The Cincinnati Bengals hit OTAs soon, so now is a good time to zoom out and look at some of the bigger storylines that figure to be important during those sessions.
Some of the obvious stuff, like Dexter Lawrence’s fit with the defense, probably won’t get much of an exclamation point on the field until training camp.
But there are roster battles and key areas of the depth chart sure to see some developments happening during the early summer work.
Shemar Stewart and the Edge rushers
The Bengals already turned some heads during post-draft work with rookie Cashius Howell dropping into coverage. Will those unique looks keep coming so they can get as many versatile pass-rushers on the field as possible?
Onlookers also need to see how Shemar Stewart looks and gets used across formations after that rocky rookie year. Former fellow first-rounder Myles Murphy arrives trying to prove that last year’s late push wasn’t a fluke. And big free-agent signing Boye Mafe has heavy expectations chasing him into camp, as he’s circled as another Trey Hendrickson-like breakout.
Who emerges at third cornerback?
How the cornerback room performs early in the summer could decide whether the Bengals go get active in free agency again.
The Bengals have starting boundary corners with Dax Hill and DJ Turner. While they’ve talked up Jalen Davis as the third guy for the slot, it’s an obvious weak point. Signing Ja’Sir Taylor didn’t move the needle much.
Colbie Young and the third wideout spot
It was a little surprising to see the Bengals grab Colbie Young in the fourth round, but he’s a 6’5” explosive target a little similar to Tee Higgins and other pros, if he can get on the field. Third wideout was a weak point last year behind Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins, so if Young can show up and make an impact right away, it’s going to put serious pressure on Andrei Iosivas in the base offense, never mind the guys fighting for roster spots behind them.
Bengals offseason workout dates
- First Day: April 20
- Rookie Minicamp: May 8-9
- OTA Offseason Workouts: June 1-3, June 9-11
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 16-18
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals early OTA storylines to watch