Cincinnati Bengals’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Cincinnati Bengals’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Chad Troyan

July 20, 2015

Cincinnati Bengals’ 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Marvin Lewis Cincinnati Bengals — The Cincinnati Bengals made the playoffs last year despite numerous key players being bitten by the injury bug. Cincinnati hopes they can avoid being victim of the injury bug this season, as they cannot afford to lose their key players for extended periods of time again. Here are five Bengals who are the most irreplaceable heading into 2015 training camp.

The Cincinnati Bengals made the playoffs last year despite numerous key players being bitten by the injury bug. Cincinnati hopes they can avoid being victim of the injury bug this season, as they cannot afford to lose their key players for extended periods of time again. Here are five Bengals who are the most irreplaceable heading into 2015 training camp.

5. Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict Cincinnati Bengals

5. Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict Cincinnati Bengals — Despite currently rehabbing from an injury, no other linebacker on the roster can match Burfict's energy and production. He was a top 10 tackler in each of his seasons the league. Given his production, Burfict is irreplaceable if he is able to make a full recovery.

Despite currently rehabbing from an injury, no other linebacker on the roster can match Burfict's energy and production. He was a top 10 tackler in each of his seasons the league. Given his production, Burfict is irreplaceable if he is able to make a full recovery.

4. Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Cincinnati Bengals

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4. Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Cincinnati Bengals — During the past year when Johnson played for the Buccaneers the Bengals' line played at a level that was a shell of its dominant past couple years. Johnson now returns and will offer the ability to apply plenty of pressure on the quarterback. The Bengals