The Cincinnati Bengals have not had much positivity this offseason with contract disputes around star veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and rookie pass rusher Shemar Stewart. While Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins get most of the spotlight, a rookie second-round pick could be one of the biggest keys for the team’s success this year.
Before rookies are scheduled to report on July 19, here’s an in-depth look at linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. who was taken with the 49th overall pick. Shortly after Knight Jr. was drafted this offseason, the team opted to release veteran Germaine Pratt who spent his first six seasons with Cincinnati, but now Knight has an opportunity to make the most of the available playing time.
Projected to be the team’s starting WILL linebacker, Knight Jr. is coming off his lone season with South Carolina where he totaled 82 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks, and one interception for the Gamecocks. Simply put, wherever the ball was, Knight Jr. was not far behind and more often than not, he was stopping opposing offenses from moving any further.
In 2024, the Bengals defense ranked 25th in total defense and as they look to turn it around in just one offseason, Knight Jr. is one of several new names on the defense who will be coached by new defensive coordinator Al Golden. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers shape up to the usual high-level competition inside the AFC North for the Bengals, and Knight Jr. will have an opportunity to make big plays against some of the game’s greatest stars, including Ravens running back Derrick Henry, quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Logan Wilson and Trey Hendrickson are the unquestioned leaders of this Bengals defense, but for all the negativity surrounding the team coming into training camp, the story of Knight Jr. is an easy one to root for. Even as he continued to climb the college ranks as a NFL draft prospect, he was still working as a DoorDash driver to provide for his family and newborn child.
Showing a relentless motor and the willingness to be great, the Bengals may not only have an underrated defensive rookie, but one who could compete for the Defensive Rookie Of the Year, and a player who could have an emphatic impact in his first year. While Hendrickson will likely pave the way for Shemar Stewart, Wilson can also work in tandem alongside Knight Jr. and Cincinnati would have two highly-respected veterans teaching two very talented young players.
Demetrius Knight Jr.’s name may not jump off the paper to the casual football fan, but he’s sure to jump into the face of opponents and make plays from the very beginning of the year.
