Cincinnati Bengals roster projections 2024: Resetting 53-man depth chart after NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals used all 10 of their draft picks this year, accumulating as much depth as they could instead of using some of their draft capital to trade up for a specific player.

The Bengals prioritized building up some badly needed depth at defensive tackle and cornerback, but first-round pick Amarius Mims was the only aggressive move the Bengals made to solidify their offensive line depth.

No trade: Zac Taylor says Bengals will keep Trey Hendrickson

On the move: Dax Hill will compete at cornerback in training camp

Quarterbacks (3)

Joe Burrow, Jake Browning and Logan Woodside

Quarterback is the most set position group on the team with Browning solidified on a two-year deal to be the backup behind Burrow. Woodside gives the Bengals a more experienced third quarterback than they've had in most recent seasons.

Wide receivers (9)

Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, Shedrick Jackson, Kwamie Lassiter, Kendric Pryor

Higgins still isn't under contract, but the Bengals have already placed the franchise tag on him. Head coach Zac Taylor said the Bengals have one of the best receiver rooms in the NFL. They'll have plenty of competition to fill the snaps that former Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd took last year.

Running backs (4)

Zack Moss, Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans

The Bengals move forward with Moss and Brown was the one-two punch in the backfield. The third down role remains a work in progress, but Moss has the potential to bring an upgrade in pass protection.

Tight ends (5)

Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki, Erick All, Tanner Hudson, Tanner McLachlan

After not drafting a single tight end last year, the Bengals added two in 2024. All, who's recovering from a torn ACL, has the potential to develop into the Bengals' most well-rounded tight end as both a blocker and a receiver. McLachlan immediately becomes one of the most athletic players on the offense.

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart shakes hands with Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) after a play against the TCU Horned Frogs during the third quarter of the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium.
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart shakes hands with Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) after a play against the TCU Horned Frogs during the third quarter of the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium.

Offensive linemen (14)

Center: Ted Karras, Trey Hill and Matt LeeGuards: Cordell Volson, Alex Cappa, Cody Ford, Jaxson Kirkland, Nate Gilliam, Tackles: Orlando Brown, Trent Brown, Amarius Mims, Jackson Carman, D'Ante Smith, Devin Cochran

The Bengals will count on three players from their 2021 NFL Draft class in Carman, Hill and Smith, to provide depth. No one in the group has shown much potential yet, but the Bengals didn't make offensive line depth a priority in the draft. Former Bengals center Max Scharping remains available on the free agent market. Lee will compete for the backup center job.

Defensive linemen (16)

End: Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Myles Murphy, Cam Sample, Joseph Ossai, Cedric Johnson, Jeff GunterTackle: Sheldon Rankins, BJ Hill, Kris Jenkins, Zach Carter, Jay Tufele, Travis Bell, Devonsha MaxwellNose: McKinnley Jackson, Domenique Davis

Defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson was the Bengals' second selection in the third round.
Defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson was the Bengals' second selection in the third round.

Last year, the Bengals didn't have enough defensive tackles who could be dynamic against the run. They spent two Day 2 NFL draft picks to address that issue. The Bengals enter training camp with their deepest defensive line room in Taylor's tenure with the Bengals.

Linebackers (5)

Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie, Devin Harper, Shaka Heyward

The Bengals claimed Harper off of waivers last season and held onto him throughout the year. Now, he could step into a higher role on the depth chart with Markus Bailey a free agent.

Cornerbacks (8)

Mike Hilton, Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner, Dax Hill, Josh Newton, Jalen Davis, DJ Ivey, Allan George

Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo declined to reveal whether Hill will be a safety or a cornerback this year. But because of the Bengals' lack of experienced depth at cornerback, Hill could play a critical role at that position.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian defensive back Josh Newton (DB28) ) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian defensive back Josh Newton (DB28) ) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Safeties (5)

Geno Stone, Vonn Bell, Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson, Daijahn Anthony

Daijahn Anthony, a seventh round pick, provides an intriguing option on the depth chart with his ability to play outside cornerback, slot cornerback and safety. The Bengals have more options at safety than any other position.

Special teams (3)

Punter: Brad RobbinsKicker: Evan McPhersonHolder: Cal Adomitis

After the Bengals drafted a punter last year, they didn't select one in 2024. They'll likely add an undrafted free agent to join the competition.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bengals 53-man roster prediction after 2024 NFL draft

Advertisement