The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, with rookies playing a significant role in shaping the team's fortunes. But here's where it gets controversial: the Bengals' reliance on their rookie class has led to a critical juncture, with mixed results and a lot of questions. Let's dive into the details and explore the highs and lows of these young players' journeys.
Shemar Stewart: The Disappointing Start
Shemar Stewart, the highly touted edge rusher drafted 17th overall, has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career. His contract dispute, impressive training camp, and underwhelming regular-season performance have left fans and coaches alike scratching their heads. Stewart's development has been described as being in its "infant stages" by defensive coordinator Al Golden, who acknowledges the overwhelming nature of his play-to-play responsibilities. The injury bug hasn't helped, as Stewart missed four games with an ankle injury, further setting back his progress.
On the field, Stewart has struggled to make an impact, ranking 16th out of 16 qualifying rookie edge rushers in overall PFF grade and failing to record a hit or sack on a quarterback. The stats don't lie: the Bengals allow 6.8 yards per rush when Stewart is on the field on early downs, compared to 5.4 when he's off. This has led to a low confidence level in Stewart's immediate future, but there's hope for 2026 as he continues to grow and gain awareness.
Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter: The Linebacker Experiment
The linebacker position has been a major point of contention for the Bengals this season, with rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. (Round 2, No. 49) and Barrett Carter (Round 4, No. 119) thrust into starting roles. This move has been a double-edged sword, as the Bengals are on pace to have the most snaps played by rookies on defense since 2012. While this has allowed for the development of young talent, it has also contributed to the team's defensive struggles.
Knight and Carter have both shown promise, but their inexperience has led to costly mistakes. Knight, who was expected to bring stability, has missed a staggering 15.3% of his tackle attempts, while Carter has missed 15.4%. These missed tackles have often resulted in big plays for opposing offenses, and the Bengals' defense has suffered as a result. The coaches are optimistic about their potential, but the question remains: are they ready for the big stage?
Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers: The Offensive Line's Bright Spot
The Bengals' offensive line has been a bright spot, with rookie guards Dylan Fairchild (Round 3, No. 81) and Jalen Rivers (Round 5, No. 153) stepping up after injuries shook up the early-season rotation. Fairchild has been particularly impressive, ranking 9th among rookie offensive linemen in PFF grade, and his athleticism has become a powerful tool in the offense. Rivers, on the other hand, is more of a project, but his play has consistently improved, and the coaching staff has been able to scheme around his inexperience.
The Bengals' offense has hummed along since Joe Flacco took over, ranking 1st in the NFL in EPA per play. The offensive line has played a crucial role in this success, providing Flacco with time to make plays and creating running lanes for Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Fairchild and Rivers have been more than good enough, and their development could be key to the team's future success.
Tahj Brooks: The Special Teams Contributor
Tahj Brooks, a 6th-round pick, has primarily contributed on special teams, participating in 42% of special teams plays. He has shown promise in learning the intricacies of the position and has earned trust behind the top two running backs. Brooks has also taken on the role of backup personal protector, a position he had never played before, but his transition has been eased by his natural instincts as a running back.
While Brooks has yet to see significant action on offense, he has the potential to be a valuable role player in the future. His physicality and willingness to engage in contact make him a promising prospect, and with Perine out with an ankle injury, Brooks could see more action on the offensive side of the ball.
The Bengals' 2025 rookie class has been a mixed bag, with some players showing flashes of brilliance while others struggle to find their footing. As the season progresses, the team will need to strike a balance between developing their young talent and relying on experienced veterans to stay competitive. And this is the part most people miss: the Bengals' success in the second half of the season may hinge on how well these rookies can step up and contribute consistently. Will they rise to the challenge, or will the growing pains continue to plague the team? Only time will tell, and the Bengals' future hangs in the balance.
