The Cincinnati Bengals revealed some interesting things with the team’s first depth chart of the preseason.
In preparation for a preseason-opening exhibition against the Green Bay Packers, the Bengals put out the chart mid-week and again remained almost mysterious with what it actually means.
There are, for example, high-flying rookies during practices still buried on the chart. A certain star quarterback isn’t in the starting spot. And some other unexpected names are farther down at their respective positions than fans might have guessed.
While the Bengals are usually conservative and traditional with their depth chart releases, it’s still fun to break down some of the notable parts, so here are some takeaways.
Grain of salt
It should go without saying, but the Bengals treat the depth chart like a real exercise ahead of the first week of the preseason — hence Joe Burrow not listed as the starter. A lot of this feels like “if a game were today” details, which might explain some other oddities.
Jonah Williams at RT
Williams has the nod at right tackle for now and by all accounts looks great at the job. But even offensive line coach Frank Pollack has said there is still a battle and rotation going on, so Jackson Carman/Cody Ford aren’t out of the running just yet and La’el Collins isn’t healthy.
Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones buried
Just a Week 1 preseason oddity or something else? Both rookie wideouts are buried on the depth chart, with Iosivas behind Kwamie Lassiter II for the right to back up Tee Higgins. Jones is behind Trent Taylor in Tyler Boyd’s slot. It has been safe to presume sheer upside (and special teams for Jones) would get both rookies on the final 53, but this is something to watch.
Sleeper DBs still being slept on
Breakout seventh-rounder DJ Ivey, AKA “Poison” to his teammates, has moved the needle everywhere but the depth chart, it seems. He’s fourth at one of the corner spots, even behind Marvell Tell III. Tycen Anderson, an exciting rookie from last year, is third on the depth chart at a safety spot behind Dax Hill and Michael Thomas. Both guys have loads of upside, but the chart says they still have work to do.
Other quick thoughts
— Trevor Siemian overtaking Jake Browning wasn’t going to take long.
— Mitchell Wilcox, on his way back from injury, is buried seventh on the tight end depth chart, but it’s a pretty safe bet he’ll be back up to third by the time the season starts.
— Rookie Chase Brown is the fourth running back but that simply won’t last.
— Jeff Gunter is fourth at a DE spot but that won’t last either. He’s just too good and overlooked.
— It feels like rookie Brad Robbins should win the punter job, even if he’s second on the chart right now.
