Normally a team like the Cincinnati Bengals wouldn’t need a 53-man roster projection before the start of camp.
But much has changed for the Bengals between minicamps and Saturday’s kickoff event in Dayton.
Those changes have mostly occurred on the offensive line with the loss of first-round tackle Jonah Williams and the retirement of Clint Boling. As such, here’s another look at a projection before things get started.
Quarterback (3)
- Andy Dalton
- Ryan Finley
- Jacob Dolegala
Running Back (4)
- Joe Mixon
- Giovani Bernard
- Trayveon Williams
- Rodney Anderson
Analysis: Little changes for these two spots on the offense. The Bengals won’t be able to sneak Dolegala onto the practice squad so he earns a spot.
Wide Receiver (6)
- AJ Green
- Tyler Boyd
- Alex Erickson
- John Ross
- Auden Tate
- Stanley Morgan Jr.
Tight End (4)
- CJ Uzomah
- Tyler Eifert
- Drew Sample
- Mason Schreck
Offensive Line (9)
- Cordy Glenn
- Michael Jordan
- Billy Price
- Trey Hopkins
- John Miller
- John Jerry
- Bobby Hart
- Christian Westerman
- Andre Smith
Analysis: Glenn goes back to left tackle and one of Jerry or Westerman ends up starting at left guard — but don’t forget Hopkins. He’s capable at all three interior spots and could be a darkhorse to steal a gig.
Defensive Line (8)
- Carlos Dunlap
- Sam Hubbard
- Andrew Billings
- Renell Wren
- Geno Atkins
- Ryan Glasgow
- Kerry Wynn
- Carl Lawson
Linebacker (6)
- Nick Vigil
- Germaine Pratt
- Preston Brown
- Deshaun Davis
- Jordan Evans
- Malik Jefferson
Analysis: Wren might earn more playing time than expected if his immense physical upside translates to production. Otherwise, former Lou Anarumo understudy Wynn could play a big part in the rotation. The Bengals are hoping Pratt can emerge into a key situational piece quickly for the linebackers.
Cornerback (6)
- Dre Kirkpatrick
- BW Webb
- Davontae Harris
- William Jackson III
- Darius Phillips
- Darqueze Dennard
Safety (4)
- Shawn Williams
- Clayton Fejedelem
- Jessie Bates III
- Brandon Wilson
Special Teams (3)
- Kevin Huber
- Randy Bullock
- Clark Harris
Analysis: Webb gives the Bengals better-than-expected depth behind Dennard. Otherwise, little changes here. Given how some of these guys were used poorly last year, it’s more about usage than anything else at this point.
