The Cincinnati Bengals are banking on a youth movement in their defensive line, focusing on the potential of rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson. Despite injuries hampering their debut seasons, head coach Zac Taylor remains optimistic about their future contributions.

Drafted to fill the void left by DJ Reader, Jenkins and Jackson were expected to make significant impacts. However, both players faced challenges last year due to injuries. Jenkins struggled with a hand injury, while Jackson had to recover from a knee issue that kept him out for the first four games. The coaching staff is hopeful that under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, these young linemen can rise to meet the expectations placed upon them and solidify their roles in 2025.