As training camp nears for the Cincinnati Bengals, we're going to take a look at the most intriguing positional battles all over the roster. Whether they're at the top or near the bottom of the depth chart, jobs will be on the line starting this month.

The Bengals' decision to draft a defensive end with their first-round pick made historical waves as much as it did send a message for the present. The franchise's first top-30 pick on a d-lineman in over 20 years was made to protect the future, as well as provided needed improvement to what's there now.

Myles Murphy will instantly become a key rotational player alongside Joseph Ossai as the main backups for Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard at edge defender. There's room for one or two more players at the position, and these three have the best chance at securing the remaining spot(s).

Bengals Backup ED Competitors

Cam Sample

Entering his third season, Sample remains a staple in the rotation at edge defender. When Sam Hubbard went down late in the season with Trey Hendrickson dealing with a bad wrist, it was Sample who got first dibs on reps ahead of Joseph Ossai. Holding his own in run defense has earned him trust from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to play valuable snaps when needed.

This may not be a make or break year for the soon-to-be 24-year old edge defender, but a jump in his pass-rushing production would make him immensely more valuable in the rotation. His pass rush win rate increased from 6% as a rookie to just 6.2% in 2022. 111 edge defenders had a higher win rate last year.

Tarell Basham 

Basham is entering year seven with his fifth different team, still looking for stability after injuries caused his first two years to go off course. He ended up on two different teams last season and played the least amount of snaps of his career, making his one-year deal with the Bengals the classic low-risk, high-reward scenario. 

Basham finding that spark again while playing for a contender is what the Bengals have in mind as a situational pass rusher off the bench. But he'll have to make it past younger athletes first.

Jeff Gunter

Perhaps the most athletic of those athletes is Gunter, who made the team as a rookie drafted in seventh round last year. Only 23 chances to rush the passer didn't give us much of a sample size, but he produced eight pressures and a sack in 86 pass rushing reps from last preseason.

There's more potential with Gunter than anyone else competing behind the likes of Ossai and Murphy. His power and bend make for an ideal spark plug to come off the bench.

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Very few positions require more reliable depth than edge defender. The Bengals had four players last year log at least 400 snaps including postseason play, and the fifth is always liable to step up in emergency situations. 

Ossai taking the next step with Murphy contributing early already gives the Bengals more depth than they've had in recent years. One of Sample, Basham, or Gunter rounding out the group would be the cherry on the sundae. 

Bengals recent signing relishing homecoming opportunity

Coming back to Ohio became important for the defensive end.

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