Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Position Overview: S
Players:
30. Jessie Bates
24. Vonn Bell
23. Daxton Hill
40. Brandon Wilson
26. Tycen Anderson
41. Trayvon Henderson
31. Michael Thomas
38. Brendan Radley-Hiles
The safety position is one of the crazier position groups on the Bengals when looking at it up and down. The Jessie Bates contract situation is one thing that has sparked a lot of conversation. As well, the new faces added through the draft will further have fans keeping a close eye on the position.
While Jessie Bates is currently unsigned, he cannot go anywhere, since the Bengals placed the franchise tag. While it remains to be seen if he’ll show up for any portion of training camp, it would be a big surprise to see him sit out any regular season games. By doing so, Bates would have to forfeit portions of his salary, with the amount depending on how many games he misses. In all likelihood, he will be the starting FS for the Bengals.
Vonn Bell is slated to start at SS for the Bengals. He should continue to be a solid piece of the defence. While coverage isn’t his strongest suit, his tackling ability and run support is highly valuable.
Rookie 1st round pick Daxton Hill is next up on the list. With Bates absent, he is taking the reps as the 1st team FS. However, when Bates returns, Hill will end up 3rd on the depth chart. That said, with a versatile skill set, I would expect the Bengals to still find ways to get him on the field during his rookie year.
The battles really begin after the top three. Brandon Wilson and Tycen Anderson headline the rest. While both bring different attributes to the table, looking at it from a numbers standpoint, it may come down to only one or the other. To keep both, someone at another position will have to be let go.
Wilson is a highly athletic player. While he has shown a few flashes in very limited play as a safety, he brings a lot of value as a kick returner. He had been one of the best in the league over the past couple of seasons, before an injury ended his 2021 season. While there are rumblings about Chris Evans potentially taking over as the primary KR, it will be hard to top Wilson at his best.
Tycen Anderson is a rookie mid round pick. He’ll be battling for a spot, but as a draft pick, it would be tough for the Bengals to risk letting him hit the waiver wire. He is a good athlete and a very hard hitter. If he can improve the mental part of his game, there is potential for him to be Vonn Bell’s long term replacement. But he’ll need to impress in the short term to make the team first.
The final three are the 6th, 7th, and 8th players respectively to be mentioned in this article. However, they are better players than that would suggest. With the Bengals taking two safeties in the draft, the strong depth isn’t a surprise. However, while each brings positive attributes, it will be hard for them to make the roster. It will also be tough for all of them to make the practice squad, with the more likely scenario being the three of them fighting for a spot or two.
Trayvon Henderson has been with the organisation for several years now. However, with the consistently strong depth at the position, as well as a few injuries, he hasn’t seen much time on the active roster. He has always shown well in his preseason action, and even in his limited regular season action. It would be nice to keep him on the practice squad, but considering the fact that younger players with upside have been added, it is fair to wonder if his days are numbered in CIncy. A good offseason will be critical.
Michael Thomas will also have a tough time battling his way up the roster. He isn’t someone that played much on defence since joining the Bengals, but he performed well on special teams. Perhaps that can increase his chances at a roster or practice squad spot.
Rookie UDFA Radley-Hiles is the last remaining. He is a bit different. Radley-Hiles is a nickel/safety hybrid who lacks size, but has great athleticism and physicality. His versatility could go a long way in helping him secure a spot within the organisation, most likely on the practice squad. His upside is extremely high, and the hope will be that the Bengals can tap into it. It will also be interesting to see if the Bengals move him around a lot, or if he sees more time at one position. The upside gives him a good shot at landing a spot on the practice squad, but he will still need to make a positive impression this offseason.
