Bengals Secondary Shuffle: Newton’s Big Pick, Hill’s Slot Move, and a Depth Chart Full of Questions
In Cincinnati, the preseason drama isn’t just about who’s throwing the football — it’s about who’s catching it on defense. The Bengals’ secondary is in the middle of one of the more intriguing competitions heading into 2025, and while the coaching staff is keeping their cards close to the vest, the performances on the practice field are starting to tell their own story.
And right now, one name keeps popping up: Josh Newton.
Newton Makes Noise
Newton didn’t just show up to training camp — he’s making plays that demand attention. During a recent practice, he jumped a route, read Joe Burrow’s eyes like a seasoned vet, and came away with the interception. It wasn’t just a casual camp pick either — it was one of those “make the offense stop and shake their heads” moments.
The play instantly made its way around Bengals media circles, with Fox 19’s Gabi Sorrentino sharing a clip that’s been buzzing among fans. In a camp where defensive backs are trying to prove themselves against one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, Newton didn’t just survive the matchup — he stole the headline.
The Big Question: Who Starts Where?
Here’s where things get tricky. While Newton has been making splash plays, the Bengals seem to be leaning toward Dax Hill for significant time in the slot next season. On paper, that role could have been Newton’s, but the rotation in the defensive backfield has been fluid — and deliberately unpredictable.
It’s a chess game right now, and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo isn’t showing all his moves before Week 1. Hill’s speed and physicality make him a strong candidate for that hybrid inside role, but that doesn’t mean Newton’s being pushed out of relevance. If anything, his camp production is forcing coaches to find ways to keep him involved.
Why Newton Still Matters
Even if Newton’s snap count in 2025 doesn’t scream “starter,” the Bengals know the value of depth in the secondary. NFL seasons are long, attrition is real, and a corner who can step in and produce at a moment’s notice is worth his weight in gold.
Newton’s ability to shine in practice, especially against top-tier offensive talent, gives the Bengals confidence that they won’t be scrambling if injuries or matchup needs change the rotation mid-season. For a team with playoff expectations, that’s not just nice to have — it’s essential.
A Defense Winning the Camp Battles
It’s worth noting that Newton’s interception wasn’t an isolated win for the defense. Through multiple sessions of training camp, the Bengals’ secondary has often been the unit dictating the pace. They’ve been tight in coverage, aggressive at the catch point, and disciplined in their assignments.
That’s a good sign for a defense that had stretches of inconsistency last season. With a schedule loaded with high-powered passing attacks, Cincinnati’s ability to clamp down on the back end could be the difference between a playoff bye and a wild card scramble.
Mixed Messages or Smart Strategy?
From the outside, the Bengals’ approach might feel like mixed signals. One day, a certain player is taking first-team reps; the next, someone else is getting the nod. But internally, this is exactly what the coaching staff wants — a competitive cauldron where young talent pushes veterans and every snap is earned.
Lou Anarumo has been here before. His defenses have thrived on adaptability, using different personnel groupings to counter opponents’ strengths. That kind of flexibility requires depth, and depth comes from developing players like Newton into contributors who can step in without a drop-off.
The Dax Hill Factor
Hill’s potential role shift is one of the more fascinating storylines in camp. Drafted as a safety, Hill has shown the range, burst, and tackling ability to thrive as a nickel defender. That versatility could give the Bengals more creative options in coverage, allowing them to disguise looks and confuse quarterbacks.
If Hill locks down the slot, it may push Newton toward more situational work — but don’t mistake that for a demotion. In today’s NFL, where offenses live in three-wide receiver sets, a “situational” corner is on the field far more than the title suggests.
Fan Takeaways and Early Buzz
The fan reaction to Newton’s interception was exactly what you’d expect from a football city like Cincinnati: instant hype. Social media was flooded with slowed-down replays, frame-by-frame breakdowns, and plenty of “This kid’s going to be a problem” commentary.
While it’s way too early to crown camp heroes, moments like this stick in coaches’ and fans’ minds. They’re confidence builders for the player, momentum sparks for the defense, and a reminder to the offense that they’ve got real competition in practice.
The Road Ahead
Training camp is far from over, and the Bengals still have preseason games to help finalize their depth chart. But if Newton keeps stacking positive reps, it’s going to be very hard to keep him off the field.
Here’s what to watch in the coming weeks:
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Rotation Patterns – Does Newton get more first-team work as camp progresses, or do the reps lean toward established starters?
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Hill’s Usage – How often Hill lines up in the slot could be the clearest indicator of Newton’s role in Week 1.
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Consistency vs. Splash Plays – Interceptions grab headlines, but steady coverage and tackling are what earn coaches’ trust.
The Bottom Line
The Bengals’ secondary situation isn’t chaos — it’s calculated competition. Newton’s interception on Burrow was a statement that he’s ready to be part of the conversation, whether his role is full-time starter or high-impact rotational piece.
For Cincinnati, the takeaway is simple: if camp’s early returns are any indication, this defense is deeper and more dynamic than it’s been in recent years. And with a quarterback like Burrow leading the offense, pairing that with a dangerous, turnover-hungry secondary could make the Bengals a nightmare matchup when the real games begin.
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