Bold predictions for the Bengals’ other six rookies in 2020

Bengals rookies: Khalid Kareem will not get many defensive snaps

The defensive line is one of the Bengals’ strongest units going into training camp. At defensive end, Cincinnati has a talented trio in Lawson, Carlos Dunlap, and Sam Hubbard. Between these three, the majority of snaps at the position are filled. Because of the talent at the position, fifth-round pick Khalid Kareem will not see much playing time on defense as a rookie. The Notre Dame product will be fighting with Andrew Brown for the fourth spot in the rotation.

Unfortunately, Kareem is beginning training camp at a disadvantage. After being put on the non-football injury list on Monday due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, he will be behind when he is finally available for practice. Being just a fifth-round pick, his roster spot isn’t even a sure thing.

While he faces an uphill battle when coming back from injury, the coaching staff selected Kareem for a reason. There were still talented players on the board in the fifth round and the Bengals thought the Notre Dame defensive end was the best player available. Because of this, we know that they hope to see him eventually serving a role in their defense.

Kareem may not get a chance to fill that role as a rookie due to the situation in front of him, but he has the ability to develop into a nice rotational piece along the line as he develops. The first step will be to get healthy. Then, he will have to impress in practice to earn snaps. For now, it will be hard to earn snaps, but with Lawson a free agent in 2021, his time could come soon.

The 22-year old is not set to see the field much in his rookie year, but he will get a chance in due time. The Bengals’ current talent at defensive end is just too good at the moment for him to have a foreseeable shot at snaps, especially considering his training camp experience will be shortened due to injury.