Bengals' late-round pick keeps rising up depth chart at training camp

It really feels like the Cincinnati Bengals hit on an A+ draft class this year.

Some of that has much to do with the performances of rookies drafted in the fifth round and beyond.

Fifth-rounder Josh Newton has put on a show at cornerback. Tight end Tanner McLachlan, taken in the sxith round, might just have a shot at the final roster. And seventh-round safety Daijahn Anthony has been one of the breakout players of camp.

And now it’s seventh-round pick Matt Lee’s turn.

The center out of Miami (Fla) impressed in his first preseason action and has now been promoted to the second team during camp practices.

Meaning, Lee already getting work with Jake Browning and the second team could say much about his final 53-man roster chances. He’s certainly got the early looks of a player who can push someone like Trey Hill for a spot.

And really, it’s not all that surprising. The Bengals had considered Lee as early as the fifth round. At the time of the pick, we had considered him a major steal in the seventh.

If nothing else, the quick rise of Lee is an affirmation of what many saw when the Bengals made the pick. And if things keep trending in this direction, he could very well be the center of the future when the team turns its eyes to life after Ted Karras.