After losing nose tackle D.J. Reader to the Detroit Lions this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have appeared to be scrambling with exactly how to handle the defensive line. This offseason, they brought in 3-technique journeyman Sheldon Rankins to fill the massive gap left by Reader but make no mistake, with just Rankins and 3-technique B.J. Hill listed as the starting defensive tackles, this team is certainly playing without a true nose tackle.
Cincinnati Bengals Miss Critical Depth Piece on Defensive Front
Without Reader on the roster, the team went with a fairly desperate plan by drafting two players who could at least attempt to play the nose tackle positions. In the second round, the team drafted undersized but stout University of Michigan standout Kris Jenkins Jr., and in the third round, they took the true nose tackle McKinnley Jackson. Jackson landed himself on injured reserve straight out of the gate with a knee injury and now, Jenkins has landed himself on the injury report after he suffered a thumb injury in practice this week.
Jenkins showed glimpses of greatness during camp and even with his smaller stature, his nickname ‘the mutant’ only begins to cover the ridiculous strength that Jenkins’ weight room dedication has brought him. Jenkins is considered a favorite to break out this season and claim that open nose tackle role that this team desperately needs. Unfortunately, Jenkins has been listed as out for the first week of the season and the team will basically be stuck with Hill and Rankins against a potent run gain from the New England Patriots.
Given the ability of Cincinnati to play with a lead and the handicapped nature on the defensive front, this game could easily be determined by who scores first. If Cincinnati can prevent New England from comfortably being able to run the ball late in the game, look for this unit to really unleash on the pass-rushing attack but if they need to force a stop and mount a comeback, this defensive front could easily get gassed down the stretch.
