The Cincinnati Bengals didn't just pick a great linebacker to add to the roster when they selected South Carolina's Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In fact, they added a player that the coaches and team believe in, someone built for leadership and impact from Day 1.
The Bengals head coach Zac Taylor referred to Knight as a "tremendous fit" for the defense, drawing comparisons to standout linebacker Logan Wilson.
"He walks in the door as a mature leader," Taylor said. "So many people that we’ve talked to said he’s one of their favorite people they've ever been around. He’s going to fight to contribute immediately, and I'm fired up to watch that happen."
Taylor dismissed any concerns about Knight's age at 25 years old, saying, "I believe he’s got a lot of football years left in him." His age only boasts his maturity and leadership skills, on and off the field, which Taylor praised as NFL-ready.
Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden echoed Taylor's sentiments, explaining that Knight brings an exciting combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence to Cincinnati.
"They just don’t make many like him," Golden said. "He’s sudden, can spy a quarterback on third down, is gifted in coverage, and has the length to play inside or on the edge. We’ve been waiting for 17 picks hoping he would still be there." Golden continued, "To be the leader of that defense in such a short period with as many alphas as they had is impressive."
Knight's path to this moment on the big stage wasn't exactly linear. He started his college career as a quarterback prospect before committing to Georgia Tech, where he switched to the linebacker position, before making a stop at Charlotte, and finishing strong at South Carolina. His football journey has given him unique experience and mental edge.
"When I step onto the field, I become the hunter," Knight said. "If I don't hunt, my family doesn't eat. I put my helmet on, switch to that mentality, and do whatever it takes to help my team win."
For Cincinnati, Demetrius Knight Jr. isn't just another rookie on the roster. He is a key piece of the Bengals defense that needs a boost of toughness, versatility, and leadership. And based on what Coach Taylor and Golden have said this weekend, it is clear they believe their team has found exactly that in the former Gamecock.