Brandon Thompson "Figures" To Backup Nose Tackle Domata Peko

The Cincinnati Bengals are likely placing rookie defensive tackle Brandon Thompson behind Domata Peko as the team's nose tackle, speculates Geoff Hobson Bengals.com. While at Clemson, Brandon Thompson was not known for his ability to penetrate the line as a pass rusher - only 2.5 sacks in 2011 - but instead was praised for his strength and size, of which the position of nose tackle seems perfect to highlight those attributes.

Hobson goes on to describe Thompson as a "hydrant of a nose tackle from Clemson that plays with fire; no neck and all power..." The wide, stocky, no neck frame of Thompson is ideal as a clog-the-middle run stopper.

Also mentioned in a Rotoworld report is that the addition of Thompson to the depth chart at nose tackle could be the end of backup nose tackle Pat Sims' career with the Bengals. That particular statement is questionable at best considering Sims' contributions to the Bengals' defensive line last season and the fact that he recently signed a one year contract with Cincinnati. However, only time will tell whether there is any legitimacy to that prediction.