Cincinnati Bengals fans and media have hyped seventh-round pick Matt Lee as a great value and sleeper rookie for some time now.
As it turns out, that hype might be spreading through Paycor Stadium, too, due to the work the former Miami Hurricanes starter has put in this summer.
Lee has passed the eye test from an outsider’s perspective during training camp and preseason games, sure.
But more important? A ringing endorsement from current starting center Ted Karras.
“For a center his size, his anchor (is impressive),” Karras said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “He’s got strength I don’t think he initially gets credit for. I think he’s been a willing rookie to learn and asks anyone questions, but not in a corny way, and using that information to help him win blocks.”
Lee has seemed on pace to potentially crack the final 53 for a little while now, perhaps moving Trey Hill out of the way in the process. Otherwise, the Bengals would have to hope no other teams notice if they attempt to slip him onto the practice squad at final cuts next week.
While the team did give Karras an extension this offseason, it does seem like the Bengals have stumbled into a solid mentor-rookie combo that could secure things for the future — provided things keep moving the way they have so far for the 237th pick in the draft.
