We're finished. Remember this isn't our favorite players on the 53-man roster. This is the players that we believe the team will take by the 6:00 p.m. deadline to reach the 53-man roster limit; Even though players you might favor aren't selected, keep in mind that our locks kept the practice squad in mind (obviously provided that they clear waivers).
Offense (25)
Quarterback (2): Andy Dalton, Bruce Gradkowski
Running Back (4): Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard, Cedric Peerman
Full Back (1): Chris Pressley
Offensive Line (9): Andrew Whitworth, Bobbie Williams, Kyle Cook, Andre Smith, Anthony Collins, Clint Boling, Nate Livings, Dennis Roland, Reggie Stephens
Wide Receiver (6): A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby, Ryan Whalen
Tight End (3): Jermaine Gresham, Chase Coffman, Colin Cochart
Defense (25)
Defensive Line (8): Domata Peko, Geno Atkins, Pat Sims, Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker
Linebackers (7): Rey Maualuga, Brandon Johnson, Thomas Howard, Manny Lawson, Dan Skuta, Dontay Moch, Vincent Rey
Defensive Backs (10): Chris Crocker, Reggie Nelson, Robert Sands, Leon Hall, Nate Clements, Morgan Trent, Kelly Jennings, Taylor Mays, Rico Murray, Jonathan Wade
Place-kicker (1): Mike Nugent
Punter (1): Kevin Huber
Long Snapper (1): Clark Harris
Notes:
- DeQuin Evans could easily replace Vincent Rey on the roster, though we believe the vital part at this point on the roster is significant special teams contributions.
- We picked Jonathan Wade over Gibril Wilson because Wilson is coming off a major injury and there's only so many players in the secondary you can be concerned about with injuries resurfacing.
- There's always the chance in which Bo Scaife doesn't go on Injured Reserve. In that case Chase Coffman is gone.
- Andrew Hawkins presented a strong case that he should be the sixth wide receiver on the team. Though he was strong on special teams, Ryan Whalen presents just as much plus added ability as a wide receiver in this offense.