The 2015 NFL Draft class for the Cincinnati Bengals could be coined as one where the rich get richer. After using their first five picks on future contributors and depth-building, an interesting selection was made at the end of the fourth round in Arizona State defensive lineman, Marcus Hardison.
Though he was built like a defensive tackle, Hardison played a 3-4 defensive end role for the Sun Devils in 2014. After transferring from community college, he had a quality senior season racking up 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and two interceptions off the edge. And even though he was productive, pro teams wondered what role he could play in the NFL and in what system, hence why he lasted until the fourth round.
Hardison made the Bengals' final roster in 2015, but was inactive on game days throughout the season, never playing even one down during his rookie campaign. Even so, he flashed a bit in the preseason, showing good range when moving laterally on the line. Part of the reason for his inactivity on game days had to do with a knee injury suffered in the preseason, but overall depth also limited his 2015 progress.
Player Information:
Age: 24
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 315
Position: Defensive tackle
College: Arizona State
Year: 2nd season
Contract Status:
2016 Stock:
With Wallace Gilberry leaving in free agency, a spot for a niche lineman could be open for the taking. Even though Gilberry and Hardison technically play different positions and have different body types, the second-year tackle has shown the ability to rush the passer. It's in that ability where Hardison has a chance to be a contributor as a rotating player on the defensive line.
Hardison has bulked up quite a bit from his 2014 season season at ASU, where he played at just under 300 pounds. With the Bengals officially making him an interior lineman, he's now up to 315 pounds. While the weight gain shouldn't affect his ability to get to the passer, his route to the final roster will likely be as a tackle, not an end.
Roster Outlook:
On one hand, it seems like Hardison is a lock because of his versatility and the Bengals' preference to keep defensive linemen who can get to the passer on any given down. If he can show the same tenacity as he did in the 2015 preseason, Hardison should be able to find himself a spot on the final roster again this year. The only thing clouding his path is the club bringing in of other defensive tackles this offseason. In free agency, Cincinnati re-signed both Pat Sims and Brandon Thompson, while also selecting Andrew Billings in the fourth round of this year's Draft.
Because of those additions, Hardison's roster status isn't the only question being raised. He could very well make the final roster once again, but the team and the fans would love to see enough growth from Hardison in year two where he can contribute in niche situations. Like many other fringe roster players, Hardison will need to impress Marvin Lewis in preseason games this year to carve out a bigger role for himself when the regular season starts.