Thanks to everyone who has voiced their opinions about how you think the Bengals’ roster will shape up over the coming months. The great thing about discussions like this is that anything can still happen for the guys we like, and we can all learn something from each other, so keep those comments coming.
While I am not as secure with the backfield as I would like to be, I think the 2012 defense will be improved from the previous year’s model: better horsepower, quicker acceleration and improved traction. The defense will continue to be the better unit, although the offense should close the gap a bit.
| OFFENSIVE ROSTER PROJECTION | ||||
| Pos | Starter | Backup | Practice Squad | Miss The Team |
| CB1 | Leon Hall | Nate Clements | Brandon Ghee | Terence Newman, Reuben Haley |
| CB2 | Dre Kirkpatrick | Shaun Prater | ||
| CB3 | Jason Allen | Adam Jones | ||
| FS | Reggie Nelson | Jeromy Miles | Tony Dye | Robert Sands, Patrick McClellan |
| SS | Taylor Mays | George Iloka | ||
| OLB1 | Manny Lawson | Dontay Moch | Vincent Rey | Dan Skuta, Emmanuel Lamur, Micah Johnson, Grant Hunter, Brandon Joiner |
| ILB | Rey Maualuga | Vontaze Burfict | ||
| OLB2 | Thomas Howard | Roddrick Muckelroy | DeQuin Evans | |
| DE1 | Carlos Dunlap | Robert Geathers | Derrick Harvey | |
| DE2 | Michael Johnson | Jamaal Anderson | ||
| DT1 | Domata Peko | Devon Still | ||
| DT2 | Geno Atkins | Pat Sims Brandon Thompson |
Nick Hayden | |
The picks at linebacker are by far the toughest. Putting a guy with the experience of Skuta on the street in favor of of Burfict is crazy on one level. But unless Burfict implodes during camp, I really think Marvin wants him, and he might not clear waivers to be signed to the practice squad. Knowing if Moch’s migraine issues have cleared up would also be helpful, as the Bengals carrying him through another season with that problem is doubtful.
Also, does anyone agree with the rumors that Nate Clements is at risk of being cut because of age and salary? I do not, but I would love to hear an argument from the other side.
Iloka is a FS. I could see them move Reggie to SS and Iloka start at FS.
No, Taylor Mays will be our starter. We’ll make S.F wish they hadn’t just given him away. Zimmer is turning this kid into a beast! Taylor Mays will play well this year as our starting SS and he is better than IIoka.
I think Skuta makes the team and is our Game 1 starter on MNF. I’m assuming that Maualuga gets suspended for the first game or two. I see know way that Burfict is ready to start in Week 1 at a position as important as ILB. Even if he can play the position, is he really ready to be calling the plays on the field?
I’m also wondering about the idea that Clements moves to Safety and Hall starts on PUP. Kirkpatrick and Allen/Newman start at CB in that case. With Moch’s suspension, we definitely need another LB. I would LOVE to get Brandon Johnson back for another season…or two.
Patrick. YOU ARE ON POINT!! with the Mays comment. This is the year for it all to happen.
Bengals defensive line rotation will be scary I’ll give you that.
If Maualuga and Moch are suspended, there will be two temporary open spots for Skuta and Rey or Evans.
If Hall is put on PUP list, there will be a spot for Newman.
I don’t see Dye over Sands for PS.
I don’t sure if Harvey has PS eligibility.
Agree with the rest.