7 Day-2 rookies who will make an immediate impact in 2019

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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 06: Germaine Pratt #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after recoving a fumble by the Boston College Eagles during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-23. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Germaine Pratt, Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals

Round 3 Pick 8 (Pick 72 Overall)

It was no secret that improving the linebacker corps was very high on the list of needs for the Bengals, especially after releasing Vontaze Burfict this offseason. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped ahead of them in Round 1 and stole Devin Bush. After that, they ended up waiting until the third round to address the linebacker position. They may have found a good one in Germaine Pratt though.

Pratt was recruited out of high school as a safety before making the switch to linebacker between his sophomore and junior seasons. He has very good size, speed, and athleticism for the position. Pratt does have stiff hips that will cause him to struggle in coverage at times, but he is a tackling machine who is all over the field.

Pratt’s speed and athleticism should allow him to push for playing time right away in a Cincinnati considering the depleted position group that is severely lacking in those areas.

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