The Cincinnati Bengals have seven games left at 5-5 and are still in the Wild Card hunt for the playoffs. They have been forced to start several rookies due to injuries at significant positions. So far, the results have been mixed, and some have faired better than others as the season has progressed. Let’s take a look at the 2023 draft class for the Bengals and issue a rookie report card.
Cincinnati Bengals 2023 Rookie Report Card
Myles Murphy – EDGE / Grade: C
The Bengals first overall pick of their 2023 draft class was supposed to be eased into his role along the defensive line. These plans were foiled when Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard suffered injuries midway through the season. Murphy started slowly and was getting displaced consistently by almost anyone trying to block him. He’s picking up steam over his last three games and has six solo tackles with one sack in 10 games played. It must be noted that Murphy is only 21 years old and has plenty of time to blossom into the player the Bengals hope.
DJ Turner II – CB / Grade: A
Turner has been fantastic for the Bengals since his playing time gradually increased as Chidobe Awuzie was slowly brought back from his ACL tear suffered last year. Turner is lightning-fast and excels at tracking the ball in the air when he’s initially beaten.
"DJ Turner needs to start knocking some balls away"
Ok! pic.twitter.com/1Za3gpxbEd
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) November 12, 2023
The Bengals love to draft defensive backs early in the draft, and it seems they hit another home run with the pick of Turner.
Jordan Battle – S / Grade: B
Another player whose playing time has increased over the last several games has been safety, Jordan Battle. He has seemingly replaced the original starter, Nick Scott and the results have been encouraging thus far. Battle has excellent closing speed and the ability to quickly process plays at the line of scrimmage. Sophomore Dax Hill and Battle are the future in protecting the backend of the defense for Cincinnati.
Charlie Jones – WR/PR / Grade: B
The Bengals drafted Jones for his prowess as a wide receiver and punt returner. Jones has had a bigger role in the latter and just returned from IR after suffering a broken thumb in Week 4. When the ball is in his hands in the open field, he’s electric and has the chance to take any punt the distance as evident in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Charlie Jones' 81-yard PR for a TD was the longest in #Bengals history since 2000 (Peter Warrick – 82 yards)pic.twitter.com/QuWMBQbhJS
— Pro Football Reference (@pfref) September 17, 2023
Jones should get more snaps as a wideout to help give Jake Browning ample options in the passing game.
Chase Brown – RB / Grade: C+
The former Illinois product was drafted to compete for the third-down running back spot with incumbent Trayveon Williams. Brown has shown some positive signs in both the run game and pass-blocking aspects but like Jones, has been hampered by injury. The share of snaps the rest of the way may go his way over Williams, and the Bengals activated him off of IR which is a positive sign.
Andrei Iosivas – WR / Grade: B
The Bengals only Ivy League player, and he’s been as impressive as his education at wide receiver. When Joe Burrow was healthy and rolling, he raved about the knack Iosivas has with subtle movements to get open. He also has great feel when plays break down. This has shown with two touchdowns on scramble drills. Iosivas may be the replacement for Tee Higgins if Cincinnati loses him this offseason.
Brad Robbins – P / Grade: D
Robbins bested Drue Chrisman in training camp and started slowly to begin his career. He’s struggling with punting distance average and pinning teams deep when the opportunity arises. Simply put, the Bengals need more, and they might be in the market for a punter again next season.
DJ Ivey – CB / Grade: Incomplete
Ivey impressed the Bengals in the draft process with his length and physicality at the cornerback position. Ivey has been on the game-day inactive list for every contest this season in what seems to be a redshirt year. Look for him to earn a high grade in 2024.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
