Roster analysis: Defensive backs

Eighth in a series

Today: Defensive backs

Starters: Right cornerback Leon Hall, left cornerback Johnathan Joseph, strong safety Dexter Jackson, free safety Madieu Williams

Backups: Cornerback Deltha O'Neal, strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe, free safety Marvin White, safety Herana-Daze Jones (injured reserve), cornerback Blue Adams, safety John Busing, safety Kyries Hebert, cornerback David Jones

Youth was served in 2007, and youth served back. In the final two games, the Bengals started three rookies (Hall, Ndukwe and White) and second-year cornerback Joseph. They stuffed the high-flying Browns pass game with four interceptions, two by Ndukwe.

Maybe a testament to the lack of playmakers on the Bengals defense, but Ndukwe created more excitement with his play as a rookie than any Bengals defender in recent memory. His intelligence, instincts and effort more than make up for what might be a slight lack of speed. White is a hard hitter that has been missing, too. Hall rebounded from a slow start to show the savvy that made the Bengals call him pro-ready on draft day.

Joseph came back from a stress fracture in his foot to show the same closing speed that he displayed as a rookie.

Williams is a free agent the Bengals would like to re-sign; he wants to stay. Jackson might be released, though he has two years left on his contract. O'Neal has a year left on his deal and has asked directly and through the media to be released. But O'Neal's experience was a huge asset when he came in as a third cornerback. He still can play at a high level, though his inconsistency can be maddening to coaches and fans.

Question: How comfortable are you if the Bengals decide to go with Ndukwe and White as their starting safeties in 2008? Or do you re-sign Williams, who also can play cornerback?