Bengals Way-Too-Early Depth Chart Projection: Depth becomes much improved following 2026 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals are currently at 88 players following the 2026 NFL Draft. The depth chart has been boosted thanks to seven new draft picks and a reported 10 undrafted free agent signings.
We’ve already projected what the Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster may look like. Now it’s time to lay out where the current depth chart stands.
The 2026 NFL Draft allowed Cincinnati to truly bolster its depth at needed spots. Starters were firmly in place prior to the seven picks made, and the names behind those starters appear to be a lot better for certain position groups.
Let’s take a look at the Bengals’ updated depth chart.
Disclaimer: *indicates a 2026 draft pick, **indicates a 2026 college free agent signing
Bengals depth chart projection following the 2026 NFL Draft
Quarterback
Starter: Joe Burrow,
Backup: Joe Flacco
Reserves: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
Johnson and Clifford are here to be Flacco insurance for the summer. They’ll play the majority of preseason snaps, and with Johnson’s vast experience, we might see some competence from the second- and third-string offense in August.
Running back
Starter: Chase Brown
Backup: Samaje Perine
Reserves: Tahj Brooks, Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrell Bullock**, Jamal Haynes**
Will Perine vs. Brooks happen? I doubt it, but the latter should be slowly prepared for a larger role next year if both the former and Brown end up elsewhere in 2027.
Wide receiver
Starters: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas
Backups: Colbie Young, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones
Reserves: Ke’Shawn Williams, Kendric Pryor, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson, Dohnte Myers, Noah Thomas**
It’s not uncommon for a reserve to elevate himself into backup status. Tinsley took that exact path last year. Will Williams be the next version? Young also has Iosivas in his way if he wants to play as a rookie.
Tight end
Starters: Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki,
Backups: Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson
Reserves: Cam Grandy, Jack Endries*, Josh Kattus**
All being healthy for the entire offseason is going to be huge for this group. Hudson has the trust of Burrow and the inside track at a spot. Endries and Kattus have their work cut out for them.
Offensive line
Starters: Orlando Brown Jr. (LT), Dylan Fairchild (LG), Ted Karras (C), Dalton Risner (RG), Amarius Mims (RT)
Backups: Cody Ford (OT/G), Jalen Rivers (G), Connor Lew* (C), Brian Parker II* (OL), Andrew Coker (OT)
Reserves: Javon Foster (OT), Jacob Bayer (C), Corey Robinson II** (OT/G), Christian Jones** (OT)
Ford will start out as the incumbent swing tackle. The question is whether or not Parker will make him expendable in the next four months. Coker is the backup right tackle based off last year’s preseason usage.
Defensive line
Starters: Dexter Lawrence (NT), Jonathan Allen (DT), B.J. Hill (DT), Boye Mafe (EDGE), Myles Murphy (EDGE)
Backups: T.J. Slaton Jr. (NT), Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT), McKinnley Jackson (DT), Shemar Stewart (EDGE), Cashius Howell* (EDGE)
Reserves: Jordan Jefferson (NT), Landon Robinson* (DT), Howard Cross III (DT), Cedric Johnson (EDGE), Isaiah Foskey (EDGE), Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. (EDGE)
This is a 3-4 front at its core. Get used to it. The starters and backups fit perfectly for what roles are needed. It’s a matter of how many of the reserves will play their way into being backups and disrupt the dynamic. Johnson and Robinson should have the best chances.
Linebacker
Starters: Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr.
Backups: Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris
Reserves: Liam Anderson, Eric Gentry**, Jack Dingle**
Two UDFAs don’t change anything unless they turn heads in the summer. Feels like another backup option is needed regardless.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis
Backups: Tacario Davis*, DJ Ivey, Josh Newton
Reserves: Ja’Sir Taylor, Bralyn Lux, Jalen Kimber, Ceyair Wright**
Jalen Davis is still the starting nickelback while Tacario “Bobo” Davis looks like the ideal first-off-the-bench. Taylor pushing out Newton should be on the table as a possible outcome.
Safety
Starters: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle
Backups: Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules
Reserves: Daijahn Anthony, Russ Yeast, Isaiah Nwokobia**
Jules gaining plenty of special teams experience likely makes him the second backup next to Dugger instead of Anthony, though that should be an equal competition.
Specialist
Starters: Evan McPherson (K), Ryan Rehkow (P), William Wagner (LS)
No notes.
