Cincy Jungle - 2017 Cincinnati Bengals rookie reviewsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2018-04-06T09:00:02-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/167764252018-04-06T09:00:02-04:002018-04-06T09:00:02-04:00A look back at the Bengals’ 2017 NFL Draft class
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With the 2018 NFL Draft quickly approaching, take a look at the Bengals’ 2017 draft class. What have they done and what can be expected of them in 2018? </p> <p id="jm7Lfb">The off season is an exciting time in the NFL as teams look to add talent through the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> and free agency in order to build a championship team. </p>
<p id="zVTKJi">Adding talent is not the only way to improve. Young players often take a big step between years one and two in their career. While some players will shine immediately as rookies, many need time to develop and learn before they can show their true potential. </p>
<p id="07GQJF">What has the Bengals’ 2017 draft class done so far and what can be expected of them in 2018?</p>
<h3 id="P7ir8q">1st Round </h3>
<p id="IE8TON">When a team is making a selection in the top 10 picks of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>, they expect to get a player who can come in and make an immediate impact. That is not what the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> got with former Washington wide receiver John Ross. </p>
<p id="v1zGNb">Ross struggled with injury at both the beginning and end of the season. Even when healthy, Ross struggled to find his way onto the active roster. Ross ended his rookie campaign with zero receptions. </p>
<p id="AwGTDj">Obviously, the start to his career that Ross and the Bengals had hoped for. Bengals’ 2016 first-round pick William Jackson III was injured for his entire rookie season, but he came on strong in his second season. Ross is well known for his record setting 40-yard dash, but he is a much more complete receiver than people give him credit for. With any luck, he will bounce back and be an important part of the Bengals’ passing game in 2018.</p>
<h3 id="ItqBgN">2nd Round</h3>
<p id="fsZ5AQ">The Bengals surprised no one by drafting Oklahoma running back <span>Joe Mixon</span> in the second round. While Mixon certainly showed some flashes in 2017, his overall performance was not particularly impressive.</p>
<p id="4vrrW6"> The Bengals’ poor offensive line play and the staff’s resistance to making Mixon the feature back played no small part in this. With Jeremy Hill on to New England, all indications are that it will be a revamped running game with Mixon as the center piece in 2018. </p>
<p id="8rQXE1">With the addition of <span>Cordy Glenn</span>, and hopefully more changes to come on the offensive line, this could be Mixon’s breakout season.</p>
<h3 id="LJP5mB">3rd Round</h3>
<p id="37pxBv">Former Kansas State defensive end Jordan Willis saw a decent amount of playing time as a rookie, and he should expect to see more in 2018. Willis is a physical freak who needs to develop his technique. </p>
<p id="65JvYB">With Carlos Dunlap in a contract year and Michael Johnson being named as a possible cap casualty candidate, Willis could be seen as an eventual replacement for one of them. Willis has the raw athletic ability to become a major contributor in year two.</p>
<h3 id="2kxttg">4th Round</h3>
<p id="imn9mr">This round was huge for the Bengals who started it off by acquiring former Auburn edge <span>Carl Lawson</span>. Lawson was second on the team in sacks as a rookie and is expected to play an increased role in 2018. He may see more time lined up as a linebacker, but looks to be one of the cornerstones that the new defense will be built around.</p>
<p id="Wb1aqI">The Bengals doubled down at the wide receiver position by drafting former Tennessee deep threat <span>Josh Malone</span>. Malone is seen as a work in progress, but saw some action as a rookie and looked promising. </p>
<p id="GqQbIb">Malone may not be one of the top three receivers on the team in his second year, but with his athletic ability he could be a guy who makes a couple of big plays to help them win some games.</p>
<p id="nEMERi">Former Michigan defensive tackle <span>Ryan Glasgow</span> rounded out the 4th round for the Bengals. He say some time as a rookie and could see an increased role in 2018. He is a skilled run stopper, but the knock on him coming out of college was that he could not rush the passer.</p>
<p id="3KWSFI">With Pat Sims still unsigned, Glasgow could get a heavy workload on early downs next season.</p>
<h3 id="JovZj1">5th Round</h3>
<p id="0K9dEY">The Bengals found a great kicker in former Memphis standout <span>Jake Elliott</span>, but unfortunately they let him slip through their fingers. Through a close competition in training camp, <span>Randy Bullock</span> managed to hold on to his job. </p>
<p id="MUBWT9">The Bengals kept Elliott on their practice squad, but he was claimed by the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>. He went on to make a 61 yard field goal and win a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/super-bowl-2018-coverage">Super Bowl</a>.</p>
<p id="yOL9Zi">The Bengals also lost former Utah guard <span>J.J. Dielman</span> to a practice squad claim. After being acquired early in the season Dielman remains on the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos </a>roster. The fifth round ended up being a complete wash after only a few months. </p>
<p id="SNZRSc">Both players remain in the NFL and are still have potential to be excellent players, but not for the Bengals.</p>
<h3 id="CnA7AV">6th Round </h3>
<p id="xIUAzY">Many in Cincinnati are optimistic about Jordan Evans. The former Oklahoma linebacker who played sparingly in 2017 adds depth to a group that desperately needs it. With Vontaze Burfict facing a potential suspension to start the season, don’t be surprised if Evans sees a heavy dose of reps early in the season.</p>
<p id="rA0qyv">Former Houston defensive back <span>Brandon Wilson</span> spent most of 2018 on the practice squad, but he saw a little bit of action at the end of the season. He is likely to compete for a spot on the two-deep at safety and be a contributor on special teams in 2018. He is an excellent athlete who also played some running back in college. </p>
<h3 id="WcBNqH">7th Round</h3>
