Cincinnati Bengals Position Report: Cornerback

We're taking a brief look at every position this weekend, breaking down the roster at this point in the offseason.

Position Report: Cornerbacks
Roster (6): Leon Hall, Nate Clements, Jason Allen, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee, Rico Murray

Leon Hall claims he's on schedule to return for training camp after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, while Nate Clements and Adam Jones are entering the final year of their existing contracts. Jason Allen signed with the team to help strengthen the overall depth. Brandon Ghee has been injured throughout much of his NFL career, eventually relegated to the team's practice squad until Hall's midseason injury against the Steelers. Rico Murray played the regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, but waived after the game.

Draft Projection: Take Leon Hall out of the equation momentarily. Keep in mind that Clements will turn 33 years old this year and he's entering the final year under contract. Jason Allen has never been a projected starter with any team he's played for, though he did step in as a starter due to injury ahead of him on the depth chart. Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee, Rico Murray.

Seriously. There's talent there, but not the type of talent that the Cincinnati Bengals need for long-term development, building a foundation through the draft. They're talented roster fodder and if the Bengals want to pair Hall with someone that can be left on an island to expand Mike Zimmer's defense, that player isn't on the roster right now.

Cornerback remains our number one position that the Bengals will draft in the first round (whether it's with the No 17 or No. 21 pick).