Last year, the Cincy Jungle writing staff composed a predicted 53-man roster. When it was all said in done, we got seven wrong. Not bad, but we prefer to be more awesome. Because there's nothing more awesome than being awesome.
With Quan Cosby announcing that he made the team through Twitter, it's time that we do two things before the team's final cuts. First, let's reexamine our "locks" posting. At the time of that posting, we predicted that 46 players were locks to make the roster. And yes, we already had Cosby as a lock anyway, so this proves nothing but confirming our awesome psychic powers. Most of the opinions remain the same, but let's add a few players in our "locks" since last nights 30-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts, putting the finishing touches our prediction for the team's 53-man roster.
#47 - Daniel Coats (fourth tight end, second de facto fullback)
#48 - Cedric Peerman (fourth running back)
I know I've waffled on the choice on Roddrick Muckelroy; it's not an easy thing to just throw names out there. However, Muckelroy had a strong showing in the final two preseason games, recording nine tackles (all of them solo) and a quarterback sack. Not to mention, on one fourth quarter play, the Colts quarterback fumbled the snap. Upon picking the football back up, Muckelroy grabbed the quarterback and nearly folded him in half from the waist.
#49 - Roddrick Muckelroy (possibly third-string middle linebacker)
We believed J.T. O'Sullivan is a lock, mostly because he's been the preferred backup quarterback all preseason. If the Bengals go with three quarterbacks, then obviously Jordan Palmer would be in.
#50 - Jordan Palmer (third-string quarterback)
Mike Nugent nailed 50-yard field goals in back-to-back games. Neither kicker had an advantage on the kickoff game (though I believe that's a minor contribution to the decision -- making field goals, especially long field goals, is kind of important).
#51 - Mike Nugent (place kicker)
Now we're entering the area where locks are far less certainties. For example, I'm not sure if the team will take six or seven linebackers. However, I believe that Dan Skuta has the versatility that Marvin tends to like. This guy plays offense (fullback), defense (linebacker) and special teams.
#52 - Dan Skuta (backup linebacker)
Finally, the moment of truth. Which wide receiver will the Bengals take to complete their roster? Do I go with Jerome Simpson, the more productive receiver during the preseason? Or do I go with Dezmon Briscoe, the receiver that many believe in their gut is the better of the two? The truth is, we're going to pick the receiver, based on Cincinnati's actions, throughout the preseason. We're not going with our favorites, nor our guts. I believe Cincinnati will try to sneak Briscoe through waivers and keep Simpson on the 53-man roster.
#53 - Jerome Simpson (sixth wide receiver).
Now, what you've all been waiting for. The 2010 Cincy Jungle predicted 53-man roster. Keep in mind. This may not be the team's opening roster when they kickoff the season against the New England Patriots. We still fully expect them to check out the waiver wire, maybe picking up a quarterback or a safety, or anyone else they feel will help the team.
Offense (26 players)
QUARTERBACK (3): Carson Palmer, J.T. O'Sullivan, Jordan Palmer
RUNNING BACK (4): Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman
FULLBACK (0):
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby, Jerome Simpson
TIGHT END (4): Jermaine Gresham, Reggie Kelly, Chase Coffman, Daniel Coats
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Andrew Whitworth, Anthony Collins, Andre Smith, Dennis Roland, Bobbie Williams, Nate Livings, Evan Mathis, Kyle Cook, Reggie Stephens
Defense (24 players)
DEFENSIVE END (4): Antwan Odom, Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene, Carlos Dunlap
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4): Domata Peko, Tank Johnson, Pat Sims, Geno Atkins
LINEBACKERS (7): Dhani Jones, Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Brandon Johnson, Michael Johnson, Roddrick Muckelroy, Dan Skuta
CORNERBACK (5): Leon Hall, Johnathan Joseph, Adam Jones, Morgan Trent, Brandon Ghee
SAFETIES (4): Roy Williams, Chris Crocker, Chinedum Ndukwe, Kyries Hebert
Special Teams (3 players)
PLACE KICKER (1): Mike Nugent
PUNTER (1): Kevin Huber
LONG SNAPPER (1): Clark Harris