The Cincinnati Bengals have made good use of the waiver wire in recent years, which is a trend that could continue in the coming days.
Those Bengals project to have a really tough time whittling the roster down to just 53 players, never mind formulating a full practice squad at the same time.
But that doesn’t mean coaches and the front office won’t be closely watching which players don’t make the 53 on other rosters around the NFL. As usual, they’ll be more than willing to add a player from the outside if the value and fit is right.
Here’s a look at a handful of spots the Bengals figure to closely monitor around the league as cuts happen.
RB
The Bengals have some really nice talent at running back behind Joe Mixon, but it still doesn’t feel settled there. Besides draft pick Chase Brown, it feels like every name, including Trayveon Williams, could be cut and put through to the practice squad. If a bigger name surprisingly shows up, the team might just make a claim.
QB
Brandon Allen, come on down. Jokes aside, if the 49ers cut Joe Burrow’s former backup, the team might just scoop him up after the so-so showing from Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning this summer.
TE
Tanner Hudson has been a nice breakout, but Mitchell Wilcox is coming off an injury. Irv Smith Jr. and Drew Sample are locks, but the right fit would make them put in a claim.
OL
The Bengals have some nice depth on the interior with Cody Ford and Max Scharping able to back up multiple roles, but again, the right fit would make them re-evaluate. Depth is a strength right now, but this is the one team in the league that can’t take it for granted.
DL
The Bengals will already have an incredibly tough time getting the defensive line in order given the breakouts for the likes of Raymond Johnson III behind first-rounder Myles Murphy. But…this is Lou Anarumo we’re talking about and if pass-rushing depth presents itself, the team is likely to strike.
