04-07-2025, 02:20 PM
James Rapien posted a video this morning defining players he think Bengals could target for defense in Rd 1.
Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss - Bengals bringing him in for a visit, so maybe DT isn't off the table.
Jihaad Campbell - LB Alabama - Elite and would really elevate the LB unit. Not only off-ball LB but also as a pass rusher.
Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon - Another pass rushing DT Rapien likes other than Nolen.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF South Carolina - Rapien loves NE. He thinks his young age, great size, elite athleticism, and versatility should allow for Bengals to easily find a good role for him, even if it's not as deep safety 100% of the time. Bengals bringing him in for a pre-draft visit as well.
Malaki Starks, SAF Georgia - Deep, athletic safety, but maybe not in the mix over Emmanwori.
Jahdae Barron, CB Texas or Will Johnson, CB Michigan - Not expecting CB but these two guys could be great if they do.
Note - Rapien is thinking Bengals are not looking at DE in Rd 1 and will likely more look at on Day 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB1-hzy2Oo
Walter Nolen, DT Ole Miss - Bengals bringing him in for a visit, so maybe DT isn't off the table.
Jihaad Campbell - LB Alabama - Elite and would really elevate the LB unit. Not only off-ball LB but also as a pass rusher.
Derrick Harmon, DT Oregon - Another pass rushing DT Rapien likes other than Nolen.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF South Carolina - Rapien loves NE. He thinks his young age, great size, elite athleticism, and versatility should allow for Bengals to easily find a good role for him, even if it's not as deep safety 100% of the time. Bengals bringing him in for a pre-draft visit as well.
Malaki Starks, SAF Georgia - Deep, athletic safety, but maybe not in the mix over Emmanwori.
Jahdae Barron, CB Texas or Will Johnson, CB Michigan - Not expecting CB but these two guys could be great if they do.
Note - Rapien is thinking Bengals are not looking at DE in Rd 1 and will likely more look at on Day 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUB1-hzy2Oo
Zac Taylor 2019-2020: 6 total wins
Zac Taylor 2021-2022: Double-digit wins each season, plus 5 postseason wins
Zac Taylor 2023: 9 wins despite losing Burrow half the season
Zac Taylor 2024: Started 1-4. Ended 9-8 but barely missed playoffs
Changes needed to do better in Sept/Oct moving forward.
Sorry for Party Rocking!
Zac Taylor 2021-2022: Double-digit wins each season, plus 5 postseason wins
Zac Taylor 2023: 9 wins despite losing Burrow half the season
Zac Taylor 2024: Started 1-4. Ended 9-8 but barely missed playoffs
Changes needed to do better in Sept/Oct moving forward.
Sorry for Party Rocking!
![[Image: 4CV0TeR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4CV0TeR.png)