2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

The Bengals will be hoping that one of Devin White or Devin Bush is available when they pick at No. 11. I think White is the better player, but there’s not a big difference between the LSU and Michigan products.

They are remarkably similar players; both are undersized compared to traditional middle linebackers, but they were tailor-made to combat the growing trend of spread offenses. Bush has the sideline to sideline speed and flashed his supreme athleticism at the combine with a 4.4 40-yard-dash time.

He’s got a ton of range and is versatile to play inside or outside linebacker. Like White, I could see Bush being a difference maker as a pass rusher off the edge in certain situations as well.

Linebacker is the biggest need for Cincinnati, and they signaled their intent for change at the position by releasing Vontaze Burfict. They’ll hope to identify his replacement with their first pick in the draft. It wouldn’t surprise me if they looked at moving up to get White, but with Tampa potentially eyeing him at No. 5, I don’t know that Cincinnati will want to give up the capital it would take to get up high enough. Bush is more than just a consolation prize, though.

If the Bengals aren’t enamored with Bush, look for them to instead look at bulking up their offense line or grabbing a play making tight end like T.J. Hockenson. They might also be suitors for Dwayne Haskins if he gets past the Giants at No. 6 and starts to slip.