Cincinnati Bengals early 53-man roster projection before training camp
The Cincinnati Bengals currently boast a 90-man roster ahead of training camp’s start next month.
Given that this is a slow period though, we thought it would be fun to take a look at a 53-man roster projection given the massive challenge the team faces when it comes time to cut the roster all the way down.
Below, we outline each position en route to a 53-man roster, with some notably tough calls all across the defense. The offensive line, as always, is a place of notable chaos in need of sorting, too.
While camp itself and the preseason will help make these decisions a tad easier, the fact the Bengals got to add to a Super Bowl roster means every rep counts and projections aren’t simple.
Quarterback
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Starter: Joe Burrow
Backup: Brandon Allen
No great shockers here, as the Bengals trust Allen to work within the framework of the offense well enough. His experience trumps all other competitors for the spot.
Running back
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Starter: Joe Mixon
Backups: Chris Evans, Samaje Perine, Trayveon Williams
It’ll be interesting to see if a lesser-known name can really push Perine for a roster spot because it’s fair to think both Evans and Williams could step into bigger, more explosive roles next season.
Wide receiver
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WR1: Tee Higgins
Slot: Tyler Boyd
WR2: Ja’Marr Chase
Backup: Stanley Morgan, Trent Taylor, Mike Thomas
We’re keeping six for now. And as fun as some of the undrafted names might be at the position, fifth and sixth receivers are all about special teams. Those “backups” are all excellent in this area.
Tight end
(AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Starter: Hayden Hurst
Backup: Drew Sample, Mitchell Wilcox
Hurst takes over in C.J. Uzomah’s spot and little else changes. Fans might want to see Burrow friend Thaddeus Moss snipe a spot, but Wilcox has stuck around this long for a reason.
Offensive line
Syndication: The Enquirer
LT: Jonah Williams, Isaiah Prince
LG: Jackson Carman, D’Ante Smith
C: Ted Karras, Ben Brown
RG: Alex Cappa, Cordell Volson
RT: La’el Collins
Three new starters, plus high-upside guys who already have starting experience in Prince and Smith, get the nod here. For now, we’re working with the presumption Volson, the rookie, won’t best Carman for a starting spot (for now!). Undrafted rookie Ben Brown pulls off the upset for a spot.
Defensive line
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
LDE: Sam Hubbard, Cam Sample
3T: B.J. Hill, Zach Carter
NT: D.J. Reader, Josh Tupou (5T), Tyler Shelvin
RDE: Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, Khalid Kareem
It’s all about the youth. Ossai’s the big comeback player. Kareem’s that underrated breakout guy who could play a big role if he can stay healthy. And Carter, a rookie, could fill that Larry Ogunjobi void.
Linebackers
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
LB: Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither
LB: Germaine Pratt, Markus Bailey, Joe Bachie
Linebacker is one of the most predictable spots. Not a bad thing — and it should be especially interesting to see if ADG can stay healthy this year.
Cornerback
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
CB: Eli Apple, Cam Taylor-Britt
CB: Chidobe Awuzie, Tre Flowers
NCB: Mike Hilton, Jalen Davis
CTB gets the nod as a rotational starter alongside Apple. And Flowers will get quite a bit of work in specific formations and in matchups against tight ends. Keep in mind first-round rookie Dax Hill can get reps all over the place here, too.
Safety
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
S: Vonn Bell, Tycen Anderson
S: Jessie Bates, Dax Hill, Brandon Wilson
First-round rookie Dax Hill will get snaps here and at corner right away. Anderson, an eye-popping athlete, might not see much work outside of special teams to start. Wilson, at least for now, just edges other guys because of his ability on returns.
Special Teams
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
K: Evan McPherson
P: Kevin Huber
LS: Clark Harris
KR: Chris Evans
PR: Trent Taylor
No stunners here, though the Bengals have long-term options in the waiting at both punter and long-snapper. The return jobs are still very much up for grabs, but these two make sense.
Cuts (or practice squad/reserve lists)
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QB Jake Browning
RB Elijah Holyfield
RB Shermari Jones
WR Pooka Williams
WR Jaivon Heiligh
WR Trenton Irwin
WR Kendric Pryor
WR Jack Sorenson
WR Kwamie Lassiter
TE Thaddeus Moss
TE Scotty Washington
OL Devin Cochran
OL Hakeem Adeniji
OL Noel Desmond
OL Trey Hill
OL Lamont Gaillard
DL Wyatt Hubert
DL Noah Spence
DL Tariqious Tisdale
DL Jeff Gunter
LB Clay Johnston
LB Keandre jones
LB Clarence Hicks
LB Carson Wells
CB Allan George
CB John Brannon
CB Delonte Hood
CB Brendan Radley-Hiles
CB Abu Daramy-Swaray
S Michael Thomas
S Trayvon Henderson
P Drue Chrisman
LS Cal Adomitis
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