The Cincinnati Bengals shut down minicamp early after a coaching staff headed up by Zac Taylor liked what it saw.
Joe Burrow likes what he sees too from a win-now organization and roster.
Before training camp arrives in a few weeks and roster battles get underway, here’s a quick rundown of an updated 53-man roster prediction heading into July.
Bengals 53-man roster prediction after OTAs, minicamp
QBs (2)
Cut: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
No great shocks here. No shock, either, if the Bengals keep a third passer on the practice squad.
WRs (6)
Cut: Kendric Pryor, Ke’Shawn Williams, Xavier Johnson, Jordan Moore, Dohnte Meyers, Noah Thomas, Colbie Young
Some really tough calls here, but the sudden arrival of Colbie Young and the outbursts from Mitch Tinsley last year lock them in at six, barring a stunning development.
RBs (3)
Cut: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrel Bullock, Jamal Haynes
Chase Brown has developed into a nice every-down back. They can go with three and stash a few more on the practice squad, if needed.
TEs (4)
Cut: Cam Grandy, Jack Endries, Josh Kattus
The hope is that Erick All can stay healthy and really help the offense be dynamic. But they might also be able to go light here since so many other players can line up in the slot and all over the formations.
OL (9)
Cut: T Javon Foster, C Jacob Bayer, G Liam Brown, C Connor Lew, T Christian Jones, T Corey Robinson II
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to backups. Cody Ford can do it all and rookie Brian Parker can move across the line. Jalen Rivers is still worth developing, too. Look for a rookie like Connor Lew to perhaps start stashed on an injured list.
DL (10)
Cut: DE Isaiah Foskey, DT McKinnley Jackson, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Cedric Johnson, DT Howard Cross III
Two new arrivals on the edge, Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell, join the former first-round picks. On the inside, this is probably the best depth they’ve had since the Geno Atkins days, so even Slaton sticks. Time’s up for McKinnley Jackson, though.
LB (4)
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris, Swayze Bozeman, Liam Anderson, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Eric Gentry, Jack Dingle
Not exactly an encouraging position. The Bengals believe in Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter, but it still wouldn’t be a surprise to see them add a veteran.
DB (12)
Cut: S Daijahn Anthony, S Russ Yeast, CB Jalen Kimber, S Isaiah Nwokobia, CB Ceyair Wright
Who wins the slot job? Hard to say, but they had a really good thing going on the boundary last year with Dax Hill and DJ Turner. This is the best depth they’ve had in a long time at safety, too, with Kyler Dugger moving all over formations and letting them move on from the likes of Daijahn Anthony.
ST (3)
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster projection following 2026 offseason
Reporting by Chris Roling, Bengals Wire / Bengals Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chris Roling, Bengals Wire | USA TODAY Network
