All's quiet on the banks of the Ohio River, aside from the fireworks set off by Elly De La Cruz crushing a home run well over the right field wall at Great American Ball Park. It's nice when the Cincinnati Reds catch fire as the Cincinnati Bengals start their Summer break. 

The fireworks over at Paycor Stadium were a bit tamer in comparison as minicamp and OTAs wrapped up for the Spring. Rookies are getting integrated, free agent signings are catching up, and the team's vision has never been stronger.



Who left minicamp feeling better about their roles and roster standing? A few players come to mind. 

Three winners from Bengals minicamp

TE Irv Smith Jr.

The Bengals’ third starting tight end in three years is very much looking the part. Constant turnover at that position can be tricky for an offense, but it’s been smooth sailing for the fifth-year player.

"Forget about the talent. He's a talented guy. We knew that's what we've seen on tape so that didn't surprise me in anyway," Zac Taylor said of Smith. "But I think just how quickly he's integrated himself has been really impressive."

Staying on the field is a success in and of itself for Smith, as he's coming off back-to-back injury-filled seasons. Getting all the necessary reps with Joe Burrow at quarterback this Summer will pave the way for a successful year. 

S Jordan Battle

From the moment he was drafted this April, the hype has been on another level for Battle. That he’s already getting first-team reps at safety shouldn’t be a surprise. His ability to pick things up quickly is one of main factors the Bengals identified in him before making him their third-round pick.

"He's been exposed to high level of scheme," Taylor said of Battle. "Playing at one of the top high schools in country, one of the top colleges in the country, and now he's here at the pro level, and I think just makes sense to him. He does a great job of exuding the confidence because he's confident in his abilities and what he knows. It's not false.

The path for Battle to be, at the very least, a significant contributor out the gate is entirely in play. A strong training camp would only solidify it into existence.

WR Charlie Jones

Whether he’s a gym rat, or the classic first-in, last-out player, the label doesn’t matter. Jones is finding himself quickly in the Bengals’ offense to the point where he may be hard to keep off the field.

“He’s gotten better every day,” wide receivers coach Troy Walters said, per Dan Hoard. “He loves football and he’s here in the facility as I’m leaving the office. It just shows you how much he wants it.”

Jones is poised to make his biggest contribution as a punt returner, but don't discount him being involved in the offense as a receiver deep into the season. The preseason will be huge for him in that regard.

Aside from the newest players on the roster, mainstays such as Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Mixon have also practiced like their usual selves. Higgins deserves a shout specifically for showing up to both voluntary and mandatory work while his agent is negotiating for a long-term deal to stick with the team. 

The same can be said for Burrow, but missing valuable practice time doesn't seem like it's in his DNA. It's contagious for this team.

Separation on the roster will be more evident once the pads come on during training camp. As the Bengals look things over during the break, they can feel extremely confident in the state of the roster.

Bengals starter already looks like an upgrade over predecessors

First impressions are very positive for one of Cincinnati’s newest impact players.

Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK