8 Bengals who will need a dominant training camp in 2022

7. Jessie Bates

Jessie Bates has a ton of proving to do for himself this training camp due to the fact that he wanted a max deal but instead was given a franchise tag. However, due to this discrepancy, there is some debate whether the star safety will even attend training camp this year as he is on the hunt for a new deal as he is deserving of his outstanding play.

He would be set to make 13 million fully guaranteed this year but due to the physicality of the position, it seems he would rather have a long-term deal than be stuck on a one-year make-or-break contract.

Bates will need to prove to everyone once again that he is the guy and that he will continue to be a force in both coverage and the run game. Bates will need to show advancement in his reads as well as his commitment to making the play when it is needed.

6. Joseph Ossai

Joseph Ossai needs to come out with vengeance on his mind after missing all of his rookie year due to injury. His pass-rush skill was very evident while he was at Texas but he needs to prove to the staff and front office he can translate that to the big stage. He also needs to prove that he’s not a one-trick pony as he was torn apart during the 2021 draft for his lack of awareness and playmaking in the run game.

With no snaps played in the NFL yet, Ossai will need to show his skill in training camp in order to get a higher number of snaps. He has tremendous upside as a pass rusher and will definitely be seen in opposing teams’ backfields.

This camp he should show out his speed of the edge while also proving to everyone that he is back and healthy and ready for the action that full speed NFL games bring every snap.