Every draft class has a personality. There’s a characteristic that coaches can feel infused in their football team through the first 10 practices when the new players start mixing it up.
Commonly, it’s athleticism. Sometimes, brash, confident and loud, like last year’s group of 10.
One you don’t often hear was the answer Bengals coach Zac Taylor immediately snapped off, even interrupting a question to do so, when asked about this year’s class.
“Football IQ,” he said. “The football IQ and leadership in this group is outstanding. Top to bottom.”
Taylor explained how the rise of college football transfers resulted in players showing up in the NFL missing portions of fundamental knowledge. Concepts that can slip through the cracks when coaches assume previous coaches taught it to them.
With six draft picks — and an undrafted class that’s opened eyes — Taylor noticed how this collection of captains, most of which spent their entire careers at one school, arrived as clean prospects and have hit the ground running.
And they need them. There’s a decent chance each of the first three picks will be starting on Week 1 in Cleveland, with the other three battling for prominent reserve roles. How they play in the three preseason games will impact playing time, but this class has proven to be small but important.
Through 10 practices, the draft picks have been far from perfect, but they’ve been featured prominently.
Here’s a look at the camp performance, roles, quotes and first-impression grades of the Bengals’ six draft picks (plus two honorable mention undrafted free agents).
Shemar Stewart, edge (Round 1/Pick 17)
Role: Currently second-team defensive end, expected in rotation or starting the opener. Will play edge and kick inside.
Play that stands out: After days of trying to bull rush through the chest of offensive tackles, according to defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, Stewart focused on new ways to work the edges and blows by Orlando Brown to the back shoulder of Joe Burrow dropping back.
Key quote: Defensive coordinator Al Golden on the value he places on Stewart’s positional versatility:
“Whether you agree or disagree, or whatever your philosophy is, or whatever your opinion was of Shemar, that player is rare, coming out of the draft, somebody that can come off the edge, one play, play in the B gap, two plays later, play in the C gap, set the edge, do multiple things. It’s just rare, because you generally get, you know, guys that are 255, but to get a guy 280 that can do that with that kind of power is rare, and we’re excited to have him.”
Analysis: The narrative sure changed fast here. Stewart’s holdout immediately took a back seat to just how disruptive and physical he’s been in every practice. His tenacity has wowed the staff. He’s consistently showing up every day, whether batting down a pass, getting a sack, showing off his athleticism by dropping into coverage or moving up and down the line. He’s becoming the versatile piece Golden coveted and will be a major factor in the plans for Week 1 in Cleveland, potentially as the starter opposite Trey Hendrickson.
First-impression grade: B. All the football stuff gets an A, but how the contract situation went down before that bumps the grade down a tier.
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB (Round 2/Pick 49)
Role: Starting linebacker alongside Logan Wilson.
Play that stands out: Knight made a play last week where he anticipated a Burrow throw to Ja’Marr Chase behind him on the second level. He extended his arm, tipped the pass trying to buzz through the hole in the zone and it landed in the arms of Dax Hill for an interception. More importantly than the play, it was a concept he repped the day before and recognized he hadn’t played it properly. The next day, he made the adjustment and the play. That type of coachability, progress and playmaking are perfect examples of why he’s locked in as the starter already.
Demetrius Knight Jr. runs drills during training camp. The rookie appears on track to be a starter. (Frank Bowen IV / Imagn Images)
Key quote: Fellow rookie linebacker Barrett Carter on watching Knight learn multiple positions and be used as a “chess piece” all over the formation.
“You can see why he was drafted so high. You can see why he has been on the field so much. You can see why you see his talent every single day and how smart he is, too. He is so smart. He’s probably the smartest player I’ve ever played with in my whole life.”
Analysis: It almost feels weird putting Knight Jr. in the rookie report. Not just because he’s already 25 years old, even though that’s part of it. Rather, because he doesn’t act, play or impact teammates like a rookie. Players in the locker room were calling him a future captain before training camp even began. You hear Carter’s comment about his intelligence. His leadership levels, maturity and commitment to being great are off the charts for a rookie. The Bengals have never wavered in plugging him in as the starter since he was picked, and nothing that unfolded over the last 10 practices gave reason to doubt the decision. His execution further validated it.
First-impression grade: A. Can’t imagine asking for much more from him at this point.
Dylan Fairchild, G (Round 3/Pick 81)
Role: Starting left guard.
Play that stands out: A rep during one-on-one drills on Saturday night’s stadium practice where Fairchild was blocking undrafted free agent Howard Cross. Cross tripped while attempting to move around him, and Fairchild took advantage, slamming him to the ground. It wasn’t necessarily some show of technical skill, but it did showcase the mentality they really like about Fairchild, who has shown a nastiness to him.
Key quote: Offensive line coach Scott Peters on Fairchild’s progress:
“The key is being real refined with his posture and timing of his strikes. For most of the guys from college, you got to forget about what you did there. It’s like two different games, it’s checkers and chess. Don’t go out there like a meathead and try to headbang somebody, because it won’t work. He’s done a good job thus far. He has physical traits that are pretty top-end. He’s a big guy, thick, square, strong, athletic and he’s tough and done well with the mental stuff. Those are things that do project well.”
