5 surprise cut candidates for the Bengals in 2022

4. Hakeem Adeniji

When Hakeem Adeniji was drafted in the sixth round and quickly found himself getting in-game snaps and consistent starts, some believed he could be a long-term piece if he kept developing right. Unfortunately, Adeniji struggled last year when he became the starter, especially in the postseason.

The Bengals have a guard-heavy roster; with the vision that newly drafted Cordell Volson is a tackle who can play guard, especially with that vision coming from offensive line coach Frank Pollack, it could lead to some of the guards on the roster being cut candidates.

Cincinnati acquired Alex Cappa and Ted Karras, both of which play guard. However, Karras is expected to be the center which he also plays. They drafted Volson, and have Jackson Carman expected to take a big leap in year two and the same goes for D’Ante Smith.

Adeniji making the roster could very well come down to how UDFA Ben Brown does in training camp and preseason. Brown has the ability to play center and guard and that diversity could be what lands him a roster spot over guys like Hakeem Adeniji or Trey Hill.