While Bryan Cook has been given a lot of credit and attention for the outstanding training camp he’s been having, don’t forget about Jordan Battle.
Through his first three seasons, he’s had his ups and downs. But you can see the hustle and the playmaking abilities, as evidenced by his four interceptions in 2025. In addition, there was the hustle play to punch the ball out of Baltimore Ravens tight end Isiah Likely’s possession on Thanksgiving Night in Baltimore, just as he was about to score a touchdown
after catching a long pass from Lamar Jackson.
“Jordan’s having a great camp,” defensive coordinator Al Golden told Dan Hoard. “I love where he’s at mentally. He’s prepared and he’s in great condition.”
Hoard, who posts his five observations from every training camp practice on his Twitter account, said Battle forced a fumble against running back Chase Brown during Friday night’s practice. Although Brown recovered the ball, it’s still another positive development for Battle entering a contract year.
Battle has never been the problem in the Bengals’ secondary. He has a great mindset, and he has always had one. But look at the safeties he has played alongside in the first three seasons of his career. Nick Scott, who was serviceable but not a game-changer.
Geno Stone, please.
And then there’s Vonn Bell, who was not the same in his second stint with the Bengals as he was in his first stint when he played a key role in the team going to the Super Bowl.
Now, Battle gets to play with Bryan Cook. Yes, Cook has only played one more season in the NFL than Battle. But he’s a former second-round pick, two-time Super Bowl champion, and entering his prime. That matters, and it also matters that Cook can bring leadership he learned playing in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense for four years.
Battle is in a much better position to take another step this season and become a more well-rounded player, and it’s great to see him performing at a high level throughout training camp.
