The Bengals played nine rookies in this game, which is pretty impressive considering that they only had six picks in last year’s draft.
First-round pick Shemar Stewart had two tackles, including a tackle for a loss. That is pretty underwhelming considering that Joseph Ossai was out. Stewart made the start and played 30 snaps, second only to Myles Murphy among defensive ends.
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Second-round pick Demetrius Knight continued to show development and versatility. He had four tackles, including 3 solo tackles. Fourth round selection Barrett Carter had five tackles, only one of which was solo. The pair has been widely criticized, and PFF hates them, but after some early turbulence, they have balanced out their developmental curve. These rookie linebackers played a large role in frustrating the Miami rushing attack.
Dylan Fairchild has really come along this season. The third rounder has locked down the left guard position for the Bengals in a way that no one has since Kevin Zeitler. He continues to impress in pass protection and has shown signs of development as a run blocker.
Fifth-round pick Jalen Rivers came in for Fairchild late. The once-time starter at right guard is showing that he can do the job on either side.
It seems weird to say that Tahj Brooks saw his first real action on offense when he only played six snaps, but those six snaps led to four carries. It’s tough to judge a running back in a limited sample, but Brooks’s 1.8 yards per carry and long of three yards were uninspiring to say the least.
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Well, that is all of the draftees. Of course, UDFA William Wagner has been another star rookie, locking up the long-snapper job. This week, he nailed four long-snaps and seven short-snaps.
Howard Cross took a significant 41% of defensive snaps. On his 24 snaps, he was involved in 3 tackles. The UDFA from Notre Dame has shown himself to be more than just Al Golden’s guy. He can compete at the defensive tackle position, particularly against the run.
Then there is a rookie who only took 12 snaps, but hey, that’s pretty good for a guy they picked up off waivers just this week. Keyshawn Williams. While not being targeted in his four reps on offense, Williams made an impact on special teams. He returned one punt for 26 yards and averaged nearly that on his three kickoff returns, which included a long of 31 yards. In all, the former Steeler had 102 total yards on four combined returns.
Another rookie was called up from the practice squad, but was inactive for this game, and that was Bralyn Lux. Lux was likely called up due to the uncertainty of DJ Turner’s availability for this one, but when Turner was cleared, the rookie corner found himself sidelined.