The Cincinnati Bengals just wrapped up practices last week before the brief summer vacation ahead of training camp.
There wasn’t a whole lot to be gleaned from those practices. The Zac Taylor-led Bengals, after all, continue to have the lightest offseason schedule of any team in the league, a byproduct of recently playing the longest season ever and adapting to it the next summer.
Still, there were some notable performances from rookies and guys who must step into bigger roles next year.
While the overall news cycle hits a lull, here’s a quick look at some takeaways and lessons from the practice sessions.
Irv Smith Jr. is a hit
Irv Smith is the latest one-year tight end for the Bengals, although he’s a little unique — he’s a much better mover than C.J. Uzomah and Hayden Hurst and might just be a better fit in the offense. He’s got that past LSU connect with Joe Burrow, too. He certainly looked great moving around the offense and looked the part so far, too.
Zach Carter is the breakout candidate
Yes, guys like Dax Hill will step into big roles next year. But Carter, that promising draft pick from last year, has added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame. He’s now got the body and one year of experience that will let him be more impactful while rotating with B.J. Hill as an interior pass-rusher. There’s a chance he’s the big boost the line needs.
The o-line should start fast
Last year, it was obvious a line with four-new starters and minor injuries to La’el Collins and Alex Cappa would make for a rough start to the season. That was very true. Things stabilized well until injuries near the playoffs. This year? No such concern. Yes, Jonah Williams is the guy at right tackle now, but he’ll be at training camp and taking all the reps, so the chemistry should be there by Week 1, unlike last year.
RT is decided
This might ring as controversial in June, but that right tackle job is all about Jonah Williams. La’el Collins’ comeback sounds good, but he might not be ready for Week 1, and if he is by some miracle, it won’t be after taking snaps over the summer, which would harm chemistry. Jackson Carman is a capable backup at multiple spots, but one good showing in the snow last season isn’t enough to beat anyone out right now.
Don't sleep on rookies...
…Jordan Battle and Charlie Jones. Battle as a draft pick shocked some fans but he’s super pro-ready and might eat serious snaps early. Jones could shove his way into some meaningful playing time in the base offense, too, beyond his obvious role as a kick returner on special teams.
Joe Mixon's situation isn't resolved
There’s still time for the Bengals to get with Mixon about a contractual move that saves the team cap space, especially with so many attractive names still in free agency, be it Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook or others. He doesn’t have to agree, but the longer into the summer the team waits, the more likely he might not have much of a choice.
No sweat on Burrow
The Burrow extension always felt like an early-training camp move. No sense in rushing such a complicated deal. With the right creative structure, Burrow and his reps will get the highest-paid player in football status for just a moment while also being fashioned in a way that makes it easier for the team to afford Tee Higgins, Logan Wilson and others. Expect an extension to happen during camp, most likely after Justin Herbert in Los Angeles.
