CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 training camp runs from Wednesday to Aug. 10 at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. The Bengals are switching things up with an earlier start time for camp practices in an effort to start the season with more wins.
During coach Zac Taylor's six-year tenure, the Bengals have just one win in the first two weeks of the season. Cincinnati is hoping the camp change and some additional reps in preseason games can help the Bengals start fast and bank early wins for a postseason push.
Here's a closer look at what we are watching at camp -- and a 53-man roster projection:
Is the defense significantly better than it was a year ago?
It should be. The Bengals replaced longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Al Golden, who was the team's linebackers coach during their Super Bowl run in 2021. The unit showed signs of improvement at the end of last season and helped Cincinnati close the season with five straight wins.
But that performance must be there at the start of the season, when the Bengals have historically faltered.
Assuming the team can keep defensive end Trey Hendrickson happy with a new or revised contract, he will lead the Bengals' charge to be an improved unit in 2025.
Three players to watch
DE Shemar Stewart. Stewart, the team's first-round pick, did not participate in the entire offseason because a contract dispute over his rookie deal. The former Texas A&M defensive end already entered the league with a lot to prove after limited sack production in college. But the Bengals believe he has the athleticism to make a big impact and finish sacks. If Stewart can get acclimated as soon as he hits the field, it will be a much-needed boost for Cincinnati's defensive line.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt. Taylor-Britt had a flashy interception during the team's offseason workouts that served as a reminder of his potential. And after a rough 2024, he is as eager as anyone to show he can not only be a starting cornerback, but one of the more effective defensive backs in the league. Taylor-Britt is playing with much more confidence than he did a year ago when he was benched. That mindset should spark a big difference in a player who has the traits to potentially be a Pro Bowl selection.
WR Ja'Marr Chase. What's left for Chase to prove after one of the best seasons in NFL history? Well, after he earned a record-setting contract extension, he must continue to be a massive part of the offense and find new ways to get the ball. That was a focal point during the 2024 season. Expect that evolution to continue this year as the Bengals use him across the formation to maximize his unique combination of strength and speed. The earlier the Bengals get Chase the ball, the better. Last season, he led the NFL with 788 yards after the catch.
Key position battles
Right guard. Cincinnati shook up the interior offensive line this offseason. First, they drafted Georgia's Dylan Fairchild to be their new starting left guard. On the right side, there should be some competition between Cody Ford, a versatile player who re-signed with the Bengals this offseason, and Lucas Patrick, who joined the Bengals in free agency on a one-year deal. Both players saw reps at the position in offseason workouts. Also, keep an eye on Cordell Volson, who is looking to show new offensive line coach Scott Peters that he can be a starter once again.
DE3. With Sam Hubbard's retirement, it opens up a spot for Joseph Ossai to take over as the defensive end opposite Trey Hendrickson. But how the reps are split behind him will be interesting. Myles Murphy, a first-round pick in 2023, has among the most to prove of anyone on the roster after a quiet start to his career. Shemar Stewart will also be vying for reps at edge rusher. Can either of them gain a bigger spot in the rotation? It's an important battle to watch on the roster.
RB2. The Bengals are very high on Chase Brown and what he can bring to the offense in his third NFL season. But the spot for the best back-up option remains somewhat open. Yes, Zack Moss is back after a neck injury that threatened his career. The Bengals also brought back Samaje Perine, the veteran who helped them during their deep playoff runs. Tahj Brooks, a sixth-round pick out of Texas Tech, is a unique piece that could potentially be the team's future third-down back who can spell Brown.
Keep an eye on: Can the Bengals be even better offensively?
The moment Cincinnati signed Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term extensions, it solidified one of the league's best passing attacks. Not only does quarterback Joe Burrow have those two options at his disposal, but the team re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki and has a very strong No. 3 receiver in Andrei Iosivas.
That should give the Bengals, at minimum, a top five offense in the NFL. But last season, Cincinnati finished eighth in points per drive and seventh in offensive Expected Points Added, per ESPN Research. Given what the Bengals have invested in the offense, those ranks should be higher as Cincinnati looks to apply pressure on opposing defenses all season.
53-man roster projection
QB (2): Joe Burrow, Jake Browning
RB (4): Chase Brown, Tahj Brooks, Samaje Perine, Zack Moss
WR (6): Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Charlie Jones, Isaiah Williams, Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton
TE (4): Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, Cam Grandy
OL (9): Cody Ford, Lucas Patrick, Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Matt Lee, Cordell Volson, Amarius Mims, Jalen Rivers, Orlando Brown Jr.
DL (10): Trey Hendrickson, T.J. Slaton, B.J. Hill, Joseph Ossai, Shemar Stewart, Myles Murphy, Cam Sample, Kris Jenkins Jr., McKinnley Jackson, Cedric Johnson
LB (5): Logan Wilson, Demetrius Knight Jr., Oren Burks, Barrett Carter, Joe Giles-Harris
CB (6): Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill, Josh Newton, DJ Turner, Marco Wilson, DJ Ivey
S (4): Geno Stone, Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson, Daijahn Anthony
Special teams (3): K Evan McPherson, P Ryan Rehkow, LS Cal Adomitis