The time is now for DJ Ivey to prove he belongs

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Ivey, who has battled a severe knee injury, now finds himself on the cusp of a pivotal NFL season. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 192 pounds, the 26-year-old from Homestead, Florida, entered the league with a strong college background at Miami. After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Ivey has been a five-year starter at his college, showcasing the size, length, and athleticism that teams seek in an outside cornerback.

Despite the setback of a torn ACL, which sidelined him during his rookie year, Ivey has made a steady recovery and played in every game during the 2025 season. His tenacity was on display in his 12 tackles and three passes defended, demonstrating his progress as he continues to develop. As cornerback may be one of the most saturated positions in the league, Ivey must seize his opportunity to prove his worth beyond being a depth player.

With significant investments in rebuilding their defense, the Bengals have a crowded secondary with competitors like Ceyair Wright, Bralyn Lux, and Ja’Sir Taylor. Ivey's opportunity to establish a permanent role in the secondary hinges on a strong performance in the upcoming camp and preseason. If he continues his steady development, Ivey could prove himself as a valuable asset while maintaining his reputation as a standout special teams player for the Bengals.