<p id="5RNI29">The Bengals ended the draft just as the started it with a talented player who struggled with injury. Former Buffalo tight end <span>Mason Schreck</span> spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. Schreck will compete for a spot in a crowded group of tight ends in 2018. </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/4/6/17177878/a-look-back-at-the-bengals-2017-nfl-draft-classMatthew Minich2018-02-22T13:00:02-05:002018-02-22T13:00:02-05:00Bengals rookie review: Wide receiver Josh Malone
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Josh Malone showed flashes of promise, but not enough that his roster spot is guaranteed for 2018. </p> <p id="LfAtLA">The Cincinnati Bengals don’t quite know what they have with either of their wide receivers taken in the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, </p>
<p id="4RgfVG">After taking John Ross with the No. 9 overall pick, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> took Josh Malone with the 128th pick in the 2017 draft. They took talented receivers in hopes of upgrading their porous offense, which finished 24th in points per game in 2016. </p>
<p id="0Ak10l">The former <a href="https://www.rockytoptalk.com/">Tennessee Volunteers</a> receiver was one of the best receivers in the SEC last season. The 6’3”, 208-pound Malone caught 50 passes for 972 yards (19.4 avg.) and 11 scores last season.</p>
<p id="in5wzZ">Most draft experts had Malone projected as a top-100 prospect in this year’s class. Part of the reason why Malone didn’t get more love was that he was hit or miss in his first two seasons of college football, catching 54 balls for 636 yards and three scores in 19 games from 2014-15.</p>
<p id="KDqf77">At 6’3” and 208 pounds, Malone brings a big target who put up solid workout numbers at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">NFL Combine</a>, where he ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash to go with his impressive size.</p>
<p id="ANm6Uo"><a href="https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/josh-malone">According to Mock Draftable,</a> four of Malone’s closest physical comparisons are <span>Andre Caldwell</span>, <span>Cody Core</span>, Quincy Morgan and Armon Binns. He looked like exactly what the Bengals’ needed at the wide receiver position: A physical presence who can outmuscle defensive backs for contested passes and help take pressure off of A.J. Green. </p>
<p id="oZEXk6">The Bengals are certainly used to finding impact receivers in the latter rounds. Since 2001, we’ve seen guys like <span>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</span>, <span>Tab Perry</span>, <span>Dezmon Briscoe</span>, <span>Marvin Jones</span>, <span>James Wright</span>, <span>Cobi Hamilton</span> and <span>Cody Core</span> go from being late-round receivers to making impacts of varying degrees in their pro careers, whether it was with the Bengals or elsewhere.</p>
<p id="yui_3_10_3_1_1519179741361_127">We saw glimpses of that with Malone in 2017, especially in training camp and the preseason. Malone looked like someone who could actually challenge for a starting spot, as his combination of speed, size and athleticism made him a tough cover. He finished the preseason with six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown, and it looked like things were trending upward for him entering the regular season.</p>
<p id="DWztxS">Unfortunately, we rarely got to see Malone draw so much as a target. He finished the season with just six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets in <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017-snap-counts.htm">247 snaps</a>. </p>
<p id="z0HcSn">Malone’s lone score came against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> in a game the Bengals needed every point of in a 24-23 win. But with most of the targets going to <span>A.J. Green</span>, <span>Brandon LaFell</span> and <span>Tyler Kroft</span>, Malone never got a real chance to prove himself. </p>
<p id="hCjdRs">That said, Malone is still a very promising player that could grow to make an impact in Cincinnati’s offense, which needs all the help it can get after finishing 2017 ranked 26th in scoring.</p>
<p id="eGd4NW">But even with Malone being a promising prospect, his roster spot is anything but guaranteed. The Bengals are set to return A.J. Green, Brandon LaFell, <span>Tyler Boyd</span>, <span>Alex Erickson</span>, Cody Core and John Ross. That means Malone may actually have to make the final roster as a seventh receiver. </p>
<p id="0YYiWz">Ideally, the Bengals will make LaFell a cap casualty and not have to worry about keeping that many receivers next season. But if the Bengals keep LaFell and ultimately keep just six receivers going into the regular season, then Malone has a tough battle ahead of him. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/22/17009046/bengals-rookie-review-wide-receiver-josh-maloneJason Marcum2018-02-20T11:00:02-05:002018-02-20T11:00:02-05:00Bengals rookie review: Defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow
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<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals found another late-round keeper in Ryan Glasgow. </p> <p id="pN9QYj">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> have found some great late-round gems in Round 4 of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, and their latest may be <span>Ryan Glasgow</span>. </p>
<p id="bi6iDS">With the No. 138 pick in the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, the Bengals took the former <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/">Michigan Wolverines</a> defensive lineman in hopes of bolstering a front seven. Glasgow actually made the rare journey of going from college walk-on to NFL player. He spent five years in college (one redshirt) while playing 45 games with 33 starts. </p>
<p id="SV3fKb">Primarily a nose tackle, <span>Glasgow</span> racked up 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and 39 total tackles as a senior in 2016. And for an interior lineman, Glasgow is a solid pass-rusher, as <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdraft-pff-scouting-report-ryan-glasgow-di-michigan%2F" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> ranked him second in pass-rush productivity among interior defensive linemen with 37 total pressures in 2016. </p>
<p id="qvqGoc">Glasgow had an uphill climb to earn playing time with the Bengals in 2017, not to mention ensure his roster spot was safe. After all, the Bengals had <span>DeShawn Williams</span>, <span>Marcus Hardison</span> and <span>Wallace Gilberry</span> to fight for roster spots with.</p>
