Bengals' first depth chart highlights winners from two weeks of training camp practices including Shemar Stewart

Stewart looks the part of a disruptive d-lineman who can make his presence known at multiple alignments. He's been up against both left and right tackles while also seeing snaps at 3-technique practicing against obvious passing situations. Moving him around is not only to acclimate him as fast as possible with increased exposure, but also a preview of what's to come this season.

Stewart may be listed as a left defensive end on the depth chart, but he's on track to being position-less in the best way possible. He's too explosive to be kept on the sidelines for too long.

DT Kris Jenkins Jr.

Depth chart placement: Backup DT

The guy behind B.J. Hill on the depth chart has actually been playing for him during the majority of camp practices thus far due to the foot injury Hill's working back from. Jenkins' time with the 1s and more recently the 2s has been encouraging from a technical standpoint. He's showcasing quality process as a pass-rusher, the area he's needed the most growth in order to make the most important impact this season.

Stopping the run and holding the point of attack is absolutely in Jenkins' job description, but aside from Stewart, Cincinnati didn't add any pass-rushing help this offseason. Much of it will have to come from internal development, and if a boost from the interior will be found, Jenkins is the most likely source.

WR Isaiah Williams

Depth chart placement: Backup WR

An offense centered around its star wide receivers needs its depth to play above their pay grade when needed. Williams, wearing A.J. Green's No. 18, has been answering that bell consistently with the second-team offense and is listed behind Tee Higgins on the depth chart.

If Williams is WR6 with Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones just ahead of him behind the starting trio of Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase, and Andrei Iosivas, the second-year wideout has to continue proving his value more than any of the aforementioned five. He's shown great hands and tracking ability, whether it be Joe Burrow or Jake Browning throwing him the ball, and that's a sure-fire way to earn the trust needed to stick around.

RB Tahj Brooks

Depth chart placement: Reserve RB

He's not the main backup behind starting running back Chase Brown, but surging ahead of Samaje Perine before the first preseason game wasn't the goal for Brooks. Zack Moss' release was the official opening of the door for Brooks to secure his positioning ahead of Kendall Milton, Gary Brightwell, and Quali Conley as RB3, and putting in quality work with second-string and occasionally the starters has done that for him.

Rookies, especially those drafted in the sixth round or later, don't always get accurate representation on the initial depth chart when there are more experienced players in the same position group. Brooks finding himself right where he belongs bodes well for pushing Perine over the next month and the entire regular season ahead of them.