Bengals Training Camp Battle: Deltha O'Neal vs Leon Hall

Training camp is finally here and FanHouse breaks down the most important position battles heading into the season, team by team.

Deltha O'Neal is certainly in a make or break season in Cincinnati. O'Neal picked off just one pass just one season after setting the franchise record by intercepting 10 [which also tied for the NFL lead that season]. On the other side, rookie Johnathan Joseph picked off zero passes, but wasn't getting starter's snaps as he will this season. So having a proven guy on the other side would be preferred.

However, O'Neal missed four games last year and hasn't really endeared himself to head coach Marvin Lewis. O'Neal also peeved off the coaching staff by missing the 'voluntary' workouts. He's also on the list of Bengals who've run afoul of the law ... by getting picked up for a DUI last December.

Leon Hall was drafted for a reason. He's smart and has an excellent gauge of what's going on around him on the field. He's not the biggest or fastest guy, so using his techniques and knowledge puts him in position to make plays. You don't use the #18 pick on a corner and not plan on him being the guy for the future ... so it's only a matter of time before Hall gets the nod.

Most likely, O'Neal will start the season as the starter ... but if his poor play acts back up, expect Lewis to place him into the doghouse and use Hall. The Bengals have a lot riding on this season and they desperately need their defense to step up this year. Lewis will use whomever can get the job done to do so.

Keiwan Ratliff may get into the mix as well. Ratliff is in the final year of his original contract he signed back in the 2004 season.

Training camp battles: See them all

Previously at FanHaus:
Deltha O'Neal Arrested for DUI
What Can The Bengals Expect From Leon Hall