As we gear up for the Cincinnati Bengals’ final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, let’s take one more look at how some of the notable rookies are doing.
OG Michael Jordan – B
Jordan has continued to perform well, looking good in the run block and did a nice job protecting Andy Dalton. He’s not overly powerful, but he’s shown plenty of talent this preseason and that’s why he has been named the starter at left guard for Week 1 at Seattle.
RB Rodney Anderson – B+
In his first major action in the NFL and first football action since a knee injury ended his 2018 season very early, Anderson showed flashes of his old self at Oklahoma before the knee injury. He looked shifty in the open field and showed he can help the Bengals out behind Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard.
Jordan Ellis – C+
The undrafted free agent has had himself a solid preseason, especially in the passing game. He’s worked well out of the backfield and continued that against the Giants. The question now is has he done enough to earn a roster spot or will he numbers game at running back prove too much for him. Trayveon Williams is still out and Ellis may look to be ahead of Quinton Flowers. But will the Bengals keep four running backs? That will be interesting to watch and Ellis has a big opportunity Thursday against the Colts.
Ryan Finley – C+
Another decent game for Finley, showcasing strong arm talent. He hasn’t shown anything special, but at least made some good throws. But if he has to play significant snaps in the regular season, the Bengals would certainly be in some trouble.
Jake Dolegala – B+
The undrafted free agent out of Central Connecticut State made his first NFL appearance against the Giants and came out strong, making some beautiful throws, including a touchdown pass to fellow undrafted rookie Damion Willis (an obvious A grade at this point) in the fourth quarter. It will be interesting to watch more of him against the Colts in the preseason finale.
Deshaun Davis – C-
This might even be nice for the overall preseason. Davis has struggled through the first three weeks, with missed tackles being an issue. Davis is in danger of not making the 53 as a sixth-round pick.
