The Bengals are only a few practices into training camp, but rookie wideout Noah Thomas is already putting himself on the radar.
Thursday’s session delivered the kind of play that turns heads fast. The 6-foot-5 undrafted rookie went up for a contested ball against cornerback DJ Ivey, climbed above the defense, and then fought off what looked like an interception to come down with the catch anyway. It was the sort of rep that can change the tone around a young player in a hurry.
Ja’Marr Chase noticed.
After practice, Chase talked up Thomas’ ability to win in traffic and made it clear Cincinnati can use another receiver with that kind of size and finishing power. He saw a familiar profile in the rookie’s game.
“That’s an explosive, and that’s what we need. That’s another Tee Higgins.
We’ve got somebody else to go there and get a jump ball,” Chase told Bengals.com. “I don’t really get jump balls like that.
Joe usually leads me out in front. But seeing it from the younger guys and seeing what kind of catches they can make, contested catches, that’s what we need.”
Thomas showed a little more than just that one highlight. Earlier in practice, he also secured a well-placed throw from veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on a shorter route, adding to an encouraging start in camp.
The path ahead is still steep. As an undrafted rookie, Thomas is trying to break through in a crowded receiver room that includes Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, newcomer Colbie Young, and Charlie Jones. Every snap matters in a group that already has a lot of bodies competing for limited opportunities.
But if you’re looking for a way to get noticed, making tough catches in front of one of the league’s best receivers is a pretty strong start.
It’s only one practice, and nothing is decided yet. Still, if Thomas keeps flashing the same size, ball skills, and toughness through contact, he’ll make the Bengals keep watching closely as preseason gets closer.
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