Analysis: Taylor said Fairchild will play with the starters in Thursday’s preseason opener. When the starters go out, so will the third-round rookie. That shows exactly how they view him. He’s the guy. There’s no real competition from Cordell Volson or anyone else at this point. Does that mean he will be good enough? Time will tell. He’s looked OK to this point. There are plenty of reps he’s lost, and the offensive line as a whole has had its hands full with TJ Slaton and the rotating cast of interior pass rushers. The preseason games will be critical for Fairchild to build confidence that he can be the guy to handle this hefty ask. There’s a long way to go until he’s not viewed as the weak link that opponents will attack on this line.
First-impression grade: C+. Like most offensive linemen, we need to see it in the preseason to judge where he’s actually at. Fairchild’s done enough to instill confidence in the coaching staff that he will be fine, but he’s endured the typical rookie moments up front.
Could Dylan Fairchild, middle, find himself starting at left guard in Week 1? (Frank Bowen IV / Imagn Images)
Barrett Carter, LB (Round 4/Pick 119)
Role: Reserve linebacker, core special teamer.
Play that stands out: In a red zone drill, Burrow lofted what looked to be a perfect throw for a potential touchdown pass, but Carter anticipated the throw in great coverage and nearly intercepted it. The play caught Taylor’s eye, and he showed it to the team in a later meeting as an example of a great play by both the offense and defense.
Key quote: Taylor on Carter’s first impression:
“I think he’s only gotten better every day. I think that he has a lot of upside. Been really pleased with how all the linebackers have developed. That’s a room where there has been a ton of competition. There are roles up for grabs.”
Analysis: Carter will have veteran competition to land as the third linebacker and will likely spend much of the early portion of the season focused on special teams. Veteran Oren Burks would be the leader in the clubhouse for that spot given his track record, but there’s a real competition happening there. Carter has worn the green dot with the second team, and that can only add to the amount of drowning any rookie defender does out there. That’s been part of his learning curve, but coaches have liked his makeup. He just needs to show up more on the tape.
First-impression grade: C+. As expected from a fourth-round linebacker, he will be an asset for special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons.
Jalen Rivers, OL (Round 5/Pick 153)
Role: Up in the air. Has played both at both right and left tackle, but will transition to guard as well.
Play that stands out: Myles Murphy blowing by him nearly untouched as a right tackle in a one-on-one drill during Saturday’s stadium practice.
Key quote: “The difficult part of him is he came in and got settled in at left tackle, then we throw him over to right tackle,” Taylor said. “He’s just got to be ready to move around. That’s the part he’ll continue to adjust to. From a mental standpoint, he’s been outstanding. From a physical standpoint, there have been some things we are really, really like about Jalen and continue to give him more opportunities to showcase what he’s able to do over the course of training camp.”
Analysis: Rivers entered the NFL as a candidate to transition from a college career spent at tackle to move to guard. He started outside at tackle, and it’s been about what you’d expect from a fifth-round rookie tackle. He held his own, but there’s a thought that seeing how he looks at guard could unlock more value considering his slower movement skills paired with heavy hands. Inevitably, if he’s going to be a reserve on this offensive line, he’ll need to offer position flexibility anyway, but look for that to start soon as they search for an impactful spot.
First-impression grade: C-. His performance is as expected for a fifth-round pick, but the mistakes are amplified given the prominence of playing with the first team on days Amarius Mims was out.
Tahj Brooks, RB (Round 6/Pick 193)
Role: Backup running back.
Play the stands out: On an otherwise forgettable rep last week, Brooks caught a checkdown in the flat with a defender breaking down in front of him. Brooks caught the pass, instantly jabbed and accelerated upfield untouched, showing off his elusiveness after the catch. That’s the kind of weapon that could thrive in this offense.
Key quote: Brooks on what he likes about the Bengals’ offense:
“They love getting running backs the ball out of the backfield, which I love. I love breaking linebackers off and pass protection. And not afraid to gash them when that time presents itself. But I love that it’s an all-around offense.”
Great hands (and toe tap) by Tahj Brooks and a perfect throw by Joe Burrow.#Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/XRWN2ZY3rM
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) August 5, 2025
Analysis: Brooks has enjoyed a notable share of reps this camp as the staff tests out where he’s at. Brooks’ vision pops when you watch him hit the second level in practice. It’s not hard to see how he became the leading rusher in Texas Tech history. He’s caught the ball well out of the backfield, which will be imperative for any role he’ll have in this offense. Running backs are the ultimate players to judge in the games running the football, but from a passing game and pass protection standpoint, he’s proven up to the task, which will be critical for gaining trust of the staff.
First-impression grade: B. His burst and vision have been impressive, but how he’s held up in the passing game has been a pleasant surprise.
Honorable mention UDFAs
Bralyn Lux, CB, Texas Tech
Analysis: The 5-10, 180-pounder wearing the old number 21 of Mike Hilton is making the same type of impression Hilton did as an undrafted free agent throughout his career. Lux has the staff buzzing about the plays he’s been able to make, and he will receive a heavy workload in Philadelphia. The Bengals employ a large number of potential nickel corners (Dax Hill, Josh Newton, Jalen Davis, Lux), but if he can post a quality preseason on top of an impressive first 10 days of training camp, the 24-year-old could sneak onto this team at some point this season.
Howard Cross, DT, Notre Dame
Analysis: If there were a player to expect Golden to feature, it would be Cross, an All-American starter who played 65 games at Notre Dame. There are roster spots open in the back of the defensive tackle room and the reps suggest Cross is in position for one. He’s enjoyed a workload with the second team and illustrated a polish you would expect from an older rookie familiar with the defensive system.
(Top photo of Shemar Stewart: Jeff Dean / Associated Press)
