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Earning a berth in the Super Bowl is a big-time accomplishment, especially for a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, who got there earlier than most expected. But their 2022 NFL season is important for their sustained improvement as a team, where they will be reliant on many different hidden gems to become solid role players.
Joe Burrow and his cadre of offensive skill players are ready to frustrate opposing defenses yet again, and with a revamped offensive line, they look to be better than their high-powered unit was last season. Defensively, no real movement here, but this side of the ball is at least good enough to ensure that they can help carry their weight – most of the time.
But with opponents honing in on their key options, where do the Bengals turn this year?
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Bengals Hidden Gems On 2022 Roster
2. Hayden Hurst
As C.J. Uzomah takes his 49/493/5 line with him to the Big Apple to catch balls from Zach Wilson, the Bengals had a large opening at tight end – which is where Hayden Hurst comes into play.
Having been phased out of his role by the selection of uber-prospect Kyle Pitts, the Atlanta Falcons had no need for Hurst anymore, hence why he signed a one-year deal with the Bengals this offseason. Drew Sample is Hurst’s biggest source of competition in the offense, and with Uzomah having commanded that large of a target share even with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hurst should thrive in a large role.
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It is not out of the question that Hurst can surpass all career-high marks up to this point, bars that were set back in 2020 in his first season in Atlanta. His 56 receptions for 571 yards and 6 TDs (88 targets) are all potentially eclipsable in this offense, especially with Burrow earning more time in the pocket this year.
If all things go well, then Hurst could be the third most-targeted option in this offense for Cincinnati this season, and while he is a known name, his relevance re-popping up again makes him a hidden gem for the 2022 season.
1. Joseph Ossai
With his efficiency predicated on his ability to get to the quarterback, Joseph Ossai’s motor runs non-stop, a great characteristic to have for a defensive end in the trenches. A 2020 All-American at LB, Ossai loves to get after the QB and get into the backfield, even if he comes out of his pre-snap stance a bit stiff.
The former Texas Longhorn followed up his superb sophomore season (5.0 sacks, 13.5 TFL, 90 total tackles) with a solid junior campaign (5.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 55 tackles), which ended up being his final in the NCAA. After deciding to skip his senior season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, Ossai was selected in the third round by the Bengals and looks to be their third edge rusher on the depth chart.
Learning from both Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard will help Ossai shed some of his unfortunate habits he picked up from the Longhorns. As a member of a strong front seven unit, Ossai will be able to be eased into game action from the start, but don’t think that will keep his non-stop motor on the sidelines for long.
