All the rookie film is out there and the verdict is in
The Bengals’ season came to an unceremonious end with their Week 18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Let’s take one final look at what the rookies put on film.
Shemar Stewart did exactly what Shemar Stewart does. He got to the quarterback, but didn’t get sacks. Stewart hit the quarterback twice, but just as the ball was leaving his hands. He had a chance for a tackle on a running play, but, as he often did in college, he lunged rather than bringing his hips through for the tackle, and the play went on.
The Bengals’ first-round pick ended his rookie campaign with 11 total tackles, including 2 for a loss, and 1 sack. Stewart missed 10 games due to injury and did not have as much time to develop his tackling and pass rush skills as defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery surely would have liked.
To call him a bust would be premature, but he certainly has a long way to go.
Demetrius Knight has been a starter since Week 1. It was rough at the beginning of the season, and even I was starting to have my doubts, but he has really picked it up in recent weeks. The best thing that defensive coordinator Al Golden did for him was allowing him to use his versatility and play on the line of scrimmage.
Knight had 3 tackles and 1 sack against the Browns, bringing the second rounder’s season totals to 106 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions.
Barrett Carter took over for Logan Wilson early in the season and has been the defensive signal caller ever since. Carter had 5 tackles against the Browns, bringing his season total to 106. Carter and Knight tied for second in total tackles for the Bengals this season, behind only Jordan Battle.
Carter has had several athletic flashes this season, but his consistency was lacking.
Despite what the critics will say, I expect this duo to return to the starting lineup in 2026 and to be solid and productive.
Of course, the best of the group so far has to be Dylan Fairchild. He was a plug-and-play starter at left guard and has been an excellent pass protector all season long, with his run blocking consistently improving throughout the year. The Bengals have finally cracked the code for scouting offensive linemen – draft Georgia Bulldogs.
Jalen Rivers got some valuable experience starting at right guard early in the season and looks like he could be a solid depth piece. I would like to see them teach him to snap, adding to his versatility and value as a backup.
Tahj Brooks did not do much at running back, but he looks like he could be a core special teamer going forward. I expect him to get more of a chance offensively next season.
Category: General Sports
