How is this rookie class looking?
The Cincinnati Bengals saw a rookie draft pick make his NFL debut in Week 5 vs. the Baltimore Ravens.
The defensive interior received another young reinforcement, as third-round selection McKinnley Jackson joined for a limited number of snaps. When he was in the game, he looked pretty solid for a rookie who has barely even practiced in the NFL.
Kris Jenkins had another good showing as well. Hopefully, both get a chance to increase their role.
Amarius Mims looked impressive at right tackle once again, but he left the game with an ankle injury that threatens to linger, though he returned to the game late in regulation.
Despite the injury to Dax Hill early on, rookie corner Josh Newton only saw 11 defensive snaps. Safety Daijahn Anthony saw just one snap.
Jermaine Burton saw just one snap. If the season continues to spiral out of control, it might be worth giving him some of Tee Higgins’ snaps since it’s clear the front office has no desire to sign Higgins to a long-term deal.
Undrafted linebacker Maema Njongmeta surprisingly saw some early defensive snaps in the game but ended with just four total snaps.
The highlight of the rookies has to be Erick All, who continues to shine at tight end. This week, we saw him making some great blocks in the run game and on Ja’Marr Chase’s long screen touchdown. He led the tight end group in snap count and caught both of his two targets for 10 yards.
