Bengals holding private workout with Louisville DE Devonte Fields

The Bengals continue to make it clear they couldn’t care any less about character concerns, both with current players and possible draft picks.

The latest prospect with a notable background (for the wrong reasons) is Devonte Fields, who reportedly has a private workout scheduled with the Bengals prior to the 2017 NFL Draft.

Fields spent that past two seasons at Louisville after beginning his college career at TCU, where he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, his freshman year. However, Fields was arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend and threatening her with a firearm, leading to his dismissal from the team. Fields eventually reached an agreement to dismiss his assault charge under the condition of completing anger management courses. He then had to take a year off from NCAA play and spent that time at Trinity Valley Community College.

He would go on to finish his career at Louisville, where he racked up 31 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks and 108 total tackles in 24 games. Though his first year at Louisville was impressive (63 tackles, 10.5 sacks), his freshman year at TCU really put him on the map, as he racked up 18.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and 53 tackles.

Fields is a good pass-rusher who can also hold up against the run. With no character concerns, Fields would probably be drafted somewhere in the Round 3 range. But Fields' history is part of why he's now protected to be picked in the Round 4-5 range.

The Bengals will likely draft multiple pass-rushing specialists in this draft, ideally defensive ends, but they're at least scouting potential 4-3 outside linebacker who could play defensive end, too.

That's what Fields is with his 6'2", 236-pound frame. He actually worked out as a linebacker at the Scouting Combine, which looks like his NFL position, though ideally as a 3-4 backer.

Fields probably isn't a great fit for the Bengals, but they're at least doing their due diligence with him.