The Cincinnati Bengals aim to drastically improve their pass defense in Al Golden’s first season as defensive coordinator. However, it will be more challenging since their talented slot cornerback, Mike Hilton, remains unsigned and unlikely to return in 2025. The Bengals will continue to hold a competition throughout the summer once training camp begins in late July.
Cincinnati Bengals’ late-round pick had a decent rookie season
Josh Newton began his rookie season as the fifth-string cornerback, not playing on defense in the first three games and seeing limited reps from Weeks 4 to 10. He took over as the starter after DJ Turner II suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11. Newton recorded 31 tackles, one interception, and seven pass deflections, allowing a 56.4% completion percentage, 382 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a 94.7 passer rating in 17 games and six starts.
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Cincinnati Bengals sleeper in line to start at key spot
Josh Newton has received some first-team reps in the slot throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp. According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, with Dax Hill expected to return for training camp and the coaching staff yet to determine his role, the former late-round sleeper could replace Mike Hilton. Either way, Dehner expects Newton to play an important role in Year 2.
“Josh Newton, a fifth-round pick last year, impressed despite his rookie mistakes. Coaches love his leadership and how seriously he takes the game. He’s constantly mentioned as one of the players standing out this spring. Newton could take over Mike Hilton’s role in the slot,” Dehner said. “That depends on where Dax Hill lands in his return from a torn ACL. Hill said he expects to be fully cleared in training camp, but his role and how long it takes to return to full speed are still unknown. Plus, Golden is using all his corners across different spots, inside and out. Look for that to continue in August.
“But don’t sleep on Newton. He will play meaningful defensive snaps this season if trends of the last two months are any indication.”
