CINCINNATI — A rookie can always use the advice of a veteran in the NFL.
That’s why Zac Taylor told his rookies at the end of practice last Friday to learn the roster, learn their fellow teammates in their position group and lean on the veterans who know what to expect when preparing for an NFL season.
Amarius Mims was listening last week and the first-round pick of the Bengals had the advantage of being around several veteran offensive linemen this week who were only too willing to lend a hand or voice.
Starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was one of those voices in the ear of Mims, who – with the absence of Trent Brown at voluntary practice – was taking first team reps at right tackle Tuesday.
“I wasn’t a first-round pick but in a similar situation as a young player,” said Brown, who was taken in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. “I knew that, at some point, they were going to have to count on me as a rookie and I had to be prepared for the moment and so, I’m just trying to give as much knowledge and information as I can for his fundamentals and and his scheme.”
Brown knows there’s technique to be learned at the next level for a college tackle who’s only had eight starts and played in 21 games over his final two seasons at Georgia. But there’s also mentoring a young pro who will be going up against elite NFL defensive linemen.
“All of it man, honestly, covering all bases because it’s hard in this league to play tackle,” Brown said. “It’s hard to even get an opportunity to play tackle man. It’s hard to be successful, let alone be great and so just trying to give him all the tools that he needs, as much advice as I can give him so that he can come out here and be consistent.”
Orlando Brown Jr. likes what he’s seen so far in Amarius Mims, and how he takes tutoring pic.twitter.com/eZily49ZTQ
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 14, 2024
About those listening skills, Brown has already been impressed. Brown is excited to see how offensive line coach Frank Pollack will be able to improve his skills and adapt Mims’ skills to the NFL game.
“That’s the reason they picked him at 18. He’s got a ton of potential,” Brown said. “He loves the game, he’s got a ton of energy. He’s a great listener and obviously, Frank’s been doing an amazing job with him as well since they drafted him. I know (Pollack has) been having a ton of 1-on-1 meetings with him. He’s been great on the field, listening and getting better each and every day.
“Just really covering all bases because it’s hard to play tackle in this league and I think he understands that. He he wants to be great. He understands the the situation, and he knows that we’re going to have to count on him at some point.”
Ted Karras works on technique while Orlando Brown Jr. tutors rookie Amarius Mims pic.twitter.com/4KvbiJItws
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 14, 2024
This and That:
Burrow is showing no ill effects from his surgery, at least on the practice field. Most of his throws look sharp, on time and strong. He hit Trenton Irwin in stride on an in-route slant Tuesday. He connected with Jermaine Burton on a crosser and he hit Burton twice on sideline routes. But the highlight of the day Tuesday was a perfect 50-yard go-ball over the middle that Burton caught in stride, something the Bengals would love to see replicated in the 2024 season and beyond. Obviously, this is spring practice, no pads, and Burrow himself acknowledged that he will likely feel soreness after practice and might even feel discomfort on some throws during the offseason as the wrist continues on a path back to full strength. But if Burrow is feeling discomfort, it’s certainly not showing in his throws at this stage.
Joe Burrow drops a 60-yard dime to rookie Jermaine Burton Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/cPIfYSkA4D
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 14, 2024
Count Orlando Brown Jr. as one of those who is thrilled to not have to wait for Chapter V in the rivalry between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. Burrow won the first three meetings before Mahomes came out on top in the 2022 AFC Championship at Arrowhead in Jan. 2023. Of course, last season, Mahomes beat Jake Browning and the Bengals, 25-18, in Kansas City in Week 17.
“Oh, I love it, man. I wish I wish they all were that early to be honest with you,” Brown said. “I think it’s great obviously for entertainment purposes. But it’s a game that’ll hold a lot of weight, hopefully at the end of the season, with seedings and all those different things and positions in the playoffs. So, I’m glad that we’re playing it earlier than last year.”
And certainly no disrespect to Jake Browning, who directed the Bengals to a lead in the first half of that game in KC, with Burrow it’s definitely a different vibe for the men in Stripes.
“I mean huge difference man,” Brown said. “Obviously he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And so when you’ve got him at the helm and you’re going up against these really good football teams… I’ve been on the other side (with KC). I’ve seen (Burrow) first-hand, man. I’m excited to be able to get get out there and play that game with him at Q.”
Monday and Tuesday were a continuation of Phase 1 of Bengals voluntary offseason practice. Notable no-shows included Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trent Brown and Sheldon Rankins. Rankins, Chase and Higgins have not been spotted in the first two weeks. Trey Hendrickson returned on Monday and was active again Tuesday in individual and group drills. All 24 rookies, including rehabbing tight end Erick All, were in attendance Tuesday.
