The Cincinnati Bengals had some notable standout players over a handful of days at mandatory minicamp this week.
Some were expected, like Joe Burrow and his star wideouts such as Ja’Marr Chase looking good.
We won’t focus on those here. Rather, we’ll look at some unexpected and lesser-known names who put on good showings and put themselves in a good position ahead of training camp.
WR Jermaine Burton
How about the turnaround story for Burton? He’s said and done the right things and big names like Burrow have said the right things about him, too. He looked good while working on the field itself, too. Not good enough to suddenly supplant Andrei Iosvias behind the two big receivers, but it’s a nice thing to see him starting to reach toward some of that high-upside potential.
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DE Cam Sample
Sample is on his way back from the torn achilles that he suffered last season and again looks like a guy who could have a rotational role along the defensive line. The Bengals desperately need him to step up with Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson holding out and Myles Murphy a question mark.
DL TJ Slaton
While BJ Hill is very much still around on his new deal, it’s free-agent arrival TJ Slaton who has been taking a notable leadership role for the Bengals in minicamp. He’s a key guy to watch for the unit, so it’s a good thing he’s already seeming like a guy who has been around for years.
LB Demetrius Knight
While the Germaine Pratt thing has been a distraction, Knight has looked laser-focused on proving the Bengals made the right choice with him in the second round. He’s already looking like a natural next to Logan Wilson and appears well on his way to a big starting role.
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