Bengals Beat: Resetting Bengals Roster Ahead Of Rookie Minicamp – What To Keep In Mind As Phase 2 Is Underway

CINCINNATI — The Bengals will welcome their six 2025 draft picks and 13 undrafted rookie free agents to town Friday for the annual rookie minicamp at Paycor Stadium.

The event will also feature some drills and orientation to the offense, defense and special teams inside the IEL Indoor Structure to the west of Paycor down Mehring Way.

Much has been written and said about the significance of the team using its first-round pick to draft Shemar Stewart, a top-tier edge rusher and edge setter that has been highly touted for his physical tools if not production, which was wanting at Texas A&M.

The team also drafted a pair of linebackers – Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter – to help re-make their front seven and give Al Golden a chance to move around more pieces with Logan Wilson.

The two new offensive line draft picks are also expected in town as Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers will be expected to compete for snaps this season, especially Fairchild who has already been tabbed a starting left guard candidate heading into OTAs, minicamp and training camp.

Rounding out the draft class will be running back Tahj Brooks, a back with consecutive 1,500-yard rushing seasons at Texas Tech.

Then, there are the undrafted free agents. The Bengals are expected to bring up to 13 free agents into town, including Ohio State star center Seth McLaughlin, rated by many the highest rated player left on the board at the end of the draft in late April. McLaughlin won the Rimington Award given annually to the nation’s top center but is coming off an Achilles tear that forced him to miss the final six games of Ohio’s run to a national championship. This is a great gamble for the Bengals to take and is a big victory if he can get on the field at all.

Others to keep an eye on going forward that will be making their Bengal debut Friday include Jordan Moore, a receiver out of Duke and safety Shaquan Loyal out of Rutgers. Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano has a reputation for sending defensive backs to the NFL and having them excel at the next level. Starting with the McCourty twins – Devin and Jason – the list is impressive. It also includes Logan Ryan, Courtney Greene and Duron Harmon. And given the need for depth in the safety room, Loyal figures to be someone to keep close tabs on. Another player is defensive tackle Howard Cross III out of Notre Dame, a player new defensive coordinator Al Golden coached with the Fighting Irish.

Locally, fans will be interested in former Bearcats receiver Jamoi Mayes, looking to impress and perhaps earn some attention when decisions are made on the practice squad.

The first look at the Bengals came on Tuesday when their workout was open to the media.

Some notes from the Phase 2 workouts:

Newly minted BJ Hill (3 years/$33 million) had his left foot in a walking boot. No details on what the injury was or the seriousness of the issue.

Joe Burrow attended the MetGala on Monday night and was not back for the workout on Tuesday.

Germaine Pratt was not in attendance after requesting a trade.

Also not participating: Trey Hendrickson (contract negotiation), Zack Moss, Erick All, Cole Burgess

Dax Hill, recovering from an ACL tear last October, was on the rehab field.

Charlie Jones was not in a practice jersey but rather a “Catapult” training vest/harness

Jermaine Burton was in attendance

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase were on hand working out with the other veterans.

In Phase 2, which is voluntary, the team can have players go through individual or group instruction and drills. But live contact or unit-vs-unit drills is not permitted.