A New Coaching Staff Will Be Looking To Make Changes In The Jungle For 2019.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this one, taking a look at the Cincinnati Bengals. In one or two articles I will be identifying a couple of players that I would consider adding or trading for ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire each of these players.
Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle:
Going into last season, Andrew Billings, 24, was getting some preseason hype in IDP leagues. Now, after a solid second season in the NFL, his potential outlook for the upcoming season is only growing. He ended last season with 22 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and two and a half sacks. Those stats were all accumulated across 16 starts. I’m interested to see how Andrew produces, under new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo. With Geno Atkins still their I think that makes Billings a great buy low.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Billings talent has never been in question. So, with the coaching changes that took place, people might be unsure of how he’ll be used on defense. With this uncertainty, he should be fairly cheap to acquire, might even be on your wavier wire. I’m offering a late round pick and looking forward to enjoying the return on investment, for 2019.
Honorable Mention: Sam Hubbard, Defensive End.
Jordan Evans, Linebacker:
If the Bengals move on from Vontaze Burfict in the off-season, this will create an opportunity for someone else to step in. For current in house options, I like, 24 year old, Jordan Evans. During the last two years he has played in 29 games and started nine of them. Last season, he finished with 40 solo tackles, and one and a half sacks. If the Bengals don’t address linebacker in free agency or the draft, I like Evans to be a 16 game starter in 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Evans has produced enough to where he might be on someones roster, but shouldn’t cost much to acquire. I think you can get him for a late round pick due to the uncertainty on defense.
Honorable Mention: Hardy Nickerson, Linebacker.
William Jackson, Cornerback:
He is someone who has flown under the radar in IDP leagues, but put up a nice season, in 2018. Jackson, 26, recorded 34 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and 13 pass deflections, while starting 16 games. With the addition of new DC, Lou Anarumo, and his ability to develop secondary players, like Landon Collins and Xavien Howard. I like the potential of Jackson in this defense heading into 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on the wire, but if not, shouldn’t cost more then a late round pick. So, he makes for a great buy low as depth with the potential for more in IDP leagues.
Honorable Mention: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback
Conclusion
New defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, will be running a nickel defense. A nickel defense is any defensive alignment that uses five defensive backs. So, ranking these players in order of acquisition, it would be William Jackson, Jordan Evans (this can vary on team need), and Andrew Billings. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Cleveland Browns.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
