Over the last decade, Washington has put together an impressive resume of defensive backs who have gone on to have impactful NFL careers. Budda Baker, Trent McDuffie, Kyler Gordon, among others, have helped the Huskies build a reputation for churning out NFL-quality talent in the secondary.
After an impressive rookie training camp with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tacario Davis is in position to add his name to that list. According to the Cincinnati Bengals' depth chart, the lengthy cornerback is currently listed as a backup behind fifth-year veteran Dax Hill. With Hill and fellow starter DJ Turner II entering contract years, the rookie could be in prime position to step into a starting role in the coming years.
According to recent reports, it's highly
unlikely Cincinnati will bring back both starters in 2027, giving Davis.
In three preseason games, Davis posted 11 tackles and an interception that came in a strong performance against first-round pick Makai Lemon. After selecting him in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft, Cincinnati is hoping Davis can become a cornerstone piece of its secondary.
Nice play here by Bengals rookie cornerback Tacario Davis. He was 1-on-1 with Eagles first round pick Makai Lemon🏈 pic.twitter.com/oVvWvNSoJT
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 29, 2026
When defensive coordinator Al Golden was asked about the UW star, he was quick to praise the 6-foot-4 Arizona transfer.
"He made a really nice interception just before we broke into seven-on-seven. He's another guy with a good football mind, and he's learning quickly," said Golden.
In just a few months in his new home, the young corner has had no issue making his presence felt in the secondary thanks to his ball-hawking ability and intimidating frame. With the Bengals coming off a season where they ranked just 26th in total passing defense, adding a promising young talent could prove to be a difference-maker not just this season, but in the years to follow.
The Bengals kick off their 2026 campaign on Sunday, September 13, at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington Football Star Cornerback Turns Heads in Presason
