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+--- Thread: Bengals' Roster Compared to Opening Day Last Year (/thread-11082.html)
Bengals' Roster Compared to Opening Day Last Year - Whatever - 04-30-2017
QB
Key Additions-None
Key Losses-None
+/- Push
Not much to talk about, here. All three QB's from last year return.
RB
Key Additions-Joe Mixon(Drafted 2nd round), Howard Wilson(Drafted 6th round)
Key Losses-Rex Burkhead(FA)
+/- Improved
Burkhead was a versatile utility RB that looked good in his limited opportunities, but was unable to climb over Hill and Gio on the depth chart. Mixon is a legitimate Top 10 talent and arguably the best RB in a loaded RB class. He should have every opportunity to take Hill's starting job. Wilson is a great athlete that could develop into a great CoP back, but raw and still learning the position.
TE
Key Additions-Mason Shreck(Drafted 7th round)
Key Losses-None
+/- Push
Eifert could be added in the Additions column when he returns from injury, but his history of injuries lingering longer than they should make me reticent to include him until he proves he's ready to go. Shreck is a long shot to make the roster or have much impact this year.
WR
Key Additions-John Ross(Drafted 1st round), Josh Malone(Drafted 4th round)
Key Losses-James Wright(Waived)
+/- Improved
Ross possesses elite speed that will have a great impact on opposing game plans and is is shifty route runner and surprisingly effective red zone target. Malone is a physical freak that will need to improve his route running, but could contribute as a deep threat if called upon. Wright showed flashes his rookie season, but struggled on the field after his return from injury.
OL
Key Additions-Andre Smith(FA), JJ Dielman(Drafted 5th Round)
Key Losses-Andrew Whitworth(FA), Kevin Zeitler(FA)
+/- Worsened
Whitworth was aging, but still playing at a high level at LT and one of the team's leaders. Zeitler was a very good RG who signed a record breaking deal in FA. Smith is coming back from injury and making the move from RT to RG. Dielman is a developmental C who is a long shot to challenge for a starting role.
DL
Key Additions-Wallace Gilberry(FA), Chris Smith(Trade), Marcus Hardison(Injured Reserve), Andrew Billings(Injured Reserve), Jordan Willis(Drafted 3rd Round), Carl Lawson(Drafted 4th Round), Ryan Glasgow(Drafted 4th Round)
Key Losses-Domata Peko(FA)
+/- Improved
Peko was a great locker room guy and a good hustle player, but left a lot to be desired at NT both in holding the PoA against the run and rushing the passer. Billings was a 1st round graded NT that should replace Peko and upgrade that position. Willis and Lawson should push for immediate PT, especially in passing situations, and one may take over the starting RDE role before the end of the season. Glasgow will compete for snaps at the NT position. Hardison has shown versatility, playing both DT and DE in preseason, but has to stay healthy if he is to have a chance to contribute. Gilberry and Smith will have difficult times making the final roster.
LB
Key Additions-Kevin Minter(FA), Jordan Evans(Drafted 6th Round)
Key Losses-Karlos Dansby(FA), Rey Maualuga(Released)
+/-Improved
Minter is a quality MLB in the prime of his career and former captain of the Arizona Cardinals' stacked defense. Evans brings speed and athletic ability to the back end of the depth chart, but will primarily contribute on ST's. Dansby was a highly touted FA signing that showed his age during a disappointing campaign. Maualuga fell out of favor with his declining play and the FO ended his long, disappointing run.
CB
Key Additions-William Jackson III(Injured Reserve), Keivare Russell(Waivers), Bene' Benwikere(FA)
Key Losses-None
+/- Improved
WJ3 was the Bengals' 1st round pick last year, and brings speed and ball skills to that unit. Russell was a 3rd round pick of the Chiefs last year who was claimed off waivers mid season and recorded an Interception in the only game he dressed for. Benwikere is a veteran with 14 career starts under his belt, and is likely battling Russell for the 6th and final CB spot.
S
Key Additions-None
Key Losses-None
+/- Push
Much like the QB position, no changes to this position group.
Specialists
Key Additions-Randy Bullock(FA), Jake Elliott(Drafted 5th Round)
Key Losses-Mike Nugent
+/- Improved
Nugent struggled mightily, and after years of diminished returns, the Bengals pulled the plug on the hometown kicker mid season. Bullock improved the position, but did have a key miss that cost the Bengals a W. Elliott broke most of Stephen Gostkowski's records at Memphis. Hate to say it, but no matter who wins the K battle between Bullock and Elliott, they can't help but be an improvement over Nugent.
Overall
Improved-RB, WR, DL, LB, CB, Specialists
Push-QB, TE, S
Worsened-OL