National Football League

Bengals' Hall gets reps at safety, open to eventual switch

Published Jun. 22, 2015 2:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Leon Hall has never played safety before, but he's open to the idea if the Bengals suggest a switch.

Hall spent some time at safety during minicamp last week, mostly because starter George Iloka was unable to practice due to injury.

"We’re just a little thin there with George out," defensive coordinator Paul Guenther told WKRC in Cincinnati. "We just want to see what he can do. It’s really a three-corner set. He’s playing corner, that's his spot."

The 30-year-old Hall is facing intense competition for his starting corner spot this offseason. Former first-round picks Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard have both looked sharp and seemed primed for more playing time this season.

One of Hall's strengths is his ability to shift inside to cover the slot in three-receiver sets.

"He's valuable to us in the nickel as the nickel corner," said Guenther. "He’s one of the best in the league at it."

While a shift to safety doesn't appear imminent, Hall knows the time may come when a positiion switch can prolong his career like it did for Hall of Famer Rod Woodson.

"The more you can do the better," Hall said. "If I feel I can succeed at it and it helps the team, I’m all for it."

h/t: WKRC