Last offseason, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said it would be “his worst nightmare” to lose both Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.
By mid-March, his worst nightmare came true.
Bates went on to sign a monster deal with the Atlanta Falcons, and Bell joined the NFC South as well, signing with the Carolina Panthers. From there, the Bengals were forced to adapt.
2022 first-round pick Dax Hill stepped into the role previously filled by Bates, and the team signed veteran safety Nick Scott before drafting Jordan Battle in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.