<p id="VxAemn">But in the end, Glasgow outshined all of them in training camp and the preseason, so much that the Bengals kept just four defensive tackles along with <span>Pat Sims</span>, <span>Andrew Billings</span> and <span>Geno Atkins</span>. </p>
<aside id="k0dGnL"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bengals 2017 season awards: Defensive Most Valuable Player","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2018/2/11/16977134/bengals-2017-season-awards-defensive-most-valuable-player"},{"title":"Are the Bengals better off with Marvin Lewis?","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/14/16988806/are-the-bengals-better-off-with-marvin-lewis"}]}'></div></aside><p id="dwvxtI">Sims and Billings battled throughout the season for that second starting spot next to Atkins, but Glasgow ended up getting snaps at both tackle spots, and he performed well in them. </p>
<p id="Q2iFLl">Glasgow wound up appearing in all 16 games and even started one when Geno Atkins was battling a toe injury. He made 23 total tackles while playing in <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2017-snap-counts.htm">412 defensive snaps</a>, more than Billings or Sims, while also logging 170 special teams snaps. </p>
<p id="ta5rfC">As it turned out, Glasgow finished as one of the Bengals’ highest-graded rookies. He finished with a respectable <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/DI">71.2 Pro Football Focus grade</a>, ahead of Sims (61.0) and Billings (43.6). </p>
<p id="Gk9R99">The Bengals actually favored Billings more over the final three games in terms of interior snaps, though it’s clear the two will continue to fight for backup snaps in 2018. Glasgow was clearly the more consistent tackle, though both bring different talents to the defensive line. Billings is more of a run-stuff, while Glasgow is better at getting pressure up the middle in the pass rush, though he can hold his own on the ground as well. </p>
<p id="BIKrrJ">All told, the Bengals got a promising talent in Glasgow, who may have a bigger role in the defense next season if he keeps improving. It helps that Sims is an impending free agent, and the Bengals should probably role with Atkins, Glasgow and Billings for the time being. and draft another tackle to compete with <span>Josh Tupou</span> for the final tackle spot. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/20/17009318/bengals-rookie-review-defensive-tackle-ryan-glasgowJason Marcum2018-02-19T11:00:02-05:002018-02-19T11:00:02-05:00Bengals rookie review: Linebacker Jordan Evans
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<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan Evans ended up playing a lot as a rookie, but that wasn’t a good thing. </p> <p id="zLqMEP">Linebacker wasn’t thought to be a major issue for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> going into the 2018 season, but they still managed to add a promising rookie to the mix in <span>Jordan Evans</span>. </p>
<p id="2bkUpi">Evans came to Cincinnati as a sixth-round selection in the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. The former Oklahoma standout was a full-time starter for his last three seasons in college, though his career was highlighted by a senior season in which he recorded 98 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four interceptions, eight pass deflections and one forced fumble in 13 games. </p>
<p id="2JmSPG">Evans was regarded as one of the best coverage linebackers in the draft, something the Bengals needed to upgrade since <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> is the only consistent linebacker in that regard.</p>
<p id="MsCIvc"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdraft-pff-scouting-report-jordan-evans-lb-oklahoma%2F" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus even noted</a> that Evans did very well in coverage in 2016, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for just one touchdown and a 64.3 passer rating against him. The Bengals use their linebackers in zone defenses frequently, which appears to be an area in which Evans excelled as a Sooner.</p>
<aside id="cSF0Z4"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Carl Lawson is addicted to sacks and has nothing but respect for the Steelers","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/11/16992400/carl-lawson-is-addicted-to-sacks-and-has-nothing-respect-steelers"},{"title":"Bengals 2017 season awards: List of winners","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2018/2/13/16986514/bengals-2017-season-awards-list-of-winners"}]}'></div></aside><p id="usjbT7">However, that was far from being the case during Evans’ rookie season. After injuries began knocking out various Bengals linebackers, Evans began seeing extended snaps as the season wore on, and they weren’t good.</p>
<p id="H7ZnIp">Far too often, Evans took poor angles on tackles, blew his coverage assignment, or simply got beat like a drum in coverage. To be fair, Evans looked like he was thinking too much at times and the game was just going to fast for him. </p>
<p id="7YpFjX">With a full season experience, perhaps the game will slow down for him enough to become a solid player eventually, but he’s far from that right now. </p>
<p id="dXskXf">Evans managed to finish <a href="https://grades.profootballfocus.com/#/ratings/positions/show/LB">85th among 86 eligible players</a> in Pro Football Focus rankings of the top linebackers in the 2017 season. It was one spot worse than <span>Nick Vigil</span>, who was equally horrific in his role last season.</p>
<p id="NmHqsz">Between those two struggling, <span>Kevin Minter</span> being a free agent bust, <span>Vincent Rey</span> aging and going into the final year of his deal, and Vontaze Burfict being prone to miss games due to suspension or injury, the Bengals need to add another quality linebacker in free agency or the draft this year.</p>
<p id="LZVjMc">That in turn could put Evans’ roster spot in jeopardy for next season. He did show flashes of being a respectable player as a rookie, but not enough to assume his roster spot is safe in 2018. </p>
<p id="wfM5ez">Evans’ roster spot will be largely determined by if the Bengals re-sign Minter and if they spend a high pick on a linebacker this year. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/19/16995948/bengals-rookie-review-linebacker-jordan-evansJason Marcum2018-02-15T11:00:02-05:002018-02-15T11:00:02-05:00Bengals rookie review: Defensive back Brandon Wilson
