The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with 14 undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey arguably has the best chance among the signings to make the Bengals’ 53-man roster. Cincinnati has a great roster that’s tough to crack, but Casey is well-positioned to make a valiant effort.
Let’s acknowledge some of the obvious deficiencies. The 6-foot, 231-pound Casey is an undersized player who tested poorly at the NFL Combine. It’s likely why he went undrafted—though Casey did significantly improve his numbers at Indiana’s pro day. Scouts in attendance had the thumping linebacker running a 4.60 in the 40 and a 7.09 in the 3-cone under more favorable conditions.
The Douglasville, Georgia native utilized his well-advanced football IQ to be an extremely productive defender throughout the 2023 campaign. He recorded career highs in tackles (109), tackles for loss (20), sacks (6.5), and pass breakups (3) this past season. It went down as the first 100-tackle season by a Hoosiers defender since 2016. It also marked the second consecutive season Casey led the team in tackles. Across 2022 and 2023 at Indiana, Casey totaled 195 tackles, 30.5 for loss, and 8.0 sacks.
Casey is a high-level run-stopper who diagnoses and triggers downhill. He plays with a sense of urgency and routinely commands his gap. Casey is a secure wrap-up tackler with good length (32 ¾” arms) and large hands (10 inches). The five-year contributor was a productive player when tasked with playing forward. He was a standout performer at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl, where he displayed three-down instincts.
A bright spot in their loss to Michigan today was #Indiana LB Aaron Casey, who finished the game with 7 tackles (2 for loss), a sack and a forced fumble.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) October 15, 2023
Showcased his closing speed chasing down JJ McCarthy and working inside out attacking downhill in the run game. pic.twitter.com/eU1WBbQ4PO
The Bengals showed consistent interest in Casey throughout the pre-draft process. First, they were in attendance for Indiana’s pro day. Casey was the Hoosiers’ biggest draw. Secondly, they scheduled a follow-up meeting via Zoom. They pounced on his availability when he went undrafted.
The Bengals lack terrific depth at linebacker. Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, and Akeem Davis-Gaither project as the three starting linebackers in Lou Anarumo’s 4-3 base defense. Markus Bailey was a primary backup last season but joined the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. The Bengals didn’t draft a linebacker, so Casey could find himself in contention with fellow UDFA Maema Njongmeta and special teams ace Joe Bachie for rotational snaps—not exactly a murderer's row of roadblocks standing in Casey's way.
Indiana has done a quality job developing linebackers in recent seasons. Casey helped succeed Micah McFadden and Cam Jones as defensive leaders, two players who have experienced success at the next level. Casey will now attempt to continue following in their footsteps.
Special teams often provide the quickest pathway for an undrafted rookie to prove he belongs on the field. Casey possesses the aggressive mindset required to thrive as a gunner on kicks and punts. His red-hot motor could quickly make him one of Cincinnati’s best special teams players.
Casey will add quality depth to the Bengals' linebacker corps. He appears primed to compete for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason.
