Bengals secondary depth chart predictions after 2022 NFL Draft

SS Starter: Vonn Bell

Reserves: Tycen Anderson, Brandon Wilson

Vonn Bell is entering the final year of his contract so this will be a big year for him as the strong safety in the Bengals’ secondary. He’s only 27 entering the season and will be 28 when he hits free agency, so another big contract is certainly possible for him if he performs well this year.

Behind Bell on the depth chart are Tycen Anderson and Brandon Wilson. Anderson was the Bengals’ fifth-round draft pick this year out of Toledo and is blazing fast. Wilson is entering his fifth year in Cincinnati and has mostly been a return specialist during his time in the Queen City.

FS Starter: Jessie Bates III

Reserves: Michael Thomas, Trayvon Henderson

At free safety, the starter — assuming he shows up — is Jessie Bates. The contract negotiations haven’t been going smoothly between Bates and the Bengals but it doesn’t benefit Bates to sit the season out if an extension isn’t agreed to. Just ask Le’Veon Bell how it went for him.

Behind Bates are Michael Thomas and Trayveon Henderson. Thomas joined Cincinnati in November of last season after having spent five years in Miami, two with the Giants, and one with the Texans. He played in 17% of defensive snaps last year. Henderson has spent the past three years in Cincinnati and played in 47% of defensive snaps during the two games he appeared in last year.