Instantaneous evaluation of Bengals choosing Jordan Battle within the third spherical
The Cincinnati Bengals stunned some followers with the decide of Alabama security Jordan Battle within the third spherical of the 2023 NFL draft.
In spite of everything, the Bengals drafted Dax Hill within the first around the 12 months prior, then went out and added Nick Scott in free company to a room that already had Michael Thomas and Tycen Anderson.
However perhaps it is not so shocking, both. The Bengals traded down three spots earlier than making Battle the decide, choosing up an additional sixth-rounder from the Chiefs within the course of. It was in all probability an indication the staff wasn’t overly thrilled with the best way the board fell, or at the least thought they might get their man a handful of picks later.
And Battle does have Bengals written throughout him. He is from an enormous program, began 44 video games there, and infrequently made errors whereas racking up 252 tackles and 6 interceptions with three defensive touchdowns and 10 passes defended over 44 begins.
Battle has ranked as excessive because the fifth total security within the class for some, with The Athletic’s Dane Brugler writing the next:
Battle performs conscious in zone protection and project sound within the run sport with correct suits and the bodily nature of a linebacker. Nonetheless, he’s a linear athlete with restricted playmaking vary and tackling inconsistencies. General, Battle’s tape and talent set scream “common,” however he is a great, skilled security with dependable soccer character and aggressive toughness. He initiatives as a low-ceiling put up/field starter within the NFL with core particular staff expertise.
Lou Anarumo loves his three-safety seems, simply overloading the sector with defensive backs. Battle is at all times the place he must be dependable, which is what the unit wants after the main losses of Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates.
Security was at all times a chance for the Bengals regardless that it seemed just like the place was set with its two starters. Like Myles Murphy within the first and DJ Turner within the second, Battle is about getting youthful and cheaper for the long run at a time the franchise has to shift extra money to the offense.
There have been another massive names out there for the Bengals earlier than they traded down and even after, however none so overpowering that it dings the outlook of this transfer. That is the form of decide a staff could make when looking for that now-later stability after hitting all wants effectively in free company. Given his resume, Battle would possibly simply make the…battle for the beginning security jobs fascinating, too.
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Story initially appeared on Bengals Wire
