Cincinnati Bengals: Draft improved quality of 53-man roster projections
The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy offseason with some big upgrades on defense and a draft class that adds quality depth in areas of need. A total of 71 players were under contract when the 2026 NFL Draft began, and the Bengals selected seven players over the final two days after not having a first-round pick. Several undrafted free agents came to terms with the organization following the conclusion of the event, and the team will likely announce them ahead of rookie minicamp Friday, May 8.
That will put Cincinnati near the 90-man roster limit, and the staff will have a chance to see how a lot of the pieces fit together through the offseason workout program, which now heads into Week 3. The real evaluations won’t come until August training camp, but here’s an early 53-man roster projection and what it would look like if all seven draft picks make the team. Quarterback (2)In: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco Out: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford No surprises here.
Re-signing Flacco was one of the best things that could have happened for the offense this offseason. Ideally for the Bengals, he’s just playing garbage minutes, but it’s hard to imagine a better backup for Burrow. Flacco knows the offense now and will be able to slide in seamlessly if needed.
Running back (3)In: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks Out: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton Brown made himself even more difficult to take off the field last year with improvement in pass-catching and protection, but Perine is a solid third-down option and can spell Brown if needed. Brooks showed flashes but didn’t see enough snaps with Brown’s productivity. Wide receiver (6)In: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young*, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones Out: Ke’Shawn Williams, Kendric Pryor, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson, Dohnte Myers The fourth-round pick of Young had similar vibes to that of Jermaine Burton in 2024, but he seems more reliable.
He could compete with Iosivas for the WR3 spot, which could always be improved. Jones seems like the big question mark here, as he’s dealt with injuries the last two seasons. He’s got three career touchdowns on punt/kick returns, but if reliability is a concern, perhaps the tide could change.
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