The Cincinnati Bengals have a long history of UDFAs making their opening-day rosters. The latest that has a shot is linebacker Maema Njongmeta from the University of Wisconsin. He has played extremely well in the first, two preseason games and has excellent instincts while packing a punch at the point of attack. The 6’0″, 230lb inside backer didn’t let going undrafted deter his play en route to impressing the Bengals coaching staff. He started to stand out at the tail end of training camp and his torrid play has carried over in two early contests for the orange and black. Cincinnati typically keeps five linebackers on the squad as Njongmeta will make one last pitch this Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Maema Njongmeta Makes His Case for the Bengals’ 53-man Roster
College Career
Njongmeta was a standout player for the Badgers and had an impressive career in Madison. The Redshirt Senior played in all 13 games in 2023 and made 10 starts at inside linebacker where he ranked fifth on the team with 59 total tackles. He also posted 8.5 TFLs, the most for an inside linebacker and third-most on the team. Lastly, he made three sacks, recovered three fumbles, posted four 10-tackle performances, and was named an Academic All-Big-Ten player.
Shades of Tez
One of the most impactful UDFAs of the last decade for the Bengals was Vontaze Burfict who ironically also played linebacker. The similarities between Tez and Njongmeta aren’t too far off when you look closer.
Maema Njongmeta pic.twitter.com/kqzccQOR87
— Matt (@CoachMinich) August 18, 2024
They both share the ability to react quickly to diagnose the play and always seem to find the action. When they find the ball carrier watch out because they’re delivering the lumber upon contact. Linebackers coach James Bettcher likes Njongmeta’s style of play and stated after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, “The thing I appreciated is how he played with tempo. Fast. He didn’t let calls or anything bog him down or anything. He got into a stance, keyed his keys and went.”
While Burfict had such a high football IQ, Njongmeta seems to hold his own being plenty savvy. The biggest knock on the rookie is his lack of athleticism which shows up occasionally. In the heat of battle though, Tez was a monster and all business. Njongmeta also has the big-time player label on game day as you can’t discount his last two performances and a team-leading seven tackles against the Chicago Bears.
Stake Your Claim
The NFL is a brutal business and the climb for an UDFA is steep. The odds might be slightly above 50% for Njongmeta to make the team at this point as the Bengals roster is as deep as it’s been in the Joe Burrow era. With Cincinnati struggling mightily last season against the run, this might be the opening needed for the former Badger to stake his claim to the opening day 53.
The staff trusts Njongmeta by giving him plenty of reps since arriving in Cincinnati. In NFL circles, all you can hope for is a fair chance, and the undrafted rookie wants more, as he looks to earn those coveted final stripes.
Main Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
