D.J. Reader likes Line Youth; Big Willie Visits

D.J. Reader, the Bengals’ game-wrecking nose tackle (See the AFC Divisional in Tennessee), credits the youth of the defensive line for invigorating things up front this training camp.

And, after one-on-one pass rush drills earlier in the week, it’s clear Reader has picked up where he left off and that looked to be the NFL’s best nose tackle.

“As far as my position and my spot, I feel I’m the best. For sure,” Reader said before Thursday’s practice. “I think I’ve proven it my whole career. I know there are guys who feel they’re the best and they should feel that way.”

At 28, Reader can’t quite believe he’s the oldest defensive starter but that’s how it sits on a line that basically has two additional rookies in Joseph Ossai and Wyatt Hubert, two 2021 draft picks coming off missed seasons because of injuries.

They join 2022 third-rounder Zach Carter, a Florida tackle, and seventh-rounder Jeffrey Gunter, an edge from Coastal Carolina, as well as CFA Tariqous Tisdale, a tackle-end from Mississippi. Throw in last year’s fourth-rounder Cam Sample, who played most of his 310 snaps on the edge, and Reader likes what they’re doing.

“It’s a good group. It’s fun,” Reader said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys in our room and it gives you a lot of energy. Zach’s having a good camp. Jeff’s having a good camp. Tisdale, all those boys are having a good camp. They’re eager to learn. Then you have second-year guys like Cam, Joseph and Wyatt … It’s fun being around the young legs. They’ve got a lot of jokes. It’s a good vibe.”