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It has been obvious a major focus of this early offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals has been to improve the defense. Overall, they have done a pretty solid job, finding good pieces to help fill voids that where obvious places of needs.
One of the big signings to this point is the addition of defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi from the division rival Cleveland Browns.
The #Bengals are signing former #Browns DL Larry Ogunjobi, source said, on a 1-year deal. More help on D for Cincy, as he stays in the division.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Ranked as the 62nd-best player in NFL.com analyst’s Greg Rosenthal’s top 101 free agents, Ogunjobi is bringing speed and power to a defensive line that needed a boost this offseason.
Coming alongside Trey Hendrickson this offseason, the starting defensive line should feature Ogunjobi, Hendrickson, D.J. Reader, and Sam Hubbard.
At 6-3 and 305 pounds, Ogunjobi was forced to play a little out of position last season due to injuries in Cleveland. Know best as 3-technique defensive tackle, he will bring the push up the middle that will create for an outside pass rush.
The Bengals signed Ogunjobi to a one-year deal worth about $6.2 million, so even if he doesn’t pan out, they didn’t invest enough in him that it will really hurt the franchise.
Not only will Ogunjobi continually get a good push up front, he will also use quick feet to get by some of the slower offensive lineman he will line up against week to week.
Metrics wise, he ranked 34th among interior lineman rush efficiency metric, according to Pro Football Focus, a slight decline from 2019 where he finished ranking 23rd.
Here is a good look at some of the power and speed he is capable of showing. Also showing a great swim move to get off the block by the center.
New #Bengals DT Larry Ogunjobi has some serious power pic.twitter.com/rpuzH1Fx5a
— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) March 18, 2021
Still at only 26 years old, Ogunjobi has shown the ability to play a lot of snaps through his young career, which is an important piece as you are trying to rebuild a defense. No one is expecting him to post Pro-Bowl type numbers, but if he can come in and do exactly what he is known for across the league, he will be a welcomed sight in Paul Brown Stadium on Sundays this season.
On the flip side, if he struggles, you only have him on a one-year deal and you reevaluate next offseason.
Either way there is a good little buzz around the Queen City as some pieces fall into play for this football team. What are you thoughts on the Bengals adding Ogunjobi on a one- year deal?