Rivalry intensifies among Bengals' cornerbacks as several players strive for top starting positions
Cincinnati Bengals' Cornerback Battle Heats Up Ahead of 2025 Season
The Cincinnati Bengals' cornerback position is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing battles in training camp this year. With multiple players rotating with the first-team unit, the competition is fierce, and the leading contenders for the starting spots are Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill.
Taylor-Britt and Hill were the starters for most of the 2024 season, with Taylor-Britt making six starts after Chidobe Awuzie's season-ending shoulder injury. Hill, who moved from safety to cornerback in 2024, impressed before tearing his ACL in Week 5.
Now, both players are vying for the starting positions once again. Taylor-Britt has a fresh start with new defensive coordinator Al Golden in 2025, and he's been focusing on improving his eyesight and decision-making during the offseason. Hill, on the other hand, is a candidate to start at either outside cornerback or in the slot, and is the Bengals' most versatile defensive back.
In addition to Taylor-Britt and Hill, DJ Ivey is expected to be an important depth piece at cornerback in his third year with the team. Ivey, who was one of the best tight end stoppers in the NFL last season, has been developing as a true outside cornerback with the first-team defense. His growth and ascension on defense and special teams has been noted by coaches.
Josh Newton, the Bengals' fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been consistently running with the first-team defense and is making a strong push for the starting slot cornerback spot. Newton recorded five pass breakups in a single practice, including against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
While Hill emphasizes the importance of knowing the offense and understanding matchups at cornerback, Newton is focused on making more plays on the ball when quarterbacks challenge him down the field.
Shemar Stewart, mentioned more in relation to the defensive line rather than cornerback, is also developing with the team. However, he is not currently listed as a starter ahead of Taylor-Britt and Hill in the most recent 2025 roster projections for the Bengals.
As training camp progresses, the competition at cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals is sure to be one of the most exciting storylines to follow. With Taylor-Britt, Hill, and Newton all showing promise, fans can look forward to a fierce battle for the starting spots in the 2025 season.
In the upcoming 2025 season, the media in Toronto and across the nation will undoubtedly cover the intense competition at the cornerback position for the Cincinnati Bengals. The art of American football, more specifically the NFL, will showcase this intriguing battle as the team prepares for the new season.
With DJ Ivey, Josh Newton, and Shemar Stewart vying alongside Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill, the sports news outlets may have a captivating narrative to follow during training camp. The news of these players' growth and development on defense and special teams is already gaining attention from coaches and fans.
Josh Newton's strong push for the starting slot cornerback spot and his recent performance against star receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will undoubtedly pique the interest of various sports analysts and football enthusiasts.
The arts of matchup analysis and understanding defensive schemes will be crucial for Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill, and Josh Newton as they battle for starting positions. Their performances could significantly impact the success of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL season.
