Roster Prediction: Top Four Wide Receiver Positions Are Locked

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 18, 2011 2:44 PM EDT

While we continue perusing into players that we believe are locks to make this year's squad, there are times in which our method of "overthinking it way too much" can appear as waffling. This might be one of those times, at least initially.

It's beyond a reasonable doubt that A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley made this year's roster. We're not as certain with Andre Caldwell, mostly because of placement. Provided all three receivers are healthy in front of him, the likely scenario Caldwell touches the field is during four-wide formations or during mop-up duty while the Bengals are slamming the bloody noses of their opponents. Of course injuries do happen in this sport and having Caldwell available does help this team's depth.

Based off what we know today, Caldwell makes the team. And that's largely because we don't see Landon Cox, Andrew Hawkins, Jamere Holland, Bart Johnson, Calvin Russell, John Standeford or Ryan Whalen replacing him. Which brings us down to two positions for undrafted free agents, Cosby and Whalen to fight over; though strictly based on predictions, not whom is locked for this roster, Cosby and Whalen appear as the favorites due ot their likely contributions on special teams.

Wide receivers (4): A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell

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I agree.

Whalen has looked pretty good in TC, would like to see him hit the field in a game sometime soon. I had doubts that he could make a contribution when we drafted him, but he does seem pretty reliable.

Cosby has his ST contributions which helps his cause, but you never really know. If it were up to me, it’d be your four locks, plus Cosby and Whalen (with Whalen inactive barring injury).

by Aether on Aug 18, 2011 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

Cosby should also be a lock unless you see anyone else PR.

Only person that I see doing it is Adam Jones, who’s currently on the PUP list.

by Doc Scratch on Aug 18, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

With a neck injury and the fact that we need him to stay on the field this year, I doubt Jones will be on punt returns

so I agree, Cosby should almost be a lock to make the team.

by Paul Cannon on Aug 18, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Not so fast my friend

Cosby is not a lock lets see what this vann kid does first then we will see

by beast_ on Aug 18, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I would like to see them keep a true return specialist

I dont know about this kid Vann but I liked his video. More broadly, I look at how the teams that have true return specialists can really add a dimension to the game. It can tip the scales a bit when the offense and defense are maybe averaqge. The potential momentum changes and field position differences change the way your opponents prepare. The logic of keeping a mediocre receiver because he is also capable of being a mediocre returner as well escapes me. A great returner will do much more for the team than your worst receiver or dback.

by K312 on Aug 18, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

If you want to know about the importance of ST

look at the Bears, then the Chargers. The Bears win some games because of Knox and Hester. Their KRs are two extremely valuable assets of the team.

Now the Chargers. Their ST unit is horrendous all around, including not only PR and KR but coverage. They were #1 in both offense and defense, but missed the playoffs.

Having a return specialist isn’t a bad idea at all, but only if you can get a great one.

Miguel Cairo is so last week.

by sexsalad on Aug 18, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

with the new kick off rule

A returner is less important. If someone like hester or cribbs is back they will.do.all they can not to kick to them. So is a great returner and nothing else worth a roster spot?

by JCompton41 on Aug 19, 2011 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

We should cut Green to make room for a second punter.

It’s all about depth, man.

by Boomer Lion on Aug 18, 2011 2:58 PM EDT reply actions

cut mike brown

make room for mark cuban as owner.

by bengalinflorida on Aug 18, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I would so love that.

Cuban is in it to win it. Brown is in it just ’cuz.

by Boomer Lion on Aug 18, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Who will Play 85s Position?

Jerome Simpson or AJ Green?

by Chili Dog on Aug 18, 2011 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

good one

wich 85 are you talking about the one before batman and robin.

by bengalinflorida on Aug 18, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it was Rome.

by Boomer Lion on Aug 18, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Depends what you consider 85's position to be.

If you mean the #1 receiver, I would say that would be Green. If you mean the X position, I think we’ll see both Green and Simpson play there. If you mean who will replace Chad’s skill set, then probably neither – they both bring different things to the game than Chad.

by Aether on Aug 18, 2011 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions