CINCINNATI — There is no drama with the Bengals so far this offseason. And that is by design.
One glance at Dax Hill talking about his move to the cornerback room and working with Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II will tell you all you need to know about Hill’s attitude about being moved from safety to corner.
Hill, entering his third season in 2024, was probably not thrilled initially with the move but he’s accepting it and taking the attitude that he’ll likely be better off and therefore more comfortable and productive on the outside of the Bengals defense.
“It wasn’t hard at all. It was like ‘I’m playing corner’ Dax Hill speaks Monday about accepting his new role with Bengals pic.twitter.com/5dYXNCHSVk
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 29, 2024
“It wasn’t hard at all,” Hill said of learning the news that he’s moving from safety to corner. “I was like, ‘Ok, I’m playing corner now.’ There was no reason for me to saying anything. I was ready for it.”
As a matter of fact, it may suit Hill better than safety when all is said and done.
“I love covering,” Hill said. “That’s something I’ve always done in college so I’m kinda glad that I’m back in that similar role and really, just looking forward to competing.”
Hill will be working alongside Mr. Energy Cam Taylor-Britt, who has already locked down one spot as the top corner in the secondary.
Taylor-Britt said Monday this is something that’s been in the pipeline for the Bengals, dating to last season. Taylor-Britt said it will be fun to start working with Hill again after having him practicing with corners toward the end of last season.
“It’s going to be fun, man,” Taylor-Britt said with his trademark smile. “He’s been working with us on the field, with the corners. Instead of him running over to do the safety drills, he was over with us, working on his hands and feet towards the end of the year, every practice. It’s just reps and what comes with it, especially playing on an island.”
“He looks like a younger me but he’s big as hell. I know he’s ready.” Cam Taylor-Britt talks Kris Jenkins and the Dax Hill move to corner. pic.twitter.com/pesitnNJke
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 29, 2024
Then there’s Amarius Mims. The first-round pick has already been out to dinner with Ted Karras and Orlando Brown Jr. at Carlo and Johnny’s in Montgomery.
Karras couldn’t resist the eating metaphors on Monday when speaking about how well Mims, at 6-foot-8, 345 pounds, is already fitting in with the Bengals offensive line.
“Met with Mims and his family. What a fantastic addition. Obviously, a huge man. A 21-year-old who’s coming in, hungry to work. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the dinner we had. Really excited for him to get in this room and have the career he’s going to have.”
Ted Karras knows the fastest way to an OLineman’s heart is a @TheRealJeffRuby steakhouse. Karras already very impressed with Amarius Mims. “I can’t speak highly enough about him. I think it’s going to be a slam dunk for this franchise.” pic.twitter.com/WsxWMZmrkj
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 29, 2024
Karras naturally watched the draft closely to see if the Bengals were going to draft anyone that might threaten his status as center of the future.
Matt Lee, a starting center from the University of Miami was taken in the seventh round as Cincinnati’s final pick of 10 choices over the three-day selection program. But Lee is certainly not considered an immediate threat to Karras’ tenure as starting center and team captain.
“There’s always a level of anxiety in any NFL player in any year when you watch the draft,” Karras said. “I’ve had so many older guys (mentor me) and now I’m kinda in that role and have been for a few years now.”
“There’s always a level of anxiety in any NFL player in any year when you watch the draft.” Ted Karras pic.twitter.com/NUgQk8fWut
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 29, 2024
