Cincinnati Bengals' updated 53-man roster projection following OTAs and prior to training camp
The first half of the offseason is in the books for the Cincinnati Bengals. OTAs and minicamp have turned into a summer break leading up to the more challenging part of the calendar when training camp arrives. For the second time this offseason, it's time to project who will be left on the team when the regular […]
The first half of the offseason is in the books for the Cincinnati Bengals. OTAs and minicamp have turned into a summer break leading up to the more challenging part of the calendar when training camp arrives.
For the second time this offseason, it's time to project who will be left on the team when the regular season is upon us.
Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2024 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2024 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (2)
IN: Joe Burrow, Jake Browning
OUT: Logan Woodside, Rocky Lombardi**
The skinny: There will be a battle here between Woodside and Lombardi to see who sticks around on the practice squad. Maybe both will look good enough to keep two?
Running back (4)
IN: Zack Moss, Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans
OUT: Noah Cain**, Elijah Collins**
The skinny: I previously had Drew Sample listed here as an H-back, but since the majority of his responsibilities will be as a tight end, it feels right to list him with that position. The nature of Moss and Brown's partnership as 1A and 1B in the backfield makes me lean towards having two reserves behind them instead of just one. That could be Evans, or it could be one of the undrafted guys. It's too early to say which has the best chance of beating out Evans.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton*, Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones
OUT: Kwamie Lassiter II, Shedrick Jackson, Kendric Pryor, Cole Burgess**, Tre Mosley**
The skinny: Not much movement to be found here with Higgins back in the fold and Iosivas continuing to impress. Jackson, the nephew of Bo Jackson, got a shoutout from Burrow earlier this month, so watch out for him in training camp.
Tight end (5)
IN: Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, Erick All*, Tanner McLachlan*
OUT: Cam Grandy**
The skinny: The top three are very much set as both All and McLachlan work back from injuries, though their health should be in good shape by the time camp rolls around. Five is a lot at this spot, but they're all talented enough to make the team.
Offensive line (9)
IN: Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Trent Brown, Amarius Mims*, Cody Ford, Matt Lee*, Jackson Carman
OUT: D'Ante Smith, Trey Hill, Devin Cochran, Jaxson Kirkland, Nate Gilliam, Eric Miller**
The skinny: Nine still feels like the right number here considering the rest of the roster, and the battle for that ninth and final spot should be fierce. Miller is the only rookie in that fight, and Cochran is an interesting wildcard coming back from injury. Don't forget about Kirkland either.
Defensive line (10)
IN: Trey Hendrickson, Sheldon Rankins, B.J. Hill, Sam Hubbard, Myles Murphy, Kris Jenkins*, McKinnley Jackson*, Cam Sample, Joseph Ossai, Zach Carter
OUT: Jeff Gunter, Jay Tufele, Domenique Davis, Cedric Johnson*, Devonnsha Maxwell, Travis Bell, Justin Blazek**
The skinny: Nothing new to see here as well. The edge position continues to fascinate me with Johnson and Blazek being very intriguing rookies, while guys like Sample and Gunter may be tapped out in terms of development.
Linebacker (5)
IN: Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie, Aaron Casey**
OUT: Devin Harper, Shaka Heyward, Maema Njongmeta**
The skinny: Mums the word on the back of the linebacker group following the offseason program. Harper and Heyward have the benefit of schematic experience, but Casey's resume entering his first training camp remains impressive.
Cornerback (5)
IN: Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill, Mike Hilton, DJ Turner II, Josh Newton
OUT: Jalen Davis, Allan George, Lance Robinson**
PUP/IR: DJ Ivey
The skinny: It's still extremely early, but Hill has gotten plenty of starting reps at his new position, and Newton's no-nonsense approach has lived up to its billing thus far. I think their continued progressions can make the decision to go light here a bit easier. Five corners are the most you'd see active on game days anyways, and Davis and George are safe practice squad bets. Keep in mind that Ivey can come back sometime this year.
Safety (4)
IN: Geno Stone, Vonn Bell, Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson
OUT: Daijahn Anthony*, P.J. Jules**, Michael Dowell**
The skinny: Stone and Bell are pretty much locked in as starters unless Battle has something to say about it in August. Anderson's value on special teams will be even greater with the new kickoff rules.
Specialists (3)
IN: Evan McPherson, Austin McNamara**, Cal Adomitis
OUT: Brad Robbins
The skinny: So far so good for McNamara in these early days. I'm still putting him ahead of Robbins for now, but we'll see how they fare when it comes to directional punting in camp and preseason.
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