Linebacker was the Bengals’ weakest position last season and a huge need heading into the offseason. In addressing the issue, the Bengals avoided a big splash in free agency, per their usual tactics. They released long-time starter Vontaze Burfict and re-signed Preston Brown, but that basically all they did prior to the draft. In short, they did nothing.
When healthy, Brown was the team’s best linebacker last season, but he is much stronger against the run that the pass. Other returning players who saw a lot of action include Nick Vigil, Jordan Evans, and Hardy Nickerson.