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<figcaption>Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals didn’t get to see much of Brandon Wilson outside of special teams, so his roster status for 2018 has some uncertainty. </p> <p id="AlaJXd"><span>Brandon Wilson</span> was easily one of the more intriguing rookies to watch for the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> in 2017. </p>
<p id="eNa9ig">The Bengals love versatility, but they’d never had someone quite like Wilson. He’s also someone Cincinnati had to trade up to select in the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> with pick No. 207, moving up from pick No. 217 while trading the No. 227 pick in the process.</p>
<p id="dYfMAv">Even though it was a late-round pick, trading up to get Wilson showed the Bengals were high on the do-it-all defensive back from Houston. He’s one of only four players the team has ever traded up to select.</p>
<p id="LHnWc4">This pick actually came one year after the Bengals took fellow Houston cornerback <span>William Jackson</span> III in Round 1. With Jackson off to the NFL in 2016, Wilson stepped up as a starter during the 2016 season, racking up 43 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble. </p>
<p id="q3E7o5">Wilson played all over Houston’s defense, and he even spent some time at running back, too, especially as a junior. In 2016 on offense, Wilson record five receptions for 52 yards and four carries for six yards while seeing time as a running back in the Las Vegas Bowl. He also chipped in 21 kickoff returns for 510 yards (24.3 average) and even returned a missed field goal for a touchdown vs Oklahoma. </p>
<p id="k2Df3y">It was in 2015 when Wilson’s offensive ability was really on display. He accumulated 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 37 attempts (5.1 yards per carry average) and added six catches for 49 yards. </p>
<aside id="heM0cC"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bengals 2017 season awards: List of winners","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2018/2/13/16986514/bengals-2017-season-awards-list-of-winners"},{"title":"2018 Bengals cap casualty candidates: Cornerback Adam Jones","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/analysis/2018/2/13/16962238/2018-bengals-cap-casualty-candidates-cornerback-adam-jones"}]}'></div></aside><p id="yOWyz3">Some draft experts had Wilson projected to play running back in the NFL, but for 2017, he stuck to defensive back with the Bengals. He was listed as a safety for his entire rookie season, though we rarely got to see him in any capacity. That’s because a knee injury kept Wilson sidelined for most of the offseason workouts, then all of training camp and the first three preseason games. </p>
<p id="HjfVHI">Wilson was active in the fourth preseason game but didn’t log any statistics. He was waived during final roster cuts before being signed to the practice squad. Once injuries began hitting the Bengals’ defensive backfield, Wilson was called up to the 53-man roster and wound up being active in the final eight games, though he was used mostly on special teams and recorded five tackles. </p>
<p id="W735Gx">Now, Wilson will remain somewhat of an unknown going into the 2018 offseason. If he can stay healthy, he should get OTA reps at safety, cornerback and possibly running back. The Bengals do have <span>Brian Hill</span>, <span>Giovani Bernard</span> and <span>Joe Mixon</span> under contract next season, not to mention a pair of promising youngsters in <span>Jarveon Williams</span> and <span>Tra Carson</span>. </p>
<p id="yhdlwx">Then the Bengals are loaded at cornerback with <span>Darqueze Dennard</span>, <span>Adam Jones</span> (for now), William Jackson, <span>Dre Kirkpatrick</span>, <span>Josh Shaw</span> and Keivarae Russell. </p>
<p id="MUNT4c">That leaves Wilson’s best hopes of making the final roster will be as a backup safety again. <span>Clayton Fejedelem</span> was good enough in 2017 to secure his spot as the third safety, but Wilson has the inside track as that fourth safety for now. <span>Shaw</span> will likely continue to pull double duty as a safety and cornerback, but if the Bengals finally make him a full-time safety, that could be bad news for Wilson. </p>
<p id="2fFh7y">The Bengals have already cut Wilson once, so he’s far from assured of a roster spot next season, especially if he can’t stay healthy. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/15/16995802/bengals-rookie-review-defensive-back-brandon-wilsonJason Marcum2018-02-13T17:00:02-05:002018-02-13T17:00:02-05:00Bengals rookie review: Tight end Mason Schreck
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar/The Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Mason Schreck has a long way to go to have any hope of making the Bengals’ roster in 2018. </p> <p id="0AcW0Z">While the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> don’t have a pressing need at tight end, it will be one of the more intriguing positions to watch this offseason, and part of that is seeing if <span>Mason Schreck</span> has anything to offer. </p>
<p id="V6YenF">Despite having a full complement of tight ends on the roster, the Bengals still took another one in the 2017 draft. After all, injuries decimated that position throughout 2016, highlighted by <span>Tyler Eifert</span> missing eight games due to back and ankle injuries. <span>C.J. Uzomah</span> missed time due to a calf injury, while <span>Tyler Kroft</span> was sidelined for most of training camp and the preseason with a knee sprain.</p>
<p id="JMnljq">That was part of why the Bengals used their final draft selection on a tight end in 2016. The 251st-overall pick in Round 7, Schreck wasn’t projected as a draftable prospect by any major service, but he certainly had his moments in college.</p>
<p id="bQZh9S">Schreck was a productive pass-catcher in the MAC, earning all-conference honors last season after catching 59 passes for 651 yards and four touchdowns as a first-year starter. But putting up respectable numbers in the MAC is a whole different ballgame than the NFL, and it was painfully evident Schreck wasn’t ready for the pros.</p>
