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The Cincinnati Bengals hope a pair of young linebackers can help orchestrate a defensive turnaround in 2021.
Both Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt sit positioned to see major roles in the heart of the defense next season, especially with the former now being responsible for wearing the radio that relays plays to the unit.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo says both guys are ready for the task, per Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
“You know, he’s taking strides that way. I made a comment to Al Golden … how well Logan is communicating. And for a young guy, when you think about it, you know, he missed the games he missed last year, didn’t have an offseason, didn’t have a spring, and so, in a lot of ways, this is just a continuation of his rookie year. And he has really, to this point, done very well, and we continue to see him that way. I think Germaine Pratt is communicating very well also and trying to get guys in the right position, so between those two guys, they’ve really stepped up so far this spring.”
Pratt, a third-rounder in 2019, enters year three with a chance to see a major uptick in playing time if he can put it all together on the field surrounded by what could be an improved unit. There’s a chance his snap count of 65 percent from last year could jump.
Then there’s Wilson, a third-round pick last year already projected by some to be the team’s breakout star. He flashed major upside last year despite missing some games and with someone like Josh Bynes gone, he’s got a chance to lead the linebacker unit.
Heading into year three of Anarumo’s scheme, it’s now or never for the linebackers.
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