Former Wisconsin linebacker leads Cincinnati Bengals defense for second straight week

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta orchestrated another dominant defensive effort in his second NFL preseason game on Saturday.

Njongmeta notched a team-best seven tackles, including six solo, in the 27-3 loss to the Chicago Bears over the weekend. The output arrived just one week after he recorded a team-high 10 tackles (seven solo) and two pass deflections in his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His first output even vaulted him into No. 3 in ProFootballFocus’ rookie grades from Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason. Njongmeta recorded an impressive 91.5 overall grade, the highest of any rookie linebacker in the 2024 draft class.

In total, the 23-year-old Illinois native has amassed 17 tackles, two passes deflections, one tackle for loss and one special teams tackle in his two preseason games with the Bengals.

Njongmeta made an impact in both the rush and pass defense on Saturday. Whether it be denying Bears’ running backs at the line or tackling a receiver in the middle of the field, the former third team All-Big Ten member is proving he belongs at the NFL level:

Njongmeta’s ability to cover the rush and pass at the linebacker position could land him a 53-man roster spot with Cincinnati. While linebackers Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither and Joe Bachie are sure to make the final roster, Njongmeta’s performances ahead of the 2024 slate could encourage the Bengals’ brass to include him in the mix.

The Bengals will continue its preseason journey against the Colts on Thursday, Aug. 22. If Njongmeta registers another stellar showing, it might be difficult to keep him off the team.