Cincinnati Bengals Contributing Rookies

NFL Mocks is going to do a team by team look at what rookies have the potential to contribute during their first season.  Every year there are countless rookies that have major and minor impacts.  Everyone expects the 1st round picks to make an impact but we hope to point out some other players that may help your favorite team win games.

The Bengals are flying high after an impressive season in 2009.  However, they were left with a bad taste in their mouth after the playoff loss so they are counting on the rookie class to help them get over the hump.

Jermaine Gresham: The Bengals put a lot of resources into upgrading the weapons at Carson Palmer’s disposal and that includes using their 1st round pick on Gresham.  Gresham is the pass catching tight end that the Bengals have been missing for the last several years.  Gresham has already shown his athletic ability during the preseason and I expect an impressive season out of him.

Carlos Dunlap: Dunlap needs to overcome some character concerns but the feeling around Bengals camp is that the super athletic defensive end is ready to contribute this season.  Dunlap is a natural pass rusher and with some technique refinement he could be a major force.

Jordan Shipley: Shipley has looked good in this first 2 preseason games and appears to have the slot role all but sealed.  It appears to me that he will be a favorite target of Palmer.  When T.O. and Ochocinco can’t get open on the outside Palmer will immediately look for his man in the middle.  He has also shown off his electric punt return skills.

Geno Atkins: Atkins has been an unstoppable force during the preseason.  He will see time in the middle of that defensive line.