The Cincinnati Bengals have completed the preseason and even gotten a head start on final roster cuts this year than most of the league.
The first results after training camp and these three test games suggest that the Bengals did incredibly well with their ten picks in the draft this year.
And it doesn’t just feel like the usual summer rush, either – there were several players selected after the fifth round who would ultimately make the final roster.
So while we wait for the final cuts, here’s a quick look at each pick’s rookie report card.
Round 1: OT Amarius Mims
It’s a shame he’s injured. Mims has seemingly used Trent Brown’s absence to secure the starting right tackle spot. There’s still a window of time where he will emerge as the best right tackle in the class, if not the absolute best. But concerns about whether he can stay on the field have already been realized, hurting the grade.
Grade: B
Round 2: DL Kris Jenkins
So far, so good for Jenkins. He’s had the expected problems of a rookie, especially stumbling in the first preseason game before elimination. He should still be a big help in replacing DJ Reader by committee.
Grade: B
Round 3: WR Jermaine Burton
Burton has been outstanding against the reserve players in preseason games. But he’s also been playing against reserve players for a reason. The highlights are worthy of a No. 1 wide receiver, but until he understands what Joe Burrow and the coaches want from him, the highlights don’t mean much because he won’t be on the field.
Grade: C
Round 3: DL McKinnley Jackson
Jackson seemed to have similar ups and downs to Jenkins before his injury. This grade is almost incomplete.
Grade: C
Round 4: TE Erick Alle
Everyone seemed to return from their injuries sooner than expected, making the breakout process at the position chaotic — which is a good thing. He has the potential to be the No. 1 TE if he stays healthy, and already seems to have carved out a role for himself in two tight end sets.
Grade: B
Round 5: CB Josh Newton
On paper, it looked like Newton could be the long-term replacement for Mike Hilton. While he has lived up to expectations at times, he has also had some major stumbles. Corner is a pretty difficult transition to the pro position, so it’s reasonable to assume he continues to improve.
Grade: B
Round 6: TE Tanner McLachlan
When McLachlan is on the field, he is hard to miss. He is a great all-rounder who might have unseated Tanner Hudson this summer.
Grade: B
Round 6: DE Cedric Johnson
Without Cam Sample out for the year and Jeff Gunter retiring, to name just a few of the issues at stake this summer, will Johnson make the final roster? Maybe not, but his preseason performances would have earned him serious attention either way.
Grade: B
Round 7: S Daijah Anthony
Anthony caught the first interception of training camp, the first interception of Joe Burrow, and a few more. Then he played in the preseason despite a broken nose and made good plays. He has forced his way onto the roster and has a bright future ahead of him.
Class: A
Round 7: Matt Lee
Hailed as a dark horse by fans and media, Lee has lived up to expectations this summer, looking good in training camp and games while also earning praise from teammates and coaches. He has likely displaced Trey Hill as the primary backup on the roster.
Class: A
