Cincinnati
Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense faces a critical juncture, and the spotlight is firmly fixed on its second-year players. Pro Football Focus has identified defensive end Shemar Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight among the top 10 second-year players under immense pressure to perform in 2026. This comes as the team aims to deliver on a revamped defensive unit, moving past last season's struggles. Stewart, a first-round pick in 2025, reportedly underwhelmed in his limited 280 snaps. PFF's Bradley Locker pointed to Stewart's dismal 41.2 overall grade, the worst among 120 edge rushers with 250+ snaps. His run-defense grade of 29.3 and sub-par pass-rush metrics further underscore the need for significant improvement. Knight, a second-round selection, has also drawn scrutiny. Concerns are amplified by his approaching 26th birthday and the expectation of immediate impact. Locker noted Knight's 40.2 overall PFF grade, ranking him 56th out of 59 qualified linebackers. His struggles extended to run defense, coverage, and a concerning 15% missed tackle rate. The linebacker situation highlights a glaring need for veteran reinforcement, a point repeatedly raised by RedZoneDaily. While Knight faces pressure, fellow second-year linebacker Barrett Carter also carries significant expectations. Carter, a fourth-round pick, emerged as the starter at middle linebacker last season and even wore the green dot, taking on play-calling duties. Despite a roller-coaster rookie year with ups and downs, his athleticism and late-season improvement offer a glimmer of hope. Carter's development is deemed a major x-factor. He enters 2026 with no excuses, surrounded by an improved defensive front and secondary. The expectation is for him to emerge as a solid starter, potentially leading the team in tackles and securing key interceptions. The Bengals' investment in the defensive line and secondary, rather than at linebacker, signals a belief in Carter's capacity to elevate his game. For Stewart and Knight, however, the pressure to prove their draft pedigree is palpable. Failure to do so will only intensify the focus on the Bengals' defensive shortcomings.