On a team that returns almost all of its starters, there wasn't much of an immediate need for this year's Bengals draft class to make immediate contributions. But based on their play in the preseason, there are three who could be seeing lots of playing time when the regular season begins on Sept. 12 at New England.
While first-round pick Jermaine Gresham is expected to be the starting tight end, third-round selection Jordan Shipley is seeing action with the first team as the slot receiver and fourth-round pick Geno Atkins is making a push at defensive tackle.
"They continue to be put in position to make plays and they respond," coach Marvin Lewis said. "That's what's so fun about coming and playing these games. These guys get excited coming out here and having a crowd watching them play against other people. To see them do it is what counts, and it's real."
Besides being used in a variety of receiving spots, Gresham continues to improve as a blocker, even when lined up at fullback, and he is gaining more of quarterback Carson Palmer's confidence.
Said Palmer of Gresham: "It's a difficult position and we ask a lot of him - a lot of formation moving, hot routes, a lot of deep routes and some shallow routes. You love his desire to be great, and his desire to be great now. I keep telling him to be patient. Let things come to you. He's going to be our X-factor and that's what we need him to be. I just love his attitude and work ethic and how he goes about his work."
As for Shipley, Palmer said, "He's another guy like Jermaine. We're going to see what's too much for him. If he's doing a good job with things, then we'll put more things in for him."
Atkins continues to be one of the biggest surprises of camp. He has shown that he is a better run stopper than projected.
"I just try to get up there when it's a nickel down or third-and-long," Atkins said. "I try to get up there, cause havoc, try to make the quarterback make a bad decision and make a big play for the team."
Second-round pick defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who missed a week of training camp due to a concussion, is also gaining momentum.
Seventh-round pick Reggie Stephens has moved into the backup center spot following his impressive play in the 33-24 win over Denver on Aug. 15. Stephens saw some time with the first-team offense after an ankle injury sidelined Kyle Cook and he was able to hold his own while in there with the starters.