“Bryght Future?” Local Prep Star LB/DE Bryson Albright Signs w/ Bengals

“Bryght Future?” 

Local Prep Star LB/DE Bryson Albright Signs w/ Bengals

Bryson Albright is yet another Cincinnati native and St. Xavier alum to make the NFL. During his senior year at ST. X, Albright recorded 70 tackles and 11 sacks to help lead the Bombers to a state semi-final appearance in 2011. After high school, Albright attended Miami University where he played defensive end. He finished his senior season with 51 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. 

Bryson Albright (#5) in high school

On January 24^th, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Bryson Albright to their Reserve/Future roster. Before the signing, Albright was a 3-4 outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and a member of their practice squad. In his only active game of the season for Buffalo, Albright was primarily used as a special teams coverage specialist against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

 Although undrafted, Albright impressed the Bills’ staff during preseason with his “burst, versatility, pass rushing moves; endurance”.  He was considered a great fit for Rex Ryan’s scheme and as a result made the final roster.

NSC SCOUTING BREAKDOWN

You can see video of Albright wreaking havoc on opposing offenses here (He’s #95).

Size: 

Listed on the Buffalo Bills website as 6'5 243 pounds.

Position:

 3-4 LB | 4-3 DE

Film Room: 

Albright is undersized for a 4-3 scheme defensive end, but is very explosive off the snap. He is very fluid and natural when it comes to rushing the passer.  He's a solid tackler who has a nose for the football especially when it comes to forcing turnovers.

Synopsis:

Bryson Albright strikes me as a guy who the Bengals will not only utilize on special teams, but could also push for a role on the defensive line. Although undersized, he’s a player who could be used in a similar fashion as former Bengals’ Chris Carter & James Harrison. I expect to see Albright lineup at SAM linebacker and/or defensive end.  

Paul Guenther recently stated he wanted to play edge rushers at their natural position regardless of their size. Guenther also emphasized the importance of creating turnovers. It is very possible that Albright could see time at defensive end and special teams during the upcoming 2017 preseason. The general thought for the coaching staff is that the more a player can do, the better their chances are of making the roster. Bryson Albright seems to fit this mold very well. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on.