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5 NFL free agents who could become stars

By Brendon Kleen

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 13: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on October 13, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 13: Houston Texans defensive end D.J. Reader (98) before the snap in the fourth quarter of an NFL matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs on October 13, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. D.J. Reader, NT, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals signaled their intention to compete in 2019 with the signing of Reader for four years and $53 million (guarantees not yet reported). Not only did Cincinnati secure one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL, they nabbed one of the league’s youngest talents at the position, meaning he will likely improve with the Bengals.

At age 25, Reader put in the best year of his career, with 13 quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus gave him an impressive 86.7 overall grade, as Reader also tallied 52 overall tackles, including six for loss. Reader is not your typical nose tackle who throws his weight around as part of a rotating group.

Though Houston was far from an elite defense, Reader was one of its best players, and the Bengals pounced with hefty cap space and a desire to improve after a ghastly 2019. The Bengals were actually a top-three red zone defense in 2019, an area where Reader could put them over the top. However, Cincinnati was 25th in opponent yards per rushing attempt, meaning Reader is certainly not redundant in the Bengals’ depth chart.

Going into his age-26 season, Reader figures to keep improving, and on a Bengals defense that needs him if it’s going to improve, Reader in 2020 could be seen as a rising star in the NFL and one of its most valuable players.

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