<aside id="3YvyqH"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Tyler Eifert willing to re-sign with Bengals if the price is right","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/1/22/16917136/tyler-eifert-willing-to-re-sign-with-bengals-if-the-price-is-right"},{"title":"Bengals may prioritize extension for Tyler Kroft over getting Tyler Eifert re-signed","url":"https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/1/18/16904582/bengals-may-prioritize-extension-tyler-kroft-tyler-eifert-nfl-rumors"}]}'></div></aside><p id="zRTOCx">Throughout training camp and the preseason, Schreck struggled just to catch on-target passes. He was also a poor blocker and had trouble getting himself open. He was so bad that there wasn’t any question he was getting cut going into final cuts, and there was doubt as to whether he’d even get a spot on the practice squad. He also caught just one pass for seven years in three preseason games. </p>
<p id="YXlXDn">Then, an MCL injury led to Schreck being placed on injured reserve following the third preseason game. That’s where he spent his entire rookie season, and now, he’s part of the 90-man offseason roster. </p>
<p id="3lkvw4">Going forward, Schreck will get a chance to compete for a backup tight end spot in 2018 if Tyler Eifert is allowed to leave in free agency. Even so, the Bengals still have <span>Tyler Kroft</span>, <span>C.J. Uzomah</span> and h-backs <span>Cethan Carter</span> and <span>Ryan Hewitt</span>. </p>
<p id="PU9YKp">That will make it hard for Schreck to earn a spot on the final roster, even if Eifert isn’t re-signed. But if Schreck can show enough improvement and continue developing on the practice squad, he could get a golden oppurtunity to make the roster in 2019. That’s when Kroft and Uzomah are currently slated to become free agents, though the Bengals are working to extend Kroft this year. </p>
<p id="YBGtCl">If Eifert is re-signed, I think it’s all but guaranteed Schreck won’t make the final roster in 2018. He just hasn’t shown anything to suggest he’s better than Kroft, C.J. Uzomah, Carter or Hewitt, so a spot on the practice squad appears to be Schreck’s best hope of remaining with the Bengals this year. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/nfldraft/2018/2/13/16995614/bengals-rookie-review-tight-end-mason-schreckJason Marcum2018-02-11T07:00:01-05:002018-02-11T07:00:01-05:00Carl Lawson is addicted to sacks and has nothing but respect for the Steelers
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<img alt="NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3O1-ZgIGrRyMDEsEasXesI5lMO0=/0x0:2921x1947/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58651169/usa_today_10466217.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a new interview, Carl Lawson talks about his respect for the Steelers, why he’s happy about the Bengals, and what he sees in his future.</p> <p id="QsMhO7">I recently had the opportunity to sit down with <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> rookie sensation <span>Carl Lawson</span> for an exclusive interview. </p>
<p id="OXsFBK">We discussed so much—his desire to improve as a run stopper, to break sack records, and his appreciation of numerous players in the NFL, including some (gasp) <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. </p>
<p id="qlrCkW">You can watch the interview here:</p>
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<p id="o6tPC0">Some things from the interview surprised me, because they didn’t reflect the losing mentality some have associated with the Bengals franchise. </p>
<p id="8uORJR">The first thing that stood out was that he wasn’t particularly angry toward or obsessed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He seemed not to care about the past—so focused was he on his own future success. </p>
<p id="hBdmeW">”I don’t have any negative feelings towards the Steelers,” he said. “The only have negative feelings towards the Steelers when we play, and that’s every other team that we play. I’ve never been a guy who just straight up hated different teams. I’ve always been a fan of different players around the league.”</p>
<p id="KP7Gcr">In fact, Carl Lawson has respect for Mike Tomlin and his staff. You heard me. Of course he does, and I do too, because they know how to win. </p>
<p id="kUIwm7">”I think Mike Tomlin and them, they’re great guys, a great staff,” Lawson said. “And I’m not really saying this because I’m a Steelers fan or anything. [Rather it’s that] I’ve always been a fan of players and the way organizations run themselves.”</p>
<p id="wFtwIp">Furthermore, Lawson admires decisions the Steelers have made, including the decision to cut a legendary player he looks up to, <span>James Harrison</span>.</p>
<p id="xet3MW">”I kinda understand the whole thing with James Harrison, because [the Steelers] are not a pass rushing defense,” Lawson said. “Their outside linebackers are more coverage and do-it-all kinda guys. So they don’t need those old school Steeler linebackers to come off the edge and create terror off the edge. They can create it through blitzes, disguises, and <span>Cameron Heyward</span> and those guys up front.”</p>
<p id="0uUMpK">The second thing I noticed is that, in a word, Carl Lawson is “determined.” </p>
<p id="CniOYA">For instance, he lost his teeth on an attempted sack of <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> quarterback DeShone Kizer. But that didn’t upset him at all. Rather, he was upset it affected his season stats. I’m so vain that I would’ve stopped the game to take care of my chompers. </p>
<p id="hFsVR8">But for Lawson, winning comes before everything else.</p>
<p id="PgMstO">“I was really mad because they took away a sack/forced fumble,” Lawson said. “They didn’t want to challenge it because it was fourth and ten. My teeth, I know I can get those back, but you can’t get that sack back.” </p>
<p id="v4Tx3r">So what about the much-hyped Bengals rookie sack record held by his teammate, <span>Carlos Dunlap</span>? </p>
<p id="rQAKLo">While walking out of his gym like a cowboy who just wrestled a cow-eater into submission, Lawson told us that the Bengals rookie sack record means nothing to him, because he has his eyes set on the big prize: the NFL sack record. </p>
<p id="kkEIlc">“I didn’t care about the Bengals rookie record,” he said. “The record I care about is either a franchise record or an all-time sack record. Those are the only two I’m chasing.”</p>
<p id="NL543C">Now that’s the attitude we need from our young players.</p>
