Fansided · Sep 8, 2025
Surprise Bengals defender quietly climbing up the depth chart after Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals v Tennessee TItans | Kevin Sabitus/GettyImagesThe Cincinnati Bengals had no shortage of defensive standouts in their Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns, but it might surprise you who the coaching staff views as worthy of a large role going forward.
An obvious case can be made for cornerback DJ Turner, who sealed the win with an interception in the fourth quarter and acquitted himself well most of Sunday afternoon. Rookie Shemar Stewart flashed his tantalizing potential, too, despite not recording a tackle.
It turns out that another first-round pick not named Stewart may figure into the Bengals' larger defensive plans than anyone could've anticipated. Getting warmer?
