Rookie report: Bengals first-year players standing out in training camp

Cincinnati Bengals rookies will play key roles on a team that hopes to contend in 2024.

That said, not every one of the 10 draft picks projects to make the final roster — and that’s before taking into account undrafted free agents. Only a handful outright will get a chance actually to contribute in those key roles.

These rookies have stood out the most so far and put themselves in a spot to make an impact.

OT Amarius Mims: The sheer size of the first-rounder shows up even against pros. He’s getting first-team reps still with Trent Brown out and is holding up well. Brown is good enough that he’s still the favorite to be the Day 1 starter, but these reps are invaluable for Mims and he should be ready if needed.

WR Jermaine Burton: The slept-on wideout is a — in a word — star. He’s making plays all over the place, either in the slot or out on the boundary. He’s making catches in traffic, making acrobatic, twisting highlights and developing a good rapport with Joe Burrow.

S Daijahn Anthony: Talk about a huge camp for the seventh-round pick. Anthony caught the first interception of training camp, then was the first to pick off Joe Burrow on Thursday. He’s got a nose for the football and if he keeps this up, might not have any problems making the final roster.