Bengals Depth Chart Preview: Faith in familiar faces starting at safety now turns to pressure
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense of the last six years ran through the safety position. Now with Lou Anarumo replaced by Al Golden as defensive coordinator, changing how the position functions is critical with the personnel staying the same. There were expectations for personnel change to at least be considered. Free agency came and went, and the team passed […]
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense of the last six years ran through the safety position. Now with Lou Anarumo replaced by Al Golden as defensive coordinator, changing how the position functions is critical with the personnel staying the same.
There were expectations for personnel change to at least be considered. Free agency came and went, and the team passed on logical targets in the draft as well. Golden is buying in to the faces in the building, and now the pressure is on for them to deliver.
The next installment of our Bengals depth chart preview series finally goes over to the defensive side of the ball, starting with the safeties.
Bengals Safety Depth Chart
Free Safety
- Geno Stone
- Daijahn Anthony
- PJ Jules
Strong Safety
- Jordan Battle
- Tycen Anderson
- Jaylen Key
- Shaquan Loyal
The starters: Stone, Battle. This starting tandem became official in Week 13 of last season when Battle first took over for Vonn Bell. Battle will enter training camp as a starter for the first time while Stone will look to keep his starting status after accepting a pay cut to stick around. Neither one can say they have strong job security, but the lack of outside competition works entirely in their favor. They'll have every chance to stay on the field.
First off the bench: Anderson. This used to be Battle for the past two years, and Anderson having the title makes the most sense now. He's been on the longer than anyone in the room and has flashed during preseason action, though his regular season resume is 99% special teams work. If confidence in either starter fades, Anderson should end up getting consideration.
The rest: Anthony had a small role as a rookie last year and watched it fade away after his a pass interference call cost Cincinnati an entire game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He figures to still be in the top four ahead of Jules and Key, two undrafted guys from last season. Loyal was signed as a UDFA this year.
Who will make the 53-man roster: Stone, Battle, Anderson, Anthony. Safety is one of two position groups on defense with the same coach returning from last year, so it stands to reason why Jordan Kovacs would want to continue working with the same group from last year sans Bell. You could say that Anthony is the only non-lock and will have to fend off the rest, but Jules, Key, and Loyal are all basically on the same level.
Practice squad prediction: Loyal. The only new addition to the group from this offseason may use that distinction to his advantage when it comes time to building out the practice squad. Loyal played all over Rutgers' secondary.
Previous Position Depth Chart Previews
- (7/6) Quarterback
- (7/7) Running back
- (7/8) Wide receiver
- (7/9) Tight end
- (7/10) Offensive tackle
- (7/11) Guard
- 7/12) Center
Bengals safety Geno Stone says the quiet part out loud when speculating the outcome of his pay cut
Cincinnati is saving salary cap space that could be put to good use.
