Cincinnati Bengals: DJ Ivey is surprising with big plays this preseason
DJ Ivey has been one of the surprises of training camp so far for the Cincinnati Bengals, as he tries to carve out a bigger role in the secondary going into his fourth season. The Bengals’ 2023 seventh-round draft pick has been getting a lot of first-team reps while Dax Hill has been dealing with leg tightness, and even wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters last week Ivey has been giving ...
Cincinnati Bengals rookie DJ Ivey has been making a surprising impact on the team's secondary this preseason. As a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, Ivey has been getting significant playing time due to the departures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson. Ivey's first three seasons have primarily been spent as a special teams contributor, but recent injuries to key defenders have opened up opportunities for him on defense.
The University of Miami product overcame a slow start in his NFL career, dealing with a knee injury during his freshman year and missing the first six games of 2024. However, Ivey is now looking to build on his regular playing time in 2024. "It felt good to have a chance to show what I'm capable of without any injuries, and I feel like my speed and aggressive mindset have helped me out so far," Ivey said.
With high competition from wide receiver Tee Higgins, Ivey has been stepping up and breaking up passes intended for his teammate. The Bengals' defensive coordinator, Al Golden, has praised Ivey's consistency. Ivey remains confident in his abilities, bringing a strong work ethic and a determination to prove himself after being drafted 246th out of 259 players.
As he continues to build on his early success, Ivey is determined to improve his skills and make an even greater impact on the secondary.
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