Bengals Training Camp Takeaways: High Expectations for O-Line, Rookie Updates and Freaks at Wide Receiver

Albert Breer called Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aliens. I'll go with freaks. 

The Bengals star wide receivers are playing fast, strong, explosive and should have their best season yet. Veteran Tyler Boyd has also had a good camp. 

There's no reason why this trio shouldn't be the best in football. 

Chase and Higgins look ready to take a major step forward in their careers.

For Higgins, that means establishing himself as a true elite wide-out. Chase has a chance to be the best wide receiver in the league this season. 

Even with Burrow out, both guys have made big plays daily against a young, but talented Bengals secondary. 

Trenton Irwin has also had a good camp and will likely remain the fourth receiver on the team. Rookies Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas have also flashed their potential. 

Look for Jones to solidify himself as Boyd's backup in the slot. Meanwhile, Iosivas has flashed his potential, but is still working to refine his game. He's grown a lot since the draft and has the talent to be a factor on offense at some point. 

The Bengals' offensive line has been a weakness for the past seven years. That could [and should] change this season. 

The quartet of Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa should give Cincinnati's offensive line a high floor. 

The competition between Jonah Williams and Jackson Carman has continued throughout camp. Williams clearly has the lead at this point. 

Carman has had some quality reps, but the 25-year-old had the edge coming into camp and has outplayed his teammate through the first six sessions. 

They'll continue to rotate (for now), but assuming Williams wins the starting job, the Bengals should have the best offensive line they've had [by far] since Joe Burrow was drafted in 2020.

The Bengals first round pick has been a topic of discussion since the start of camp. Cincinnati took him with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he joins a deep defensive end room. 

What will his role be this season? 

Murphy has lined up at edge so far, but with Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai firmly ahead of him in the rotation, he could kick inside to bolster the Bengals' depth at defensive tackle. 

The Bengals have done this in the past with guys like Cam Sample and Khalid Kareem. 

Murphy is going to get snaps at tackle and end this season, even if they Bengals are taking it slow with their first round pick.  

Other Rookies

DJ Turner II has been the best rookie through the first six practices. He hasn't been perfect, but his speed, agility and explosiveness have translated to the NFL. Turner is also great at tracking the ball while it's in the air and doesn't panic when a receiver has a step on him deep downfield.

DJ Ivey is another rookie cornerback that has impressed. If his stellar play continues throughout camp, there's no reason why he can't earn a spot on the roster, despite being a seventh round pick (246th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

There have been plenty of questions about safety Jordan Battle. He's getting plenty of reps behind Dax Hill and Nick Scott, but Lou Anarumo clearly wants both Hill and Scott to get familiar with each other. The duo is a safe bet to be the Bengals' starting safeties Week 1 against the Browns.

Jake Browning could have the edge in the battle to be the Bengals' backup quarterback. 

He's taken more reps with the starting unit since Joe Burrow went down and has played relatively well. It's worth noting that Trevor Siemian will get to show what he can do with Chase, Higgins and company on Thursday and Friday. 

Both quarterbacks struggled on Tuesday, but that was following a quality Monday practice that was filled with on-target throws. 

This competition is just getting started, but Siemian might've lost some ground after being considered the favorite for the backup job going into camp.

Backup Running Back

With Trayveon Williams (ankle) expected to miss a few weeks, there's added pressure on Chase Brown and Chris Evans to show they can be reliable pass protectors. 

The Bengals are hoping that someone emerges in that room with Joe Mixon set to be the lead back. Williams was the favorite, but now the door is open for Brown and Evans. 

Surprise at Tight End?

Tight end Tanner Hudson has made some nice catches and could be in the mix for a roster spot. 

He's appeared in 33 NFL games and has had an impressive camp. If he can prove to be a reliable blocker, then it could give him the edge over Devin Asiasi. 

Irv Smith Jr. and Drew Sample are roster locks, but the third tight end spot could be up for grabs, especially with Mitch Wilcox on the PUP list. 

Impressive Start For Money Mac

Evan McPherson looks as strong and as accurate as we've seen since he was drafted in 2021. He booted a 65-yard field goal on Back Together Saturday after missing a 67-yard attempt to end practice. 

"Money Mac" had a great rookie campaign and a solid second season, but this could be his best year yet.