There has been plenty of drama surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense this offseason. With new deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and Trey Hendrickson’s contract saga, the Bengals have been in the news constantly.

With all of that noise, rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. has flown under the radar. But he might be in line to have a crucial role in Cincinnati’s defense this season.

Demetrius Knight Jr. could be the key to Bengals’ defense

The Bengals had to remake their defense this offseason. In 2024, they ranked 29th in the NFL in defensive success rate and 25th in points allowed per game. It was the kryptonite to Joe Burrow’s Superman-like heroics.

But as training camp approaches, the defensive roster looks almost identical to last year’s. Only two new players are expected to hold starting roles: defensive tackle T.J. Slayton and second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr.

After Germaine Pratt’s departure earlier this offseason, Knight Jr. doesn’t have much competition for a starting spot. The Bengals signed former Philadelphia Eagle Oren Burks in free agency, but he’s expected to serve as a depth piece. In all likelihood, the spot is Knight Jr.’s to lose.

In a defense with very little new blood, Knight Jr. will have to make an impact early to help the Bengals’ playoff hopes. He can do just that with his impressive physicality. At South Carolina, Knight Jr. led the Gamecocks’ defense by filling gaps and laying big hits on ball carriers.

But there is a chance that his lack of experience causes him to get exposed at the next level. It’s notoriously difficult for linebackers to adjust to the speed of NFL games. There are countless examples of hyped-up linebacker prospects with all of the physical tools in the world who never panned out in the league.

New defensive coordinator Al Golden will be crucial in Knight Jr.’s growth. Golden was coaching at Notre Dame just months ago, so he has experience developing young players. If he can do with Knight Jr. what he did with his linebackers at Notre Dame, the Bengals’ defense should be in good shape.

Knight Jr.’s physical play style should bring a welcomed shift to Cincinnati’s defense. He likely won’t be expected to be a vocal leader immediately, but he has the tools to become a quality starter.

With very few changes on the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals are banking on Knight Jr. being a big part of their bounceback season.