Bengals' preseason PFF grades feature key names on the rise

The Cincinnati Bengals got some huge performances from key pieces of the long-term future during the preseason opener.

That much the eye test showed as a certain undrafted free-agent linebacker seemed to earn a 53-man roster spot. Fellow rookie Josh Newton was all over the field, too, while Dax Hill looked great in his position change to cornerback.

Those were big deals for the defense, to say the least. Maema Njongmeta emerging in such a big way only improved linebacker depth behind the big names. And the team is counting on Newton to be the future in the slot, if possible.

As for Hill, a former first-rounder figuring it out at a different, premium position would be an incredible turn of evens that helps keep the contention window open.

And the grades from Pro Football Focus reflected these superb showings, too: