5 most important players on Bengals roster who are not starters

Cincinnati Bengals fans know all the stars on offense: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd. They know all the stars on defense: Trey Hendrickson, Chido Awuzie, D.J. Reader, Logan Wilson, Sam Hubbard.

For the Bengals to make another run this year, they’re going to need more spectacular play from those cats.

But who are the unheralded guys who could play key roles this year? Who are the most important non-starters on the Bengals roster?

All stats courtesy of NFL.com

5. Daxton Hill, Safety

This one is pretty much cheating because it’s too obvious but with Jessie Bates holding out, the Bengals’ first-round pick is in line to play significant snaps this year as Cincinnati’s starting free safety.

The former five-star recruit and Michigan standout is going to get thrown right into the fire, so we’ll know right away whether he’s going to justify his first-round pedigree.

Ready or not, he’s going to have to play a huge role for the Bengals this year. He’s likely not the only newcomer to the secondary who is likely to play meaningful snaps.