When looking at the top rosters in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals cracked the top 10. ESPN compiled a list of all 32 teams, with Joe Burrow’s squad once again receiving a high rating.
Even though this team failed to make the playoffs in back to back seasons, their 9-8 record didn’t phase ESPN. The three writers know how much talent is on their roster, and they’re ready for the team to turn things around.
ESPN Ranks the Cincinnati Bengals Roster at No. 9
It’s no easy task to rank every team in the league, but Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder did just that. In a list topped by the Baltimore Ravens, it’s clear last year’s Super Bowl has no implications on these rankings. Each team’s draft and free agent signings set them up for 2025, with some looking better than others.
Bengals fans don’t want to talk about the draft as they’ve yet to sign Shemar Stewart. It’s an ongoing situation that hasn’t gotten any easier, even though second-round pick Demetrius Knight finally put pen to paper.
Regardless, ESPN loves what they see when it comes to Cincinnati. This is a Bengals team that re-signed their top receivers, with Burrow not going anywhere anytime soon. The Trey Hendrickson dilemma is far from over, though ESPN recently predicted things would work out just fine.
Burrow has been ranked as high as No. 4 in quarterback rankings. His top receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, was voted the No. 1 receiver by NFL coaches, executives, and scouts. Knowing how highly the league thinks of their offense, the defense remains the X-Factor if Cincinnati will put their playoff drought to rest.
Comments on the Bengals Strengths and Weaknesses
Clay’s decision to say the Bengals biggest strength at wide receiver comes as no surprise. The No. 30 ranked team, Carolina Panthers, also was given wide receiver as their biggest strength. Ultimately, it’s hard to compare Chase and Tee Higgins to Tetairoa McMillan and Adam Thielen.
“I could’ve gone quarterback, but not many teams can match the Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins duo,” Clay said. All of their stats and accomplishments don’t go unnoticed, with Clay pointing out two other key receivers, “Andrei Iosivas and second-year Jermaine Burton provide good depth.”
After being sacked 48 times last season, one would expect that the offensive line would receive the worst rating. Clay considered it, but he pointed out a position that might be in even worse shape, “Secondary. Offensive line was a candidate, but secondary is a larger issue.”
He continued, “Longtime slot man Mike Hilton and safety Vonn Bell were the top offseason departures, yet the team made no notable additions. That leaves Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill (who tore his ACL in Week 5 last season), DJ Turner II and Josh Newton as the top corner options; Geno Stone and Jordan Battle are the starting safeties. None of those players posted an above-average PFF grade in 2024.”
Sometimes insiders take PFF grades and statistics too seriously, but in this case it’s a viable concern. For the Bengals to not address one of their main issues, things could head south quickly for a defense that was already ranked in the bottom of the league. At this point, it’s hard to say if the Bengals truly have a Top 10 roster in the NFL.
Bengals Defense Questioned as Team Receives Top 10 Ranking