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The Cincinnati Bengals could be facing a bit of a transition in their roster with 14 impending unrestricted free agents, as well as other positions on their roster needing some bolstering. Defensive tackle is one of the positions many think the Bengals will be looking at in this year's draft and this Saturday's NFLPA Bowl had a pretty good player at that position on display.
USC's Antwaun Woods is a big presence for the middle of any defensive line, but also moved around a bit too, which is a rarity for a guy his size (6'1", 320 pounds). In 2015, Woods finished with 38 total tackles, three sacks and six tackles for loss with the Trojans. Some scouts and draftniks believe Woods to be a day three guy, but his impressive performance this week and ability to move along the line in college might sneak him up to day two.
I asked him about that versatility when speaking with him after the NFLPA Bowl game Saturday night. "I've played in 3-4, 4-3, 5-2 (defensive formations), I'll play anything. I'll just be a nose tackle wherever you need me," he said. With Domata Peko's age starting to become a factor, and both Pat Sims and Brandon Thompson being two of the Bengals' 14 unrestricted free agents, Cincinnati might be looking for a big body in this year's draft to replenish the position.
Those who follow college football know the trials and tribulations the USC football program has gone through of late. Whether it was sanctions affecting players and coaches who weren't even around when some of the allegations took place, or a head coaching carousel of late, Trojan players know how to deal with adversity and tumultuous situations. Woods corroborated that opinion on Saturday night.
"You see it a lot in the NFL, a lot of coaching changes," Woods said. "I've been through it with five coaches, coach (Clay) Helton twice. You just have to understand that this is a business, football is a business and you have to win games no matter where you're at. So, I understand it's a business, not emotional. Sometimes it's unfortunate, but it all ends up working out good."
Woods also talked about his experience during the NFLPA Bowl week, playing for an all-star coaching cast and what that meant for him going forward. You can listen to the interview with Woods below.