The 9 Bengals with most to prove during 2023 season
All that remains for the Cincinnati Bengals is to actually play the games.
The final 53-man roster is set. The practice squad is mostly finalized. Even starting positions have mostly been cemented.
There aren’t many overarching questions when it comes to a roster that has made consecutive conference title games. But there are, however, players with something to prove. Whether it’s a veteran making a change or a rookie trying to show he belongs, there are notable players to spotlight in this area.
Check out our top Bengals with something to prove ahead of the 2023 season opener against the Cleveland Browns:
OT Jonah Williams
The best example, right? Williams shifted to right tackle after Orlando Brown Jr.’s arrival and looked really good in camp and during his few preseason reps. But live action is a different beast and Myles Garrett and the Browns are up first. He’s playing in the final year of a contract, too and needs a good, healthy showing all year.
TE Irv Smith Jr.
This might be the chance for Smith to prove he can stay healthy and that he was miscast in more run-based offenses elsewhere. He’s probably fourth in the pecking order, sure, but coaches have talked up how he’s different than past guys they’ve had at the spot. If he can make big after-catch plays, he’ll silence doubters.
RB Trayveon Williams
Williams was the assumed main backup to Joe Mixon after the departure of Samaje Perine. But he had most of his summer ruined via injury and Chase Brown and Chris Evans have looked good. He’s got to make the most of his chances starting in Week 1 or he could get passed up.
DE Myles Murphy
Murphy had a very quiet summer, even when compared to flashier guys who wound up getting cut such as Raymond Johnson III. He was already possibly a long shot to be active on game day due to Cam Sample, so if he’s getting snaps while Joseph Ossai is out, everyone will want to see some of that first-round billing at work.
DL Zach Carter
There has been a steady amount of hype building around Carter because of the muscle he put on his frame and the fact he could be an effective pass-rusher from the middle. He’ll get rotational chances early and needs to make the most of them.
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
With Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt already extended, ADG might be auditioning for his next team all season. He’s super athletic and talented but isn’t in a friendly system for ‘backers.
S Nick Scott
The former Rams defender arrived in free agency as a starter and will need to fill the void left by the tandem of Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell right away. With rookie Jordan Battle and summer breakout Tycen Anderson also on the depth chart, nothing is a season-long guarantee.
S Dax Hill
It’s now or never for Hill, the first-rounder drafted one year in advance of the team losing Bates. He had another highlight-filled preseason, but now he’s got to do it in live action or risk eventually giving up snaps to others.
P Brad Robbins
As expected, the rookie ended up winning the punter job. Robbins arrived as a late-round draft pick who just so happened to excel in areas where Drue Chrisman struggled. He needs a solid season right out of the gates or it will be a position they target again.
