New Cincinnati Bengals Star Already Turning Heads at Training Camp

The Cincinnati Bengals had their first open practice of training camp Wednesday, and it didn't take long for Cincinnati's biggest offseason signing to get involved. Dexter Lawrence looked to be in midseason form, pushing the pocket and making life difficult for Joe Burrow and the rest of the offense.

Burrow praised the 28-year-old defensive tackle following practice, saying it will be a challenge to face Lawrence's combination of size, power and quickness throughout training camp. Burrow said he was forced to throw around Lawrence several times Wednesday and even had to release the ball without seeing his receivers on a few occasions.

"Yeah, he got back there pretty quick a couple times," Burrow said. "We're going to have to get the ball out. You know, I made some blind throws today just because of how big he is and how he pushes that pocket and gets close to you."

The two were quick to exchange some friendly banter before practice, and the respect they have for each other was evident.

"I want to see it today, Mr. Burrow," Lawrence said as he walked onto the field.

"You can see it every day, brother," Burrow responded.

Burrow wasn't the only one going back and forth with Lawrence. Center Ted Karras made sure to poke fun at the 6-foot-5, 350-pound defensive tackle after Chase Brown pushed through the line for a 6-yard gain. Both sides seem to understand what the other brings to the table, creating heightened competition throughout camp.

Lawrence spoke about his matchup with Karras after practice, calling him one of the most competitive players he has ever lined up against.

"It was fun today," Lawrence said. "I love him. It's a joy. In practice, it's easy to lose that edge, but he helps you keep it with how much of a pro he is."

That competition can only help the Bengals, who are looking to return to winning and make the playoffs. Having a player like Lawrence challenge Karras and the rest of the offensive line while consistently pushing Burrow off his spot should help the offense improve.

The benefits work both ways. Lawrence gets to practice against a franchise quarterback in Burrow and a veteran center in Karras, who ranked 12th among qualified centers in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking grades last season.

Lawrence is excited to work with a group he believes is full of talent. He said everyone is playing with extra motivation after last season, something that was evident in the intensity displayed throughout Wednesday's practice. Even though things became a little chippy at times, Lawrence believes that competitive edge is one of the keys to preparing the Bengals for the season.

"The competitive spirit of everybody was up," Lawrence said. "There's a lot of alphas on this team, and there's a lot of guys that want it."