Carson Wells signs with Cincinnati Bengals as UDFA

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Carson Wells has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as undrafted free agent, first reported by Matt Zenitz.

Wells had a standout career with the Buffs, compiling 38 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks across his 34 career starts. He was named first team All-Pac-12 as a junior, as he helped lead CU to the Alamo Bowl, and was second team as a senior. He was the team’s most disruptive player and he made some terrific plays in pass coverage, including a pick-six that helped the Buffs beat Washington on Senior Day.

The 23-year-old impressed at the Senior Bowl, but still fell in the draft because he’s a bit too small to play on the edge and not athletic enough to be an off ball linebacker. The Bengals play a 4-3 defense so they have to decide if he’s more of a defensive end or a strongside (Sam) linebacker.

If he can carve a role as a depth piece and special teams contributor, this is a great landing spot for Wells. He’s joining a championship caliber defense that already features CU alumnus Chidobe Awuzie at cornerback. (Nate Landman also joined forces with Isaiah Oliver in Atlanta.)