<p id="Y8aVMh">Lawson isn’t upset about anything, not even the fact that the Steelers passed over him in the first round or that just about every team (including the Bengals) passed over him about three times, as he was drafted with the 116th pick overall. Instead, his attitude is that he’s currently on a team that will help him succeed.</p>
<p id="0dsGIy">“I am happy to be drafted by the Bengals, because they rush their edge rushers,” he said. </p>
<p id="NFdbmy">Clearly his emotional interior is as muscular as his physique.</p>
<p id="7ofii0">So. will Lawson’s immense talent and winning attitude put the Bengals over the top the way <span>Von Miller</span> led the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> to a championship? </p>
<p id="6gmyUD">That might be asking too much, but if the entire team has this attitude, I promise you Cincinnati will be a contender every year without fail.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/2/11/16992400/carl-lawson-is-addicted-to-sacks-and-has-nothing-respect-steelersDr. Hodgie E. Smodgie2018-01-15T07:00:02-05:002018-01-15T07:00:02-05:002017 Bengals draft class year in review
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-feBHQI0lMkfr2V5v48B98ZNuv8=/79x0:4869x3193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58325059/usa_today_10316448.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Everything you needed to know about the many faces and journeys of the Bengals 2017 rookie class.</p> <p id="FkFoDs">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> exited the 2017 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> with the most drafted players in the league, 11 to be exact. Eight of those 11 ended up suiting up and playing for Cincinnati in their rookie year, including several players that were signed as college free agents. Here’s our final rookie report, going over in detail how every rookie fared in 2017.</p>
<h1 id="1l1XOb">
<span><strong>John Ross</strong></span><strong>, WR - 1st Round, 9th overall </strong>
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<h2 id="nk0O53"><strong>17 offensive snaps, 1.77% of total offensive snaps</strong></h2>
<p id="wzYz2l">Who? </p>
<p id="9fS2kb">The Bengals made one of the biggest splashes of the first round of the draft last year in choosing the fastest player ever to enter the draft. But no player with their name called so early last April was doomed to underwhelm from the start as much as Ross was this year. The only thing worse than a highly-invested first-year draft pick playing poorly, is not playing at all. Availability is <em>the </em>best ability, and that was Ross’s first issue.</p>
<p id="HPcpQh">Healing from a torn labrum he suffered during the combine, Ross missed most of the team’s offseason work, but managed to get medically cleared for the team’s third preseason game and played. A few days later, he left the fourth preseason game early due to a mid-game knee injury and missed Week 1 of the regular season as a result. He returned to the field four days later for Week 2 against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> for just one play:</p>
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<p id="whhHf6">That would be the last we would see of Ross until Week 7 against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>. He was held out of practice with that same nagging knee injury until after their Week 6 matchup against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>. He was on the field for a mere six snaps against Indianapolis, didn’t dress at all against the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> in Week 8, and returned to the field in Week 9 against the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>, for again, only six snaps. </p>
<p id="9XKe9l">This began the negligence of Ross from not only the offense, but from the dress list entirely. Reports from the team and head coach <span>Marvin Lewis</span> claimed he was too far behind everyone else because of his injuries and simply wasn’t ready to contribute <s>to an offense that would finish amongst the worst in the league.</s> Ross would end up being placed on injured reserve for an injury on the opposite shoulder that was hurt earlier in the year. Ross, according to Lewis, admitted to hiding the injury in hopes of playing, and later came clean, which resulted in his season being over, as if it started anyways. </p>
<p id="XC5DER">History doesn’t bode well for receivers drafted as high as Ross who don’t produce in their first year. The 2018 offseason is going to be the most important stretch of months in Ross’s career if he is going to establish himself in Bill Lazor’s offense and become an outlier. </p>
<h1 id="Isnsmw">
<span>Joe Mixon</span>, RB - 2nd Round, 48th overall </h1>
<h2 id="rUdhIi">384 offensive snaps, 39.92% of total offensive snaps</h2>
<h3 id="j6jlTZ">15 special teams snaps, 3.33% of total special teams snaps</h3>
<p id="wUN0V0">While Ross may’ve been the surprise pick for the Bengals, the writing was all over the wall for their second-round pick.</p>
<p id="0XCGWB">No team did more due diligence on the talented running back with a troubling past from Oklahoma than Cincinnati. As you may remember, Bengals running backs coach Kyle Caskey spent almost a week with Mixon well before late April. </p>
<p id="MRAcfv">They were so infatuated with Mixon’s talent, and affirmed their unwavering confidence that he wouldn’t revert to his past mistakes off the field. After all the vetting and character evaluating, the Bengals still ended up trading down seven spots in the second round before eventually making him the next Bengal.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/0yiYHfmVwc">pic.twitter.com/0yiYHfmVwc</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/922569180192239617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a>
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<p id="Mb7olA">Predictably, Mixon wasn’t immediately the lead back ahead of <span>Jeremy Hill</span> and Giovani Bernard. Mixon rushed for just nine yards on eight carries in his debut against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> in Week 1, and received only one more carry against the Texans days later.</p>
<p id="CSeYjj">Offensive Coordinator Ken Zampese was fired after the offense failed to score a touchdown in its first two games, and Lazor took over. From Week 3 on, Mixon was leading the way in opportunity, but efficient production from the 21 year old was still hard to come by. </p>
