Cincinnati Bengals 2022 PositionOverview: RB
Players:
28. Joe Mixon
25. Chris Evans
34. Samaje Perine
32. Trayveon Williams
36. Elijah Holyfield
27. Shermari Jones
The Bengals look to be in a pretty good spot at RB, as they head into the 2022 season. New additions to the OL will certainly add to the expections of the passing attack. As well, these new additions should be a nice boost to the ground game.
Sitting atop the depth chart remains Joe Mixon. Mixon has proven in recent years that he is among the top RB’s in the league. He will retain his early down role and get most of the goal line work as well. His lack of 3rd down usage has been frustrating for fans, as he is also a weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. However, Zac Taylor highly values the pass protection aspect of this role, which has caused him to see less time on the field in these situations. Overall though, assuming he is healthy, Mixon will see the most snaps and touch the ball the most.
Last year, Perine served as the primary backup to Mixon and as the 3rd down back. However, there will be strong competition from 2nd year player Chris Evans. The backup spot and 3rd down role may actually be two separate battles between those players. As for the backup role, the case for Perine is that Zac Taylor has shown that he trusts him. As well, he possesses a much bigger frame to handle the early down duties, while also showing to be capable of catching passes. Evans has a smaller frame, but should also be able to handle inside runs. But he is much more of a dynamic player than Perine, and he would likely offer more on outside runs.
The two will also battle for 3rd down snaps, but I expect Evans to draw off a little in this one. As mentioned above, he is much more dynamic than Perine. Catching passes, both from the backfield and out wide, is one of his biggest strengths. We saw flashes of this in the preseason and in the regular season game against the Lions. As well, Evans was one of the best RB’s in pass protection in his draft class, and in limited reps, he carried that over into the NFL. While I would still expect Perine to be somewhat involved, Evans should overtake him for the 3rd down role.
Of those two players, Evans is a lock to make the roster, regardless of what happenes in his battle with Perine. I wouldn’t consider Perine a lock, but I would be surprised if he doesn’t make it. Even if he loses touches to Evans, his role on special teams is highly valued by Darrin Simmons. It would take a very strong showing by one of the other RB’s, both offensively and on special teams, for them to think about axing Perine.
With Mixon, Evans, and Perine sitting as the probable top 3 on the depth chart, it is possible, and maybe even likely, that they stand pat with that combo on the roster. With the declining value of the RB position, keeping 4 on the roster is less common than in previous years. If that ends up being the case, the remaining players will be battling for a spot or two on the practice squad. If I had to guess, I think it would be the remaining three players battling for two spots.
Of the bottom three, Trayveon Williams is the most notable. Williams is a 2019 6th round pick. His skillset is pretty similar to Evans, in that pass catching is his forte, but he has enough bulk to handle inside runs. Right now, I think he has the leg up for one of the practice squad spots. If he can do enough in camp/preseason, a roster spot can’t be ruled out either.
Holyfield and Jones round out the group. Elijah Holyfield is a 2019 UDFA, originally of the Panthers, while Joens is a rookie UDFA signing of the Bengals. Holyfield hasn’t recorded any regular season stats to date, and has only been on an active roster for one game. He, along with Jones, will need a good showing to secure a spot on the practice squad.
Related: Bengals 2021 Position Overview: RB
