Bengals linebacker named as UDFA to watch

TL;DR

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Eric Gentry, an undrafted free agent from USC, is being highlighted as a player to watch due to his unique athletic profile. Despite questions about the linebacker position, Gentry's size and agility could make him a valuable asset for the team.

Key points

Eric Gentry is a UDFA linebacker from USC.
Cincinnati Bengals have unresolved issues at linebacker.
Gentry has impressive size and agility but lacks strength.

Mentioned in this story

USC Trojans

Cincinnati BengalsEric Gentry

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) gestures during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals’ biggest position with questions at it currently is linebacker. Last year, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. started most of the season, and the results left plenty to be desired. The team really hasn’t addressed the position so far this offseason. They didn’t draft a linebacker or sign a starting-caliber player in free agency. The team did go out and sign several undrafted free agent linebackers following the draft, and one — Eric Gentry out of USC — caught the eye of The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner on his list of UDFAs to keep an eye out for: “An extremely long off-ball linebacker (6-6, 221, with 35-inch arms) with outstanding agility, Gentry is an old-school tweener without a true position — he’s too light to be an edge but too athletic to not be on the field somewhere. I was surprised he went undrafted, even if he is a project,” Baumgardner wrote. It truly categorizes as a low-risk move with an UDFA to bet on the athletic profile. You simply do not see guys at that size with that kind of speed and agility. You can even make a case that even after just bulking up, he could definitely be at least a backup-level player already. He flashed some great instincts and coverage ability at USC, but one of the biggest issues right now is that he simply will get overwhelmed strength-wise if he were to go out there. He also had some issues with missed tackles, having 15 last season. It certainly will be interesting to see how he develops over the next few years. You could make a case for a practice-squad-level player. But his size and athletic ability might be nice to have on special teams early on. If anyone can mold him, it is defensive coordinator Al Golden.

Q&A

Who is Eric Gentry and why is he significant for the Bengals?

Eric Gentry is an undrafted free agent linebacker from USC, noted for his unique size and agility, making him a potential asset for the Bengals' linebacker position.

What are the concerns regarding the Bengals' linebacker position?

The Bengals have not addressed their linebacker position effectively this offseason, leaving questions about the performance of last year's starters and the lack of new signings.

What are Eric Gentry's strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Gentry is praised for his agility and instincts but has concerns regarding his strength and missed tackles, having recorded 15 last season.