The past couple of weeks consisted of voluntary OTA’s and then mandatory minicamp for the Bengals. It is the early stage of the offseason where basic drills are done, and tweaking to the playbook can take place. As well, it offers a glimpse as to who may be early favourites in certain positional battles.
As was expected, Daxton Hill was getting the starting reps at safety with Bates gone. His versatile skill set was on display, as Lou Anarumo had him playing in various spots, including in the box. Moving around was something he did often at Michigan. Rookie 3rd rounder Jordan Battle occupied the other starting spot on a number of reps, as Nick Scott got some time off due to a minor ding. Battle impressed, and though they are only padless practices at this point, it seems as though he might have earned a legitimate chance to compete for a starting spot in training camp.
Fellow rookie DJ Turner also got some starting reps, with Chidobe Awuzie still working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last year. Turner was able to make some plays, and his athleticism really stood out. Awuzie, meanwhile, also looked good going through individual drills. The Bengals are doing the right thing by being cautious, but he seems to be very close to full health.
On the offensive side, Joe Burrow seems to have gotten stronger. Finally having a full offseason to prepare will be good for him. His passing was accurate during the 7 on 7 drills. He hit Chase and Higgins on some reps, as well as Irv Smith, on a seam route. Burrow noted that this time of year is great for experimental stuff, and pushing your boundaries to see what you can get away with during the season.
Rookie WR Charlie Jones looked really crisp as a route runner during some of the clips that I was able to catch. As well, others reporting out of the Bengals facility have been impressed. Though widely viewed as a future contributor, his skill set could allow him to contribute more as a rookie, if he can unseat Trent Tayor as the primary punt returner.
According to Dan Hoard, Frank Pollak had Cordell Volson getting a bit of work at C. He notes that it is unlikely that he will see time there, which really, goes without saying. But we know how much OL coaches love versatility. You can never have too much.
Sticking with the OL, Jonah Williams did not show up to voluntary the OTA’s, but did report to minicamp. He is nearing full health, but still needs a little time. With Collins also working his way back to full health, Jackson Carman got the starting reps at RT. There is expected to be a battle for the position, but Williams is the heavy favourite, and rightfully so.
With Samaje Perine departing in the offseason, his spot on the RB depth chart behind Joe Mixon will be one to watch. From some of the minicamp clips, Trayveon Williams seems to be the leader right now, but it is surely by a slim margin, with Chase Brown and Chris Evans looking to overtake him.
On special teams, things were normal, for the most part. But Cal Adomitis did miss a little time with a minor foot injury. According to Dan Hoard, it was TE Tanner Hudson who filled in.
With OTA’s and minicamp all wrapped up, the next thing up is training camp. Players will report on July 25. Below is the full training camp schedule:
Day 1: July 26
Day 2: July 27
Day 3: July 28
Day 4: July 29 (Practice in Paycor Stadium)
Day 5: July 31
Day 6: August 1
Day 7: August 3
Day 8: August 4
Day 9: August 6
Day 10: August 9 (Joint practice with Green Bay Packers)
Day 11: August 13
Day 12: August 14
Day 13: August 16
Modified Featured Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)