icehole3 Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Getting-his-kicks/22426306-6198-4cba-8035-ef846c3d6ec7A one-line look at the Bengals linebackers by their numbers:51 Dan Skuta 6-2, 251 second season: Emerging as interesting guy that can play the middle and SAM. Free agent out of Grand Valley played in eight games but still finished fifth in special teams tackles. Had big block on Bernard Scott’s kick return TD in Pittsburgh. 52 Abdul Hodge 6-2, 247 5: Played in every game last year with 11 special teams tackles (fourth on team). Didn’t play much from scrimmage. Usually backs up the middle, but can play WILL. Second on team with 15 tackles in preseason.53 Rashad Jeanty 6-2, 247 5: Backup SAM led all special teamers with 14 tackles. Physical, tough, continually plays hurt. Past winner of Ed Block Courage Award. Broke fibula on opening kickoff of playoff game. Had surgery and won’t be back until training camp54 Vincent Rey 6-2, 240 R: Free agent out of Duke. Had huge workout at pro day. Look for Bengals to see what he does at WILL. Before moving to middle backer to start senior season, played in all 36 games with 23 starts, all but one at weak side. Returned to Duke as leading tackler and second leading active tackler in ACC.55 Keith Rivers 6-2, 240 3: Since being ninth overall pick in 2008, been starter at WILL and last year had some productive games in big moments: Dozen tackles vs. Pittsburgh, nine tackles in Baltimore and fourth-quarter pick and sack in San Diego. Looking to jack up career totals of two picks and a sack in 20 games.56 Roddrick Muckelroy 6-2 246 R: Fourth-round pick out of Texas. Started three years in middle and at WILL and Bengals think he can play SAM here. All-Big 12 as junior and senior with 256 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and six pass breakups for career. Should be able to get calls with degree in Corporate Communications.57 Dhani Jones 6-1 240 11: One of world’s best known travelers returns to home where he has been starter since mid ’07. Mike Zimmer’s eyes and ears. As heads into last year of contract, he’ll get spelled at times by SAM backer Rey Maualuga this spring. Played both outside spots before coming to Cincy. Like fine wine had one of most productive seasons last year at age 31 with 142 tackles.58 Rey Maualuga 6-2 255 2: Started 15 games at SAM as rookie before breaking fibula vs. Kansas City in next-to-last game of year. Flashed big-time promise with 80 tackles and two forced fumbles. After January DUI says he had life-changing stint in rehab. Heir apparent to Jones, he’ll work some in middle in the spring.59 Brandon Johnson 6-5 243 5: Coming off huge season in which he was probably their best backer even though primarily worked out of WILL in third-down package. But also led them in tackles twice while racking up versatile line of 67 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, one fumble recovery. They like him better at WILL, but started at SAM in pinch in playoff game. Excellent in pass coverage, a Zimmer must this season vs. big-time passers.93 Michael Johnson 6-7 260 2: One of Zimmer’s projects. Active right end as rookie in nickel with three sacks, five passes defensed, so they’ll try him at SAM this spring to take advantage of versatility. His athleticism and size from two spots would make things difficult in pass protection for an offense.They’ll probably end up counting Johnson on the roster at the final cut down as a defensive lineman. But does that mean they’ll only keep six linebackers instead of seven and he’ll be the swing guy? They first have to find out if he can play SAM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJI cant see us keeping jeanty... Especially if MJ is gonna be backup DE and SAM... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJI cant see us keeping jeanty... Especially if MJ is gonna be backup DE and SAM...Leading Special teams tackler,someone they feel comfortable with starting,Solid but not spectacular...I just don't see him getting cut unless they really want to keep 5 ends (including MJ)...Either way a Player the coaches like probably will get cut Jeanty,Rucker,geathers or maybe someone else? will get axed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJI cant see us keeping jeanty... Especially if MJ is gonna be backup DE and SAM...Leading Special teams tackler,someone they feel comfortable with starting,Solid but not spectacular...I just don't see him getting cut unless they really want to keep 5 ends (including MJ)...Either way a Player the coaches like probably will get cut Jeanty,Rucker,geathers or maybe someone else? will get axed.sucks,.. i really like all of those guys,.. i liked blackstock and marvin white too... now were cutting startable players... good times good times... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalPimp Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJSounds about right, but wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Dan Skuta made the team over Abdul Hodge. Then again, they might keep 6 and go heavier in the secondary (probably CB) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Not much but eh it's something...I think we'll keep 7 Backers not including MJ....SLB-Rey,Muckleroy-JeantyMLB-Dhani-HodgeWLB-Keith & BrandonJoker-MJSounds about right, but wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Dan Skuta made the team over Abdul Hodge. Then again, they might keep 6 and go heavier in the secondary (probably CB)Well with talent at CB and Hebert being a key special teamer/leader I could see them going 5 CB /5 S..Hall-Joseph-Ghee-Pacman-TrentRoy-Crocker-Ndukwe-Wilson-HebertPS,Overall should be a surprising cut on Defense Dline-Rucker or Geathers? Safety Ndukwe or Hebert? Linebacker Jeanty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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