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Bengals rookie report card after training camp and preseason

By Chris Roling

Bengals rookie report card after training camp and preseason

The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up the preseason and even got a head start on final roster cuts before most of the league this year.

At the end of training camp and those three exhibitions, the early returns suggest the Bengals made out incredibly well over the course of their 10 picks in the the draft this year.

It doesn't just feel like the usual summer hype, either -- there are multiple players taken after the fifth round who should end up making the final roster.

So, while we wait for final cuts to roll in, here is a quick look at a rookie report card for each pick.

Round 1: OT Amarius Mims

It's a shame about the injury. Mims used the absence of Trent Brown to seemingly steal the starting job at right tackle. There's still a timeline where he turns out as the best right tackle in the class, if not outright. But the concerns about staying on the field have already come true, which hurts the grade.

Grade: B

Round 2: DL Kris Jenkins

So far, so good for Jenkins. He hit on the expected rookie struggles, especially stumbling in that first preseason game before evening out. He should still be a big help in replacing DJ Reader via committee.

Grade: B

Round 3: WR Jermaine Burton

Burton has been lights out against fourth-stringers in preseason games. But he's also been playing against fourth-stringers for a reason. The flashes are No. 1 wideout worthy, but until he gets his head around whatever it is Joe Burrow and coaches want him to, the highlights don't mean much because he won't be on the field.

Grade: C

Round 3: DL McKinnley Jackson

Jackson seemed to have similar ups and downs as Jenkins before an injury. This grade is almost an incomplete.

Grade: C

Round 4: TE Erick All

All seemed to get back from injury earlier than anticipated, which has made the cut-down process at the position messy -- which is a good thing. He's got the No. 1 TE potential if he can stay healthy and has already seemed to carve out a role for himself in two tight-end sets.

Grade: B

Round 5: CB Josh Newton

On paper, Newton looked like he might be the long-term replacement for Mike Hilton. He's both lived up to that in flashes, but also had some major stumbles. Corner is a pretty tough pro transition, so it's reasonable to expect he keeps improving, though.

Grade: B

Round 6: TE Tanner McLachlan

When McLachlan is on the field, it's hard to miss. He's a big, do-it-all type who might have pushed Tanner Hudson out of a job this summer.

Grade: B

Round 6: DE Cedric Johnson

Does Johnson make the final roster without Cam Sample going down for the year and Jeff Gunter retiring, to name a few of the issues on the edge this summer? Maybe not, but his flashes in preseason action would have earned him serious attention either way.

Grade: B

Round 7: S Daijahn Anthony

Anthony had the first interception of training camp, the first interception of Joe Burrow and then some more, then played through a fractured nose in the preseason and made plays. He's forced himself onto the roster and has a bright future.

Grade: A

Round 7: Matt Lee

Hailed as a sleeper value pick by fans and media, Lee has lived up to that this summer by looking good in camp and games, while also earning praise from teammates and coaches. He's likely knocked Trey Hill off the roster as the primary backup.

Grade: A

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