4 Cincinnati Bengals thoughts to ponder between now and training camp

With the Cincinnati Bengals done practicing until the start of training camp in late July, Jay Morrison broke down the roster heading into Marvin Lewis' 15th season as the team's coach.

Here’s what jumped out at me:

1. They could have an embarrassment of riches on offense…. Eventually.

Jeremy Hill is the only healthy, experienced, highly drafted back on the roster. Can he hold down the fort until Giovani Bernard is healthy and/or Joe Mixon is ready?

The top three receivers are strong with first- or second-year players battling for the rest of the spots on the roster. How soon will John Ross and Josh Malone be able to be full-time contributors? Can Cody Core and Alex Erickson hold them off?

2. The offensive line is nearly settled, but it’s anyone’s guess if they can play.

The biggest question mark from a lineup standpoint appears to be Andre Smith. Can he play guard? I would think so, but it remains to be seen.

That will determine who makes the team as backups.

Beyond that, it looks like it is up to young tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher to sink or swim.

3. The front seven will have a new look. Maybe a really new look – and that’s a welcome sight.

Ends Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap, tackle Geno Atkins and linebacker Vontaze Burfict are back, but there will be new starters at the other three spots on the defensive front seven.

After an off year by Johnson, Will Clarke could push his way into the starting lineup. Third-round pick Jordan Willis could make some noise, too.

RELATED: Breaking down the Bengals roster after OTAs

Jay project’s Andrew Billings, a perceived draft steal last year who missed the season with a knee injury, moving into the nose tackle spot with Domata Peko gone, but there won’t be a shortage of competition there.

As for the two linebacker spots, they surely didn’t sign 26-year-old Kevin Minter as a free agent to sit the bench, and it feels like Nick Vigil has been penciled in for the other spot since the end of last year. Carl Lawson also could be a wild card on passing downs.

That’s going to add some speed to a unit in major need of it.

4. So, what does it all mean?

A team that looked stale at times last year could have a faster feel in 2017 despite some unknowns on offense.

On the bright side, the schedule is extremely manageable from start to finish.

There might be more growing pains, but that’s OK as long as they lead to progress – especially in a league where all that matters is how you’re playing at the end of the season.

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