CINCINNATI -- Getting settled quickly in their new surroundings can make the transition to the NFL easier for rookies.

For Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, that meant finding an apartment. Then came the process of adding furniture, which included a bed with custom settings to make falling asleep a little easier. Brown said he also bought a car to take him from his apartment to the team’s facility in downtown Cincinnati.

Having those things figured out has allowed him to focus on the more difficult parts of being a rookie -- finding a place on their new team. But for Brown, the urgency is increased.

Cincinnati enters 2023 with a void at back-up running back behind starter Joe Mixon. Brown and veterans Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans are all in contention to take the snaps vacated by last year's No. 2 Samaje Perine, who signed with the Denver Broncos during free agency. The Bengals could also be looking for a new starter in 2024, depending on what happens with Mixon next offseason.

This year will give the Bengals an extended look at what Brown offers this season and beyond. Brown wanted to get his living and transportation needs met so he could get acclimated as quickly as possible.

“That's why I have so much time to just focus on the playbook and not spending time worrying about where I'm gonna sign a lease or how I'm gonna get to practice in the morning,” Brown said. “So that, that's really settling for me.”

Cincinnati drafted the former Illinois standout in the fifth round of April’s draft. It was the first time the Bengals selected a running back that early since acquiring Mark Walton in the fourth round in 2018.

Brown brings a bevy of production with him to the NFL. In 2022, the fifth-year senior was second among all Power 5 running backs with 1,643 rushing yards.

He could boost a Bengals ground attack that was beset by missed opportunities last season. Despite facing defensive schemes geared to limit the passing game, Cincinnati ranked 30th in percentage of carries that went for 10 or more yards.

Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack, who also holds the title as the team’s run-game coordinator, said Brown is explosive and has good vision. While there are some nuances that Brown must learn, such as the timing of exchanges and how quickly to attack in a run-pass option, Pollack praised the rookie.

“It's been impressive. From a run-game perspective, that jumps out at me,” Pollack said. “He's a talented back. I'm excited to see that guy continue to do this through training camp.”

Brown is a unique addition given the current state of the franchise. When Mixon was drafted in 2017, the Bengals were in the twilight of coach Marvin Lewis’ tenure and Andy Dalton’s run at quarterback. When Cincinnati hired Zac Taylor to replace Lewis in 2019 and drafted Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in 2020, nearly every aspect of the franchise was transformed.

From an offensive perspective, it meant that the Bengals were going to be built around Burrow and the passing attack, which was communicated during Brown’s pre-draft meetings with Cincinnati.

“They talk about how this is a pass-first offense,” Brown said. “Running the ball is secondary.”

That also means pass protection is primary for all of Cincinnati’s running backs. Perine was the team’s designated third-down back the past two seasons, mainly because of his reliability in pass protection.

Brown, Evans and Williams are all vying for those snaps in 2023. And Brown has plenty of experience being on the field on third down. Among all running backs at the Power 5 level in 2022, Brown had the fifth-highest number of third-down snaps, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

And even though Brown racked up a ton of yards, he spent his time in the film room on another aspect.

“I spent way more time on pressures than anything else,” Brown said. “I think that's why I'm successful with it in college.”

Getting a lengthy evaluation of the running backs in the preseason will be tricky. After the team’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, Taylor lamented the limited opportunities in the 36-19 loss.

But Taylor did point out that Brown did well as a receiver, highlighting a 21-yard completion off a checkdown. He also converted two third-and-1 opportunities.

“We expect those guys to be able to get us enough, and he stepped up and did that,” Taylor said of the conversions.

If Brown develops into a reliable option for the Bengals in rushing and passing situations, it could position him as a viable starter for the future. But for now, Brown is just working on getting the little things squared away as he settles into his new digs in Cincinnati.

“However they want to use me, however they see me contributing,” Brown said, “I’m going to take every opportunity that I can and make the most of it.”