RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesCincinnati Bengals players are starting to report to training camp to start making good on the all-in offseason by the franchise.
There, players will compete for jobs and ultimately final roster spots on what projects to be one of the top contenders in the NFL around quarterback Joe Burrow.
Before the pads go on and things get serious, here’s a quick projection for how the final 53-man roster eventually shakes out.
Bengals 53-man roster prediction before training camp
QBs (2)
Joe Burrow
Joe Flacco
Cut: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
One could argue the Bengals have the best top-to-bottom quarterback room in the NFL, so no surprises here.
WRs (6)
Tee Higgins
Ja’Marr Chase
Andrei Iosivas
Charlie Jones
Colbie Young
Mitch Tinsley
Cut: Kendric Pryor, Ke’Shawn Williams, Xavier Johnson, Jordan Moore, Dohnte Meyers, Noah Thomas
The competition for the sixth spot is almost wild. Colbie Young is a rookie draft pick with huge upside who probably sticks. Mitch Tinsley has looked a little like Marvin Jones out there. But it’s hard to dislike what names like Kendric Pryor and Jordan Moore have shown over time, too.
RBs (3)
Chase Brown
Samaje Perine
Tahj Brooks
Cut: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrel Bullock, Jamal Haynes
Chase Brown leads the way in what could be a three-back show to start the season, at least. They have to hope that Tahj Brooks can keep ascending and help if needed, too.
TEs (4)
Mike Gesicki
Drew Sample
Erick All Jr.
Tanner Hudson
Cut: Cam Grandy, Jack Endries, Josh Kattus
Erick All is key to the tight end room this season if he can stay healthy. Four is probably the max right now, but they will look to keep someone like draft pick Jack Endries on the practice squad.
OL (9)
C Ted Karras
LT Orlando Brown Jr.
T-G Cody Ford
LG Dalton Risner
RT Amarius Mims
G Dylan Fairchild
G Jalen Rivers
T-G Brian Parker II
T Andrew Coker
Cut: T Javon Foster, C Jacob Bayer, G Liam Brown, C Connor Lew, T Christian Jones, T Corey Robinson II
The starting five returns for the first time in the Joe Burrow era and depth names like Cody Ford and rookie Brian Parker can play multiple spots. Don’t sleep on Jalen Rivers to continue developing, too. Draft pick Connor Lew is one to watch here, as if he’s fully healthy, he’ll probably make the 53 and they will have to make room.
DL (10)
DT Jonathan Allen
DT B.J. Hill
DT Dexter Lawrence II
DT T.J. Slaton Jr.
DE Boye Mafe
DE Myles Murphy
DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
DE Shemar Stewart
DE Cashius Howell
DT Landon Robinson
Cut: DE Isaiah Foskey, DT McKinnley Jackson, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Cedric Johnson, DT Howard Cross III
The Bengals turned a weakness into a strength by adding Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen. Even TJ Slaton remains a key piece of the rotation. There’s a chance they don’t even give Kris Jenkins another chance to prove himself at this point. Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell join the edge-rushing fray and fan favorite Landon Robinson sneaks aboard, too.
LB (4)
Barrett Carter
Demetrius Knight Jr.
Shaka Heyward
Oren Burks
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris, Swayze Bozeman, Liam Anderson, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Eric Gentry, Jack Dingle
Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter remain earmarked for a big role. But the Bengals adding a veteran at the spot through trade, free agency or the waiver wire still wouldn’t be shocking.
DB (12)
CB DJ Turner II
CB Dax Hill
CB Jalen Davis
CB Ja’Sir Taylor
CB DJ Ivey
CB Josh Newton
CB Bralyn Lux
S Kyle Dugger
S Bryan Cook
S Jordan Battle
S PJ Jules
CB Tacario Davis
Cut: S Daijahn Anthony, S Russ Yeast, CB Jalen Kimber, S Isaiah Nwokobia, CB Ceyair Wright
Dax Hill and DJ Turner are the starting boundary guys. The slot is quite a bit more discouraging and, like linebacker, is always a spot they could still add to during training camp. Like the defensive interior, the depth at safety is suddenly a strength, with Bryan Cook taking over a starting job and Kyle Dugger capable of playing all spots across all formations.
ST (3)
K Evan McPherson
P Ryan Rehkow
LS William Wagner
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals 53-man roster projection as training camp starts
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