There has been plenty of fantasy worthy buzz in Bengals training camp this summer. And boy that’s a refreshing thing. Heck it was great to see the team’s new lockerroom unveiled as part of a makeover of Paycor Stadium. Also, head coach Zac Taylor has said the starters will see time in the preseason, hoping to avoid the regular season slow starts of past years.

Here’s what we’ve seen and heard so far.

Quarterback: QB Joe Burrow has been getting plenty of hype in camp. He looks stronger and throws better than he did any time in his NFL career. Part of the hype also is coming from the play of the offensive line, which may be the best Burrow’s played behind in his Cincinnati career. So far so good on the rookie Amarius Mims, who is playing well despite continually getting noticed for his massive frame. QB Jake Browning is the clear backup and worth rostering in deeper Superflex or 2QB leagues.

Running back: RB Chase Brown and RB Zack Moss are going to get plenty of opportunities this season. May be a complete split but we really won’t know until games start how the competition is going. Brown has wowed in camp but with that speed it is expected. Moss was brought in as a free agent but Brown has the experience in the system. I wouldn’t overpay for either but wouldn’t mind having both at the right price. Beyond those two, I’d shy away from anybody else. RB Chris Evans and RB Treveyon

Wide receiver: With plenty of WR J’marr Chase and WR Tee Higgins talk (one for practicing well and the other for not practicing at all) there is still room for talk about other guys in the receiver room. WR Andrei Iosivas and WR Jermaine Burton are battling for that third receiver spot and both are having great camps. Burton is probably more physically gifted but with a camp under his belt Iosivas has that experience edge. Either way, both could see plenty of time on the field as Chase continues to hold-in. In fact, Higgins will likely play little as well so Burton and Iosivas will start games for the Bengals in the preseason and have plenty of opportunity to shine. Part of the Burton and Iosivas intrigue comes with Chase and his contract. He could opt to hold out if the Bengals don’t extend him this summer. Both sides want a deal but as my dad used to say s**t in one hand and want in the other and see which one fills up first. Everybody hopeful but until that deal is done or Chase puts a helmet on, I will hold my breath. If either of the youngsters moves up behind Higgins it’s a massive get for fantasy players. Being third is solid, though. Behind them, WR Charlie Jones has had some good highlights. WR Hakeem Butler, who was the UFL offensive player of the year this past spring, is in camp and working with the receivers. Where does he fit in though? He has had NFL opportunities before as a 6-5, 225-pound wideout and not been able to make it. He has the tools and is big body wideout who shows strong hands. Could he make it as a tight end instead of wide receiver as some have suggested? I have not seen that from the Bengals but with Chase and Higgins getting few preseason game reps, Butler will have his chance to join a talented and deep receiver room. Truth is he looks bigger than TE Mike Gesicki and really moves well. Maybe just needed confidence and the UFL season gave him that. WR Shedrick Jackson has put together several highlight reel catches. His deep play ability may be hard to pass on.

Tight end: TE Mike Gesicki is still the odds on favorite to be the starter here but giving his slight for a tight end frame he could be a slot guy who acts like a third or fourth receiver more than an inline blocking tight end. TE Erick All did not start with everybody else but was soon cleared for practice after his knee injury last October. He immediately impressed. I saw somewhere on X/Twitter that he was being compared, if healthy, to TE George Kittle which is pretty solid.

Special teams: PK Evan McPherson is a lock and should be a strong target for leagues that still have kickers. As for the kick returns, keep close eye on preseason games for that. Not much noise out of camp in that respect yet but once games begin and new rules are in place we will have a better opinion of how things play out there.

Defense: DL Sam Hubbard and DL Trey Hendrickson are nursing the usual bumps and bruises of camp by getting plenty of rest. Neither situation is a concern at this point. Beyond these two, everybody is healthy and headed toward a strong 2024 season. Pass rush upgrade needed and camp could be battle between DL Joseph Ossai and DL Myles Murphy to get that third spot behind Trey and Sam. DB Jordan Battle could be a strong safety pickup as he continues to grow into that position.

End.