Observations from Bengals’ first depth chart of 2021

Michael Jordan is a starting guard.

The Cincinnati Bengals have unveiled their first official depth chart of the 2021 season.

For the most part, everything came in as expected with one big exception being at right guard, where Michael Jordan is the starter ahead of Xavier Su’a-Filo, while rookie second-round pick Jackson Carman is the third-stringer.

While the 30-year-old Su’a-Filo is more experienced and has performed better, the 23-year-old Jordan is younger and carries a lesser cap hit of $1 million this year compared to $3.1 million for the veteran. Su’a-Filo looks like a prime cap casualty candidate, as he’s unlikely to be paid that much to be a backup, especially with the rookie Carman waiting in the wings.

At left guard, rookie D’Ante Smith is the backup to Quinton Spain. Billy Price is only listed as a backup center behind Trey Hopkins, despite having experience at guard.

Rookie Trey Hill, who spent time at guard and center in college, is currently a third-string center.

At defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi got the nod over Mike Daniels as the starter next to D.J. Reader.

Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt are the starting linebackers with Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jordan Evans as their respective backups.

Evan McPherson is ahead of veteran Austin Seibert at kicker, as the rookie has had the best camp so far and looks well on his way to winning the job.

No. 5 overall pick Ja’Marr Chase is already ahead of veteran Auden Tate as the third starting receiver alongside Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.

Sitting behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson at defensive end are Khalid Kareem and rookie Joseph Ossai.

What were your biggest takeaways from the depth chart? Let us know in the comments section.

Bengals Preseason Depth Chart

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