The duo is expected to add depth behind the three first-round corners in William Jackson, Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard.
“We think we have a lot of good football players here, and our deal is that we’re adding some good football players,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “We have to be a lot better this year, and I think infusing talent always raises the competition level in the room. When you raise the competition level, everybody plays their best because they want to make the team, they want to get on the field, they want to help and they want to win.”
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The fifth round has been a black hole for the Bengals of late, with recent picks struggling to get on the field.
The list includes a pair of 2017 picks in kicker Jake Elliott and offensive lineman J.J. Dielman who are no longer with the team, offensive lineman Christian Westerman (two games played in two seasons) in 2016, tight end C.J. Uzomah in 2015, quarterback AJ McCarron in 2014, tackle Tanner Hawkinson in 2013 and safety Shaun Prater in 2012.
Prater was the first of three fifth-round picks the Bengals had in 2012, and the team hit on the next two, taking wide receiver Marvin Jones 166th overall and safety George Iloka 167th.
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It probably will take some time before Harris and Phillips get a chance to play enough on defense to match that kind of production, but the rookies are expected to be contributors on special teams right away, especially Phillips.
At Western Michigan, Phillips recorded an FBS record 12 return touchdowns (five kickoff, five interception, one punt, one fumble).
“Every time I drop back, I try to make the most impactful play on the field, whether it’s a kick return, punt return or just getting an interception,” said Phillips, who ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the Combine and a 4.4 at his pro day.
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And it wasn’t just a matter of Phillips feasting on Mid-American Conference foes. His fumble return for a touchdown came against Michigan State, and he recorded a pair of interceptions against Ohio State.
“He has a knack for going after the ball, using his hands, and ball disruption,” secondary coach Daronte Jones said of Phillips. “We like his ability after he has the interception and what he can do after, in terms of return ability. He provides that impact that you like.”
Working against WMU wide receiver and 2017 first-round pick Corey Davis every day in practice only helped Phillips sharpen his skills.
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“Corey Davis helped me out a lot,” Phillips said. ” We went back and forth. He made plays (some days), and I made plays other days. Playing corner my first year against a great receiver like him boosted my confidence and gave me the confidence.”
Jones said Harris won’t compete with Phillips and Alex Erickson to be a returner, but the ISU product is expected to be on the coverage units, possibly as a gunner on punts.
“The biggest thing is my physicality and speed,” Harris said. “I’m one of those players that is smart, who flies around and tries to come in and make a big hit.
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‘I’m one of those guys — size-wise and speed — that can play anything in the secondary,” he added. “I can play safety, nickel or corner, which is what I am used to playing. I am planning on playing all three positions and just trying to make an impact, and make a huge impact on special teams as well.”
While Harris can also play safety, the plan is to use him at corner. He and Phillips will battle backups KeiVarae Russell, Josh Shaw and Tony McRae for spots on the 53-man roster.
“We’re going to be a better team overall from drafting these guys no matter what happens
with them, how many of them play, or when they play,” Austin said. “They’ll determine that by how they work and progress once they get here.”
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