Cincinnati Bengals rookies were a major focal point of the team’s first preseason game in Week 1. 

While that’s usually the case, this year was a more dramatic example than in years past for a roster that doesn’t usually put rookies in big roles. 

That changes in 2025, with the first preseason game as proof. Here are some rookie grades from the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Shemar Stewart, edge: B

Stewart wasn’t perfect, which social media is sure to point out. He had some problems rushing the passer at times while working with the second team. And yet…the first-rounder was still far ahead of where most probably thought he would be after missing a chunk of time during his contract dispute. The coaches are already kicking him inside and across formations and it only feels like a matter of time before he’s promoted to the starting rotation this preseason. 

RELATED: Bengals quietly have a problem brewing on the offensive line again

Demetrius Knight Jr., LB: B

Steady is the word that comes to mind with Knight. No major flashes, but seemingly no major issues, either. That’s a big deal for an older rookie being trusted to come in and start right away next to Logan Wilson now that Germaine Pratt is gone.

Dylan Fairchild, G: B

Like Knight, Fairchild didn’t stick out much one way or another. And for Bengals fans who have long suffered through poor guard play, that’s an excellent thing. This is especially the case when free-agent signing Lucas Patrick notably struggled at times against the Eagles (though he is working back from an injury).

Barrett Carter, LB: B

Fun moment for Carter against the Eagles when he picked up his first NFL sack. He’s still projected as a rotational, subpackage player in the Akeem Davis-Gaither vein. Some of the versatility was on display already.

Jalen Rivers, OL: C

Rivers is struggling so far. He’s been getting some notable usage in training camp, but he’s got a climb to make the final roster. There are glimpses of swing-tackle backup status, if not a move to guard. 

Tahj Brooks, RB: A

Brooks has quietly been a star of training camp and it showed up on the field, too. He’s looking versatile out of the backfield and even his smaller runs behind a struggling line filled with backups showed promise of decisiveness. Sixth-rounder or not, he’s on the path to the 53. 

RELATED: Bengals’ Tee Higgins playing key role in mentoring Jermaine Burton