When your favorite team takes four weeks to secure their first victory, September likely wasn’t great for you—especially if that win was a messy one against a team expected to struggle.
While the Bengals have bounced back from slow starts in the past (0-2 to 12-4 in 2022 and 0-2 to 9-8 in 2023), starting 0-3 is uncharted territory for Joe Burrow. His worst beginning was his rookie season, where they managed an 0-2-1 record instead. After a crucial win in another Queen City, they now need to return home to defend the Jungle against a tough Ravens team that recently dominated the Buffalo Bills on national television.
Despite a disappointing September for Bengals fans, there’s a silver lining: the rookie class has shown promise. While it’s still early, the 2024 draft picks have made a strong impression over the past month, and several look set to be key players moving forward.
Here are five rookies who are making Cincinnati’s front office proud for selecting them.
Amarius Mims, Offensive tackle
The front office has struggled with its track record in selecting players for the trenches. Names like Billy Price, Tyler Shelvin, Zach Carter, Michael Jordan (not the basketball player), and Jonah Williams highlight this issue when recalling their offensive and defensive line drafts. However, after Burrow faced a second season-ending injury in his young career, it became evident that they needed to focus on making successful picks, particularly for the offensive line.
We’re only one start into the Amarius Mims project, but already it looks to be a good one. The Panthers don’t have a top-tier D-Line, but they still have some notable players like Jadeveon Clowney, who Amarius Mims held up against pretty well. Did he make a few mistakes? Sure, but it was his first start, and he still had more moments where he looked like a veteran rather than a rookie.
If Mims can stay healthy, which was the biggest concern about him coming out of Georgia, and the main reason he fell to Cincinnati in the draft — he might just be the young franchise tackle the Bengals have been looking for.
Kris Jenkins Jr., Defensive tackle
Kris Jenkins Jr. is another draft pick that could change perceptions of how effectively Cincinnati’s front office scouts talent for the trenches. In Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, Jenkins made several key plays that were crucial in securing Cincy’s first win of the season. His standout moment came during the game’s opening drive, where he stopped running back Chuba Hubbard on a critical fourth down at the goal line. He also managed to deflect an Andy Dalton pass later, contributing to an incompletion.
Despite playing with a club on his hand, the former Wolverine performed well against Carolina and has shown a lot of potential this season. Given the struggles and injuries affecting the defensive line, Jenkins’ increased playing time has been a silver lining. With these injuries, we can expect to see much more of Jenkins in the games to come.
Erick All Jr., Tight end
Injuries led to the Bengals being able to snatch Iowa tight end Erick All Jr. in the fourth round, and it could prove to be one of the best steals they’ve made in the draft in a while. All has the the talent, tools, and intelligence to be a franchise tight end for the Bengals — so long as he stays healthy — and he’s shown that through his first month of play.
After minimal playing time in Week 1 against New England, the former Hawkeye has increased his presence on the field and logged more snaps than any other tight end on the roster in Week 4. He has made the most of these opportunities, not only proving to be a highly reliable pass-catcher—having caught all twelve of his targets this season but also demonstrating strong blocking skills, which is precisely what you want from a tight end.
After minimal playing time in Week 1 against New England, the former Hawkeye has increased his presence on the field and logged more snaps than any other tight end on the roster in Week 4. He has made the most of these opportunities, not only proving to be a highly reliable pass-catcher—having caught all twelve of his targets this season but also demonstrating strong blocking skills, which is precisely what you want from a tight end.
Daijahn Anthony, Safety
One key lesson for rookies is that mistakes are inevitable; it’s part of football and being human. Anthony learned this quickly during just his second NFL game when he committed a costly pass interference penalty that allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to set up for the game-winning kick. Fortunately, having experienced veterans on the team helps these rookies navigate their missteps.
In Week 4, Daijahn made a significant impact with one crucial play. On fourth down midway through the third quarter, the Panthers, deep in their own territory at the 34-yard line, opted for a fake punt to keep their drive alive. Punter Johnny Hekker threw a precise pass to tight end Feleipe Franks, which would have resulted in a critical first down.
However, Anthony intervened, making a play on the ball that resulted in an incompletion and gave the offense excellent field position. While it was just one play, it was a pivotal moment that could have meant the difference between the Bengals finishing 1-3 or facing an almost impossible 0-4 record.
Ryan Rehkow, Punter
While the 2024 draft class is shaping up to be a good one for the Bengals, their best rookie has arguably been an undrafted free agent. Punter Ryan Rehkow has been nothing short of incredible and a blessing for a team that has struggled with punting in recent seasons.
Even an average punter would have been a welcome addition, but Rehkow has exceeded expectations for Cincinnati. With Brad Robbins being waived, it’s evident the team has confidence in him. Just how effective has he been? He’s currently leading the league in yards per punt. The ability to flip the field is crucial in the NFL, and Rehkow certainly has that skill.
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