<p id="Pwcn8Q">All season long, Mixon was forced to constantly create yards on his own, getting little to no help from his offensive line. At the midway point of the season, Mixon was averaging less than three yards per carry, and every week you could see why.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/6Qz5fBExmu">pic.twitter.com/6Qz5fBExmu</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/915001981281931264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2017</a>
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<p id="oKmv1U">A big reason behind Mixon’s struggles was not just the offensive line’s deficiencies, but their obstinacy to feed him carries out of the I formation, something he never did in college. By season’s end, Mixon rushed for 345 yards on 110 carries (3.1 average) with quarterback <span>Andy Dalton</span> taking the snap from under center. He accumulated 281 yards on 68 carries (4.1 average) when taking the handoff from Dalton in shotgun formation. </p>
<p id="lHaN67">Late in the season, when Lazor starting using Mixon in the shotgun more, we saw some of the ability that popped up every 10 seconds in his college tape. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing on nearly five yards per carry for the first time in his career against Cleveland in Week 12, and averaged at least four yards per carry in every game he played after that. </p>
<p id="PU3eiz">Mixon was concussed in their Week 13 game against Pittsburgh and missed the following two games as a result, but finished strong against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> and Ravens. His raw season totals don’t look sexy on the surface, but knowing the context, there’s no reason why Mixon should shoulder blame. He has the trust of the staff and his teammates, he’ll be fine going forward. </p>
<h1 id="GYvlUm">
<span>Jordan Willis</span>, DE - 3rd round, 73rd overall </h1>
<h2 id="jMlwvB">360 defensive snaps, 31.41% of total defensive snaps</h2>
<h3 id="K3bum0">136 special teams snaps, 30.22% of total special teams snaps</h3>
<p id="BvlAnD">A relatively unknown Big 12 pass rusher to most of the draft community leading up to the combine, Willis made sure everyone knew who he was when he left Indianapolis, posting top times and jumps for all edge rushers. </p>
<p id="WkocBK">Still, many were skeptical about Willis’s inconsistencies on tape, and didn’t quite see the athleticism in pads like they saw in compression gear. That doubt crept into the draft that saw Willis drop to the top of the third round, where the Bengals scooped him up. </p>
<p id="jDjuAI">For the most part, the pre-draft buzz about Willis was correct. The athletic, yet raw, defensive end had issues winning against NFL tackles on the right and left side. His lack of a consistent get-off and any inside counter move led to issues with his speed rush. Where he was effective was defending the run. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/YTwjvBGHo6">pic.twitter.com/YTwjvBGHo6</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/950473452472938498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a>
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<p id="GEai5D">Used predominantly in their base packages on first and second down, Willis was consistent in setting the edge, and displayed nuanced technique. A couple plays a week you could find him playing with hands above his eyes, and resetting the line of scrimmage at the point of attack. </p>
<p id="Kmzi9i">Willis is already a solid run defender with a constant motor, it’s up to defensive line coach Jacob Burney and new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to get the most out of him as a pass rusher in a pivotal sophomore year. </p>
<h1 id="f6QoVk">
<span>Carl Lawson</span>, LB - 4th Round, 116th overall </h1>
<h2 id="uV8o2c">477 defensive snaps, 41.62% of total defensive snaps</h2>
<h3 id="aN0HLl">155 special teams snaps, 34.44% of total special teams snaps</h3>
<p id="4GU3sV">The golden boy of the Bengals draft class did not disappoint in his rookie season. Following a surprise descent to day three of the draft, the top name on the Bengals big board in the fourth-round came in with high expectations. After all, the former five-star recruit was one of, if not the most, technically sound edge rusher in the entire draft class. </p>
<p id="294lxW">So when there were reports from OTAs in the spring about Lawson practicing at off-ball linebacker, a level of uncertainty surrounded Lawson’s usage. Those were completely snuffed out in the preseason where Lawson first flashed as a pass rush specialist coming off the right side. Much like Mixon, he was limited in the first two games. But he made his first imprint in Week 3 against Green Bay:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/Vg2WJtCnx2">pic.twitter.com/Vg2WJtCnx2</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/950489031569235968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a>
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<p id="LqWS71">With starting left tackle <span>David Bakhtiari</span> out, Lawson took advantage of the mismatch against backup <span>Kyle Murphy</span> and recorded his first two-and-a-half sacks of his career that afternoon in Lambeau Field. Five-and-a-half sacks followed throughout the year and Lawson finished first among all rookies in sacks, and ended up with only one less sack than team-leader Geno Atkins. He didn’t end up breaking Carlos Dunlap’s rookie sack record, but he showed the refined hand placement and timing that all great pass rushers have, and he’s just 22 years old. </p>
<p id="TNlExV">In that way, he’s the opposite of Willis, who has the upper tier athleticism and length that makes him a sound edge-setter in run defense, where Lawson has his limitations and still needs work. But in back to back middle-round picks, the Bengals successfully supplemented the snaps lost due to <span>Will Clarke</span>, <span>Wallace Gilberry</span> and Margus Hunt’s departures and added on quality production as well. I’d call that a success. </p>
<h1 id="WMfEF8">
<span>Josh Malone</span>, WR - 4th Round, 128th overall</h1>
<h2 id="sV7fvy">247 offensive snaps (25.68% of total defensive snaps)</h2>
<h3 id="CezNWb">23 special teams snaps (5.11% of total special teams snaps)</h3>
<p id="n8iv8l">It wasn’t a great year for the other Bengals rookie receiver. Selected with the pick the Bengals received in trading back with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> to acquire Mixon, Malone was revered as another day two prospect that fell into the fourth-round. </p>
