As they fix pass rush, Bengals' optimism high in backup DE Will Clarke

[Arkansas Bengal]

As they fix pass rush, Bengals' optimism high in backup DE Will Clarke

CINCINNATI -- Knee-deep in the long march toward training camp, we're taking a look all this week at seven Cincinnati Bengals who could have breakout seasons in 2015.

Whether it's because of their age, previous performance or other factors, these players haven't had a chance to become significant pieces of the Bengals' system -- until now. A couple ended up becoming regular contributors late last season, but they could become even bigger household names this fall. Let's start tracking a few reasons why.

After exploring Darqueze Dennard's promise for a breakout year on Monday and Rex Burkhead's potential for an expanded role on Tuesday, we focus next on:

 

DE Will Clarke

Years in NFL: One

Age: 24

When drafted: Third round (No. 88 overall), 2014

2014 stats: 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

Why he's poised to break out: It might be a little surprising to see Clarke end up in this series considering he didn't contribute much statistically last season, but it's hard to overlook the optimism his teammates and coaches appear to have for his future.

Defensive line coach Jay Hayes, in particular, has been among those this offseason to express interest in seeing how well Clarke plays in pads during training camp. If the second-year defensive lineman can apply what he's learned in the classroom this offseason, and remained focused this year, he could be a solid addition to Cincinnati's pass-rush rotation. Injuries notwithstanding, he certainly won't be expected to receive any starter's reps this season. Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson have the defensive end spots locked down, and Wallace Gilberry appears to have the nickel rusher job hemmed up, too. Still, in an effort of keeping the overall line fresh, don't be surprised to see Clarke get on the field a lot more often than the 59 snaps he played last season. Again, that comes with the caveat of if he performs well in camp.

Johnson wouldn't be surprised if he did. On multiple occasions during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp the veteran said his young teammate had caught his attention.

At 6-foot-6, Clarke already was an imposing figure, but with nearly 30 pounds of additional weight this offseason, he's dramatically bigger. As long as he continues to move as well with the added weight, as the Bengals witnessed in the spring, he should live up to the high expectations.

"He has solid footing to take a leap," Hayes said.

For a pass rush that Pro Football Focus graded as the league's worst in 2014, the Bengals definitely are looking for improvement from their players all along the line.

 

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17821/bengals-will-clarke-pass-rush-defensive-end-optimism-backup-breakout-year