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In 2010, the Bengals took a 6’1″ defensive tackle in the fourth round of the draft.

Geno Atkins was a backup for most of his rookie season, but moved into the starting lineup the next year and quickly became a disruptive force in the middle of Cincinnati’s defensive line. The Bengals wouldn’t mind seeing lightning strike twice with Andrew Billings.

Like Atkins, Billings is a 6’1″ defensive tackle and the Bengals made him a fourth-round pick last month. Now they’ve put him on a study plan centered on watching how Atkins has played the game over the years and the lesson hasn’t been lost on Billings.

“I’ve seen pretty much everything I need to start doing,” Billings said, via ESPN.com.

Billings was generally projected to go earlier in the draft with his slip attributed to doubts about his ability to rush the passer with the same effectiveness that Atkins has shown over the years. That effectiveness makes Atkins a pretty good person for Billings to study as he tries to flesh out his game ahead of his rookie season.