<p id="pZezST">Not much was expected of Malone, the youngest member of the Bengals receiving corps, but was called upon when injuries hit Ross and <span>Tyler Boyd</span> after the Week 6 bye. Malone made his debut in Week 7 against the Steelers. A week later, he caught his first pass, which happened to be his first touchdown too:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/D0CdhtzzNK">pic.twitter.com/D0CdhtzzNK</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/925164391074619392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a>
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<p id="2xDBVd">Malone and Dalton managed to connect only five times on 14 targets the entire rest of the season after that touchdown, though Malone’s snaps remained stable up until the finals two games of the season. </p>
<p id="qNfb41">Wide receiver is the one position on the team that is expected to have no turnover, as all seven on the roster are all under contract. Malone has a chance to use the playing time he earned this year to keep <span>Cody Core</span> in the rearview mirror. </p>
<h1 id="6L26kh">
<span>Ryan Glasgow</span>, DT - 4th Round, 138th overall </h1>
<h2 id="Ddzppp">412 defensive snaps (35.95% of total defensive snaps)</h2>
<h3 id="pFLuq9">170 special teams snaps (37.78% of total special teams snaps)</h3>
<p id="YoLY1k">Glasgow was the third defensive tackle in three years taken by the Bengals in the fourth-round, and was tasked to take on the major snaps all throughout the season. In college, he was a one-gap plug in run defense that didn’t offer much as a pass rusher, which is exactly how he played this year. </p>
<p id="iUJDs3">Like Andrew Billings, there were times where he was blown off the ball due to late hands or sloppy feet, but the flashes he showed were encouraging enough to keep him in as opposed to the veteran <span>Pat Sims</span>.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/DhiySOcPYi">pic.twitter.com/DhiySOcPYi</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/922602813162774528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a>
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<p id="lxHWGE">Glasgow is solid piece infused in a defensive line that experienced so much turnover, but his presence should not make the Bengals shy away from adding a legitimate passing rushing threat behind Geno Atkins. Glasgow and Billings should be the two nose tackles to make the roster next year.</p>
<h1 id="LHXNl3">
<span>Brian Hill</span>, RB - 5th Round, 156th overall</h1>
<h2 id="c3omIn">19 offensive snaps (1.98% of total offensive snaps)</h2>
<h3 id="RuQSr4">111 special teams snaps (24.67% of total special teams snaps)</h3>
<p id="OSWI5c">If I told you Brian hill would play more for the Bengals this season than John Ross, you would’ve laughed at me. Hill wasn’t drafted by the Bengals, but was claimed off the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> practice squad when Jeremy Hill when on injured reserve in the middle of the season. He didn’t see many opportunities on offense, but flashed when he got the ball. He likely has an inside track to be the team’s third back going into next year.</p>
<h1 id="EA0HD2">
<span>Jordan Evans</span>, LB - 6th Round, 193rd overall</h1>
<h2 id="a7ygN0">311 defensive snaps (27.14% of total defensive snaps)</h2>
<h3 id="93r6ZI">246 special teams snaps (54.67% of total special teams snaps)</h3>
<p id="eZeMBV">No position group for the Bengals (except maybe safety) experienced more turmoil this season than the linebackers. Vontaze Burfict’s suspension in the beginning of the season along with inconsistent health, Kevin Minter’s regression, and Nick Vigil’s season-ending injury all impacted the performance of the defense. Evans was asked to play significant snaps in the back-half of the season, and struggled mightily early on, specifically in coverage. </p>
<p id="VagIU5">Athleticism wasn’t the issue, the game simply looked too fast for Evans, who was picked on frequently. But the defense didn’t have much of a choice and was forced to keep him out there. As the season winded down, Evans started to look comfortable and let his instincts take over, something that wouldn’t have happened if he was benched. He looks like a serviceable spot starter and vital special teamer moving forward.</p>
<h1 id="1Oow0Q">
<span>Brandon Wilson</span>, DB - 6th Round, 207th overall pick</h1>
<h2 id="gnpbaE">133 special teams snaps (29.56% of total special teams snaps)</h2>
<p id="AZYCug">The first player the Bengals traded up for since <span>Russell Bodine</span> happened to be a two-way player from Houston. Wilson missed most of the season with a knee injury he was still recovering from in the offseason. When he was finally cleared to play, he immediately became a valuable asset on special teams, something the Bengals lacked with <span>Cedric Peerman</span> out for the year. Expect the same going forward. </p>
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<h1 id="BNpKyt">Undrafted contributors</h1>
<p id="busqca"><span><strong>Cethan Carter</strong></span> and <span><strong>Hardy Nickerson</strong></span> were the Bengals’ most played undrafted rookies, as both eclipsed 60% of the team’s total special teams’ snaps. Nickerson was thrusted into the starting MIKE linebacker, but looked unfit in the role. Both players made the opening day roster and stuck with the team in some capacity for all 17 weeks, which is admirable. <span><strong>Brandon Bell</strong></span>,<strong> </strong><span><strong>Kent Perkins</strong></span>,<strong> </strong><span><strong>Josh Tupou</strong></span><strong> </strong>and<strong> Jarveon Williams </strong>were all called up from the practice squad at some point during the season and were emergency backups late in the season. Bell and Tupou both saw meaningful snaps in separate games, while Perkins and Williams combined for just seven non-special teams snaps.</p>
<p id="FTXZOd">Omitted from this were both fifth-round picks <span>Jake Elliott</span> and <span>J.J. Dielman</span>, who never made the final roster and ended up on different teams. Seventh round pick Mason Schreck was kept on the practice squad all season long as well.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2018/1/15/16863648/2017-cincinnati-bengals-2017-nfl-draft-class-year-in-reviewJohn Sheeran