Logan Wilson cracked the honorable mention section on ESPN's list of the top 10 off-ball linebackers in the NFL. The Bengals' top linebacker earned some solid respect in Jeremy Fowler's exercise which canvassed votes from NFL execs, coaches, and scouts.
Wilson is heading into his sixth season with new defensive coordinator Al Golden taking over.
"High-level performer in all facets of the position," A personnel evaluator told Fowler. "I thought his run defense took a step back, but losing DJ Reader and the play of their DTs last year hurt them. Better in zone than man-to-man vs. tight ends and running backs, but his ability to play off QB and anticipate routes is very good and effective blitzer when called upon."
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as Pro Football Focus had Wilson posting his best run-defense grade in his NFL career last season (92 overall). Still, the linebacker play overall did drop off a bit with the trench production lacking in front of it.
Wilson will try to play like a top 10 linebacker this fall as the NFL's leader in linebacker interceptions since 2020 (11).
