Ranking Bengals' Biggest Needs Ahead of Training Camp

Will Cincinnati add another veteran before the start of the 2022 season?

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Jul 8, 2022 7:45 AM EDT

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have improved in multiple areas this offseason.

They added three key pieces on the offensive line, got younger and more versatile on defense and retained veterans like B.J. Hill and Eli Apple.

Despite their offseason moves, Cincinnati still has some holes that they could fill between now and the start of the 2022 campaign. Here are their three biggest needs with training camp less than three weeks away.

1. Wide Receiver

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) smiles after making a catch from Joe Burrow during training camp on the practice fields outside of Paul Brown Stadium in Downtown Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Aug17bengals4 — USA Today Images

It's easy to look at the Bengals' roster and overlook the wide receiver position. They have three great players at the top of their depth chart.

Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd might be the best trio in the NFL, but that doesn't mean they couldn't use another proven pass catcher.

The Bengals like Mike Thomas and Stanley Morgan Jr., but it's unrealistic to expect them to take a huge leap this season. The same goes for guys like Trent Taylor and Trenton Irwin.

Undrafted rookie Kwamie Lassiter has potential, but don't be shocked if the Bengals look to bring in a more established player for that fourth wide receiver spot between now and the start of the season.

2. Offensive Line

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Jackson Carman (79) against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports — Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line should be much improved with the additions of La'el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa.

They also have a huge hole at left guard. Is Jackson Carman ready to take a step in year two? Will rookie Cordell Volson hit the ground running?

If not, then it would be nice to have a veteran that could slide into that spot. The offensive line is better, but it isn't perfect. Adding another proven commodity would go a long way toward keeping Joe Burrow upright.

3. Defensive Line

Oct 24, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) reacts after a sack in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports — Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals' biggest hole on defense is at the tackle position. They re-signed Hill, which helps make up for the loss of Larry Ogunjobi, but they could still use another 3-technique that's capable of getting after opposing quarterbacks.

They could also use another edge rusher. Trey Hendrickson was great last season and Joseph Ossai should make an impact after missing his entire rookie season, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bengals add another proven pass rusher on defense.

Bottom Line

Oct 24, 2021; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) talks with head coach Zac Taylor during an official review in the third quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports — Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

Zac Taylor has a great roster with plenty of talent, but the AFC is as tough as it has ever been.

The Bengals can use all of the depth they can get. Giving Burrow another weapon like Will Fuller, Odell Beckham Jr. or any other proven pass catcher is always a good idea.

Adding another offensive lineman—even a familiar face like Riley Reiff or Quinton Spain would make sense. The same thing goes for the defensive line.

Bringing in another proven player could make all the difference for a Bengals team that has a tough schedule and is hoping to win their second-straight AFC Championship.

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