Offensive line- It is clear to see that Cincinnati has much needed depth at the offensive line position with eight or nine guys fighting for significant playing time throughout the season. Despite Cincinnati returning their whole starting offensive line from a season ago, it is worth noting that a true competition is taken place for the starting right tackle position between Phillip Wilder and Deondre Buford. However, you can never go wrong with depth at the offensive line position especially after a season that was a driving force in the trenches that propelled Cincinnati to a top five rushing offensive in 2023.
Jordan Young- It is clear that Jordan Young has honed in on his craft this offseason and is poised to be the potential number one corner back for Cincinnati this season on the boundary. A position he hadn’t had much experience prior to the 2023 season, however, it is clear to see throughout camp that Young has been a vocal leader throughout the first two weeks of fall camp.
Linebacker Room– Another big point of emphasis was the depth for Cincinnati at the linebacker position. It was clear to see during Saturday’s scrimmage the amount of depth Cincinnati has at the linebacker position. Satterfield mentioned prior to fall camp about the depth being an issue at linebacker a season ago, but you can clearly see the linebackers flying around the field as fall camp comes to a conclusion.
Jared Bartlett has shown the ability to not only bring the veteran leadership after playing the last four season at West Virginia, but he has shown the ability to get out and disrupt the quarterback. Bartlett is like a freak of nature at the MIKE position as he is currently listed at 6’2”, 237-pounds, but it’s clear to see that he is in contention to potentially be one of those 11-12 players that is capable of reaching over 20 mph top speed as Satterfield mentioned prior to fall camp.
Bartlett’s speed was on display Saturday after bursting through the gap to come away with a huge sack followed by an incredible celebration that featured defensive line coach Walt Stewart. Now, you pair Bartlett alongside guys like Jack Dingle, and emerging stars in Jake Golday and Johnathan Thompson, it’s safe to say that second level of Cincinnati’s defense could be an intriguing component heading into the 2024 season.
