The Cincinnati Bengals might have a tough time making cuts at cornerback this summer — which is a good problem to have for a team that has struggled with depth at the position in recent years.
More proof of this budding theme is the slow emergence of Jalen Davis, who capped off a strong week with a sack on a blitz and had multiple pass break-ups during a recent practice.
For Bengals coaches, Davis’ showing is expected for a guy they share nothing but praise.
“Jalen, he’s extremely consistent,” cornerbacks coach Chuck Burks said, according to Hernz Laguerre Jr. of Bengals.com. “He’s a very important piece of our secondary and has been. Mike Hilton is Mike Hilton. He does a great job blitzing and does a great job communicating, playing fast, very instinctive. But I think Jalen Davis, for sure, could start at nickel on any other team in the league. He could be a starter here.”
Davis, an undrafted free agent in 2018, had stops with two different teams before joining the Bengals in 2020, using call-ups from the practice squad and steady improvement to land multiple contract extensions since, including this latest two-year deal signed last March.
While he’s not going to crack the starting rotation, Davis has emerged as key depth. Tack on second-round rookie D.J. Turner and seventh-round breakout DJ Ivey (the man with the amazing new nickname) and cornerback depth suddenly feels like a strength for the Bengals.
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