Bengals rookie already sounds like a hit from Cincinnati's 2025 NFL Draft class following OTAs and minicamp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By John Sheeran | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:02 PM ET

Despite having not signed his rookie contract like first-round pick Shemar Stewart, second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. has already made a positive impression on the field for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Knight was drafted so high to be a day one starting linebacker next to Logan Wilson in Al Golden's new-look defense. The club releasing veteran starter Germaine Pratt earlier this month officially paved the way for Knight to assuming his spot.

The first impression Knight left from the offseason program indicated that was the correct path for Cincinnati to take.

Demetrius Knight Jr. already impressing Bengals

The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. highlighted Knight's early showings from OTAs and mandatory minicamp, proclaiming the second-rounder as the early winner from the Bengals' 2025 NFL Draft class.

If picking one winner from the rookie class, linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. would be running away with the title. The 24-year-old second-round pick opened eyes across the locker room with how quickly he blended in and became a stabilizing force next to Logan Wilson. The Bengals have him starting, and his leadership as a more mature player entering the league was exactly what the defense sought. - The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr.

Knight is one of two rookies handling starting duties thus far along with third-round pick Dylan Fairchild at left guard. Expectations are for both players to hold those spots into the regular season.

Knight seems to be exceeding those expectations nearly two months since he was drafted 49th overall.

The allure of drafting Knight was for him to immediately contribute in a defense that needed change at the linebacker position. He'll turn 25 years old right before his first training camp, making him one of the oldest projected rookie starters around the NFL.

It would be a more fascinating plot if a player in Knight's shoes was struggling rather than thriving, but the Bengals are certainly feeling satisfied with their second-round selection. He's set a sturdy base for himself with camp a little over a month away.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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