:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54540293/624448454.0.jpg)
The Cincinnati Bengals have selected Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow with their fourth round compensatory pick. With Geno Atkins and Andrew Billings expected to anchor the defensive line for the Bengals, tackle wasn’t a huge position of need. However, this pick could prove to be a quality selection for depth reasons.
Glasgow is known as a tough, high effort football player. He’s not known for his ability to rush the passer which means he’s likely a two down player in the NFL. However, he shows relentless effort and a strong ability to stop the run. Glasgow is a former walk on at Michigan, and based on his tape, it appears he never took his opportunity for granted. Glasgow draws comparisons to some familiar names in Pat Sims and Domata Peko according to Mockdraftable.com.
The Bengals finally parted ways with Peko following the 2016 season and not only does Peko’s roster spot need to be replaced, but his leadership does as well. It appears Glasgow is someone with high character who could become a leader for the team down the road.
How Glasgow fits in on the defense:
Although the Bengals parted ways with Peko, there are still a plethora of defensive lineman that Glasgow will have to compete with for playing time. DeShawn Williams, Wallace Gilberry, Marcus Hardison, and Pat Sims are all back for the 2017 season and will likely have priority over Glasgow when it comes to playing time. However, if Glasgow’s reputation of being a relentless hard worker holds true, don’t be surprised if he works his way into the defensive line rotation somehow.
Why the pick makes sense:
Sims is aging so it was worth looking into a potential replacement to take over in the run stopping role he’s held down and Glasgow could be that guy. Aside from Sims, Hardison and Williams have yet to really prove themselves in the NFL. Williams has always drawn high praise from the coaching staff, but he’s rarely gotten a chance on Sundays. Hardison is another guy who’s talent has always been praised, but because of injury we don’t know what he’s capable of.
Because of the reasons listed above, the Glasgow pick makes a lot of sense here. Despite the log jam on the defensive line, I expect Glasgow to make the roster and push some of the aging and unproven players ahead of him on the depth chart.