Chase Brown backs overhauled Bengals D to be 'top 5'

The Bengals ranked 31st in total defense last year and 30th in points allowed, but the way Brown sees it, that's about to change.

At least four new starters have been brought in since the end of last season, and they, alongside the returning players, give Cincinnati what the running back called a "top 5 defense."

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The Bengals' new faces

In recent months, the Bengals have brought in three-time Pro Bowl DT Dexter Lawrence, two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen, and Super Bowl champion edge rusher Boye Mafe.

They also added former Chiefs DB Bryan Cook, who graded as one of the best safeties in 2025, per PFF (subscription required).

That's before we even get into the 2026 NFL Draft class, which also included second-round edge rusher Cashius Howell and third-round cornerback Tacario Davis.

"That's a top 10, top 5 defense"

Brown's coming off his first season as a 1,000+ yard rusher, and he's racked up 2,806 yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns in the last two seasons alone.

With that kind of CV, he's in a position to know a strong defensive unit when he sees one.

"They're a really good defense," he told NFL Network, available to NFL Game Pass subscribers on DAZN.

"They've been doing a really good job this training camp. With Dex [Dexter Lawrence] and Boye [Mafe] and B-Cook [Bryan Cook], and all of our returning starters from the year before, that's an experienced group.

"To see what they're doing this year, the amount of havoc they're causing upfront, the amount of pressure they're putting on Joe [Burrow], I feel comfortable saying this - that's a top 10, top 5 defense."

"They look really good, man, just everything that they're doing," Brown continued.

"I think what's even more encouraging is the way that they're playing together, the way that they're communicating. It's really good to see."

Cincinnati and their new defensive front host Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, a team that boasts one of the best offensive lines in football.

One game won't define their season, but the way Brown has been raving about the new unit, Lawrence and Co. could make some early noise.

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