Bengals OTA Takeaways: Thoughts on Joe Burrow, the O-Line, the Secondary and More

Cincinnati's voluntary OTAs started this week.
In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' offseason program continued on Tuesday, as they wore helmets during OTAs for the second day in a row. 

Star quarterback Joe Burrow had a good session. He connected with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on multiple plays in 7-on-7 drills. He also found tight end Irv Smith Jr. on a seam route. 

Smith made a leaping catch after beating Logan Wilson in coverage. 

Burrow continued to work on play-action passes and used different arm angles for various throws throughout the day. 

The Bengals' defense faces plenty of question marks on the back end with Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell no longer on the roster. 

Second-year safety Dax Hill looks poised to start, but who will lineup next to him? 

Veteran Nick Scott took plenty of reps, but is also dealing with a minor shoulder issue. That allowed rookie Jordan Battle to take some reps alongside Hill. 

The trio could rotate at safety. It wouldn't be a surprise if defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had a package for different combinations. Hill is the most versatile of the bunch and probably won't leave the field much, but there are times when Anarumo could use a combo of any of the three.  

Both rookie wide receivers have impressed coaches and teammates. Andrei Iosivas is a freak-ish athlete with elite speed and Charlie Jones could by a dynamic weapon in the slot. 

Jones works out for nearly an hour after practice regularly. 

Jonah Williams, DJ Reader, Tyler Boyd and Chidobe Awuzie weren't at Tuesday's session, but it's still voluntary. 

Mandatory minicamp starts next week, which is when we could see Williams for the first time this offseason. 

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

DJ Reader on Future With Bengals: 'Hopefully They Believe in Your Boy'

Look: Bengals Rank Just Outside NFL’s Top-10 Teams in Post June 1 Cap Space

Film Breakdown: What Rookie Running Back Chase Brown Brings to Bengals' Backfield

Zach Carter Hoping to Take Big Step Forward in Bengals' Defensive Line Room: 'Sky is the Limit'

Bengals Implementing Unique Offseason Program Once Again in 2023

The 33rd Team Ranks Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase Among 25 Best Players Under 25 Years Old

NFL Insider Says Joe Burrow Should Sign Unprecedented Contract Tied to Salary Cap

Duke Tobin on Joe Burrow's Contract Extension: 'Katie's On Top Of That One'

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Ranks New York Jets Ahead of Bengals in AFC Hierarchy

Willie Anderson Highlights Reggie Williams, Corey Dillon Among Bengals Ring of Honor Candidates

Look: The 33rd Team Ranks Zac Taylor Outside Top-10 NFL Head Coaches

Report: Local Family Details Joe Burrow Foundation Aiding Them During Difficult Time

Look: La'el Collins Posts Encouraging Video as Rehab From Knee Surgery Continues

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler: 'No Doubt' Joe Burrow Will Be NFL's Highest-Paid Player

Look: DraftKings Sportsbook Makes Bengals Favorites in Vast Majority of 2023-24 Games

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati