3-Technique)
- B.J. Hill
- Kris Jenkins Jr.
- Howard Cross III
- Dante Barnett
Nose Tackle (1/0-Technique)
- T.J. Slaton Jr.
- McKinnley Jackson
- Eric Gregory
The starters: Hill, Slaton. Hill, standing 6-3 and 311 pounds, returns on a new three-year contract extension to start at 3-Tech, the role favoring interior pass rushers. The story is really about what's happening around him, starting with Slaton. Cincinnati signed Slaton, all 6-5 and 340 pounds of him, in free agency to provide a true answer to the nose tackle position. He'll be shaded against or heads up with the center on early downs. Hill can be viewed as a three-down player.
First off the bench: Jenkins, Jackson. Few positions on the field require more rotation than DT, so two extra players are needed at all times. Jenkins at 6-3, 310 pounds is reminiscent of Hill, fitting the under tackle role that will protected have to take on guard-center combo blocks. Jackson is 6-2 and up to 330 pounds this offseason in hopes of being a true nose behind Slaton. He was more of a penetrator in college two years ago, but the vision for him now is to hold the point of attack.
The rest: Three undrafted rookies make up the bottom of the depth chart. Cross (6-1, 285) and Barnett (6-1, 275) are undersized but can provide burst against the pass. The former played six years at Notre Dame including all three years under defensive coordinator Al Golden, and the latter comes from the UK as part of the International Player Pathway program (IPP). Gregory (6-3, 319) played all over the d-line at Arkansas but may be needed more at 1T than over the guard's outside shoulder.
Who will make the 53-man roster: Hill, Slaton, Jenkins, Jackson. Every defense needs at least four DTs not just on the roster, but active on game days. The Bengals have their four locked in, though injuries are notorious for shaking this group up. A fifth could easily round out the group, but Cincinnati has an advantage here.
Practice squad prediction: Cross, Gregory, Barnett. Since Barnett is a part of the IPP, the Bengals can keep him as an extra 17th player on the practice squad. There's room for all three to stay in the building without sacrificing another spot, which allows for plenty of potential elevations in case of injuries during the season.
Previous Position Depth Chart Previews
- (7/6) Quarterback
- (7/7) Running back
- (7/8) Wide receiver
- (7/9) Tight end
- (7/10) Offensive tackle
- (7/11) Guard
- (7/12) Center
- (7/15) Safety
- (7/16) Cornerback
- (7/17) Linebacker
Bengals 2025 Roster Breakdown: T.J. Slaton Jr. beginning anew in Cincinnati under familiar coaching
Slaton signed the largest free agent deal for the Bengals this offseason.
