5 most important players on Bengals roster who are not starters

2.  Joseph Ossai, Defensive End

This one feels like it should be pretty obvious. The Bengals’ pass-rush was very thin last year behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. They had good fortune that those two stayed relatively healthy, but ideally, you like your pass rushers to be in more of a rotation, and you’d like to have at least 3-4 guys who can bring the heat.

Joseph Ossai looked like a potential third round steal during training camp and the preseason, even notching a sack of the GOAT, Tom Brady. But alas, an injury during the preseason wrecked his rookie season before it ever really got to begin. He suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and a torn ligament in his wrist.

Assuming a return to health, he should provide the Bengals with the pass-rush depth they desperately need. The book on him coming out of Texas was that he wasn’t the most talented dude, but had a motor that just wouldn’t quit, which led to production. That sort of mindset and ethic is going to play well in Cincinnati, both with fans and coaches.

If Ossai can pick up where he left off during last year’s preseason, the Bengals could have one of the most imposing pass-rushes in the league.