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The Cincinnati Bengals’ earliest moves in free agency have been committed to improving a defense that was in need of some serious help. It doesn’t appear that their campaign for more defenders will stop during the NFL Draft either, as they met with a very interesting and versatile prospect.
#Iowa DL Chauncey Golston is an impressive player. Versatile guy that can play both inside and outside. Took reps at DT at the @seniorbowl. 5.5 sacks in just 8 games in 2020.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 19, 2021
He's met virtually with the #Saints, #Vikings, #Bengals, #Rams & #Giants to name a few.
Iowa Hawkeyes defender Chauncey Golston really checks a lot of boxes for a rotational defensive lineman for Cincinnati. He is an edge player who can handle setting the outside during running plays, and he has the versatility to kick inside during pass rushing downs. Stop me if you have heard that one before.
The Hawkeye took snaps inside at the Senior Bowl, which shows he knows where he might end up in the NFL, but he did have some explosive plays during the individual drills where he was able to blow by offensive tackles. It still looks like Golston will have to add a bit more strength to more of an every down type player, but He should have time to be able to pull that off with the linemen in front of him.
The Bengals have added Trey Hendrickson and Larry Ogunjobi to their defensive line this offseason. Those additions come after Cincinnati failed to re-sign Carl Lawson and Geno Atkins was cut so depth upfront will still be something the Bengals need to address.
Right now, it looks like Golston could end up being a Day 3 selection, and that would be a great time to add a player who could end up being a solid rotational piece at multiple positions.