The Bengals finally drafted a linebacker Womens Darqueze Dennard Jersey , but it was worth the wait?" />Skip to main contentclockmenumore-arrownoyesHorizontal - WhiteCincy Junglea Cincinnati Bengals communityLog In or Sign UpLog InSign UpFanpostsFanshotsSectionsLibraryBengalsOddsAboutMastheadCommunity GuidelinesStubHubMoreAll 322 blogs on Horizontal - WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBABreaking down the Bengals’ selection of Germaine Pratt in Round 3New,17commentsThe Bengals finally drafted a linebacker, but it was worth the wait?EDTShareTweetShareShareBreaking down the Bengals’ selection of Germaine Pratt in Round 3Photo by Lance King/Getty ImagesThe first round was exciting, the second round was confusing, and in the third round, the Bengals finally found a player to fill their biggest need ,and it was a good one.After years of neglect and stop-gap players like Kevin Minter and Karlos Dansby, the house of cards that was the linebacker position finally collapsed in 2018. The position was a huge weakness full of players who struggled in coverage, struggled to tackle, and struggled to stay healthy.Now, the Bengals have made a move to change that by adding North Carolina State linebacker Germaine Pratt with their third-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.What Pratt brings to the BengalsSpeed: The Bengals needed an athletic upgrade at linebacker, and they got it with Pratt. His testing is okay Womens Cordy Glenn Jersey , but his play speed is much better. He is always flying around and never seems to be out of a play. He has the speed to make plays all from sideline to sideline, whether it be in the run game or the pass game.Tackling: Getting to the ball carrier does not do much good if you can’t make the tackle. The Bengals’ entire defense struggled to make tackles in 2018. Fortunately, they added a linebacker who does not struggle in that area. Pratt is an excellent tackler. He hits hard and high bringing his hips through the tackle for power. Pratt is equally skilled as a tackler in the open field or in the gap.Coverage: Pratt is very good coverage linebacker, which is something that the Bengals lack. He has the skill to play effectively in zone coverage and the athletic ability to cover tight ends and big slots. This fills a big need for the Bengals who have struggled with underneath coverage.Upside: In just his first year as a starter and second year playing the position, Pratt had 104 tackles. He is really just learning to play linebacker, which means he has plenty of room to grow. This was already a very good pick, but it could prove even better as he develops in the Bengals defense.Why the Bengals picked PrattNeed: Linebacker was the Bengals biggest need coming into the draft. They likely would have drafted a linebacker earlier, but they missed out on the Devin’s in Round 1, and there was not great value at the position in Round 2. Pratt will have a chance to start as a rookie because the team really needs a shot of life on defense and a long-term solution at linebacker.Skill: On film alone, I actually graded Pratt above Devin Bush, but Bush’s combine obviously makes him stand out. Pratt is a complete linebacker who makes plays in every facet of the game. He has all the tools to step in and contribute from day one in the Queen City.Versatility: Pratt has played inside and outside linebacker over the last two seasons after starting is collegiate career as a safety. He is also flexible in his role. He had two interceptions as a junior and 6 sacks in his senior year, proving that he can frustrate a quarterback in multiple ways. Joe Mixon wasn’t pleased with a few of his grades from the past season."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections #BITESIZEFilm RoomRoster Transactions and ContractsOrange & Black InsiderSalary Cap And CBABreaking NewsKeep track of the 2019 Bengals draft脳Bengals News (2/21): Joe Mixon disagrees with the analyticsNew http://www.thebengalslockerroom.com/authentic-malik-jefferson-jersey ,6commentsJoe Mixon wasn’t pleased with a few of his grades from the past season.ESTShareTweetShareShareBengals News (2/21): Joe Mixon disagrees with the analyticsDavid Kohl-USA TODAY SportsCincinnati Bengals inbox: Addressing D coordinator, Vontaze Burfict, free agency, NFL DraftI’ll tackle multiple topics, starting with clarification on my take about Vontaze Burfict, necessary perspective on the defensive coordinator search, the cloud of free agency and roster churning.Five 2019 offseason moves each AFC team should makePick up William Jackson's fifth-year option. Jackson wasn't quite the revelation he was during the 2017 campaign, but he's comfortably Cincinnati's best cornerback and likely to be extended next offseason.Bengals defenders don’t sound too worried about extended DC searchFrom the outside, the fact the Cincinnati Bengals are taking a long time to nail down a defensive coordinator seems like a bad development.Joe Mixon isn’t thrilled with his Pro Football Focus gradeBoth can be right, of course. Mixon was a stud talent last year who excelled behind a struggling offensive line and continued to do so even after stars around him went down with injuries.NFL Trade Machine: Matthew Stafford to the Cincinnati BengalsWhat better way to get it started than with a quarterback and not the one everybody expected too. Matthew Stafford is in somewhat of a weird bubble at the moment with the Detroit Lions. He’s unquestionably the most productive passer they’ve ever had and still capable of being really good under center. However, it became clear last season that he doesn’t seem to mesh quite well in the system new head coach Matt Patricia wants.Random NewsRealistic Landing Spots for Le'Veon Bell in 2019 NFL Free AgencyJust weeks after celebrating his 27th birthday, superstar Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will celebrate becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career.1 Mistake Each NFL Team Must Avoid Making in the 2019 NFL DraftIn 2014 Carlos Dunlap Jersey , the Rams used the 13th overall pick on Aaron Donald, who would go on to become a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Nine picks later, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam didn't listen to advisers and forced the front office to select a spectacular flameout in quarterback Johnny Manziel.Nike Reveals Colin Kaepernick 'Icon Jersey' Days After NFL Settlement Is ReachedFormer San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick may remain without an NFL job, but Nike unveiled a new "Icon" jersey in his honor Wednesday.NFL Starters Who Could Have Their Jobs Stolen by Free-Agent SigningsIt takes one notable free-agent signing to signal a predictive shift at a position. Every year, NFL teams ink players to lucrative deals with the hopes of bolstering weak areas on their rosters—sometimes at the expense of the incumbent starters.NFL Rumors: Raiders Close to Deal to Stay in Oakland for 2019 SeasonAccording to Phil Matier of SFGate.com, a source said the deal, which is expected to be announced this week or early next week, is for one year with an option for 2020. The option is insurance for the Raiders in case their Las Vegas stadium is not completed in time for the 2020 season.