Bengals rookie DJ Ivey using an elite mindset to thrive in first training camp
Virtually every seventh-round pick in NFL history has had an uphill battle to make the Week 1 roster for his team. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Ivey is no exception to the rule. The second of two cornerbacks drafted by the Bengals this year, Ivey joined an already stacked room at the position. Lucky for him, […]
Virtually every seventh-round pick in NFL history has had an uphill battle to make the Week 1 roster for his team. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Ivey is no exception to the rule.
The second of two cornerbacks drafted by the Bengals this year, Ivey joined an already stacked room at the position. Lucky for him, an opportunity for snaps was already in place with Chidobe Awuzie recovering from a torn ACL.
From Spring ball to the beginning of training camp, Ivey has not been practicing like a rookie. He's balling like someone on track to make the team.
One of the highlight producers through five camp practices thus far, Ivey has had his hands on many passes from Jake Browning and the Bengals' short-staffed quarterback platoon that's operating without Joe Burrow.
Regardless of who's throwing the ball, Ivey's got his head on straight when attacking each and every play.
“Every day I come out and tell (rookie safety Larry Brooks) I’m finna get an interception or make a play on the ball. Every day,” Ivey told Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “I go out with the mindset telling myself I’m going to make a play so when that time comes I do make the play. I’m ready for it and prepare for it.”
The easiest way to make an impression at his position is doing exactly what he's done. Making plays on the ball is disrupting the offense, and the coaching staff has no choice but to give Ivey more chances to replicate his early success.
Translating that ballhawking mentality into the preseason is the next step for Ivey. He'll be splitting reps between fellow rookie DJ Turner, veteran Sidney Jones, and second-year player Allan George.
It'll be a scrap to the finish in completing the cornerback room, and Ivey has as good of a chance as anyone else fighting for a spot.
Watch: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase posterizes rookie teammate in practice
Welcome to the NFL, rook.
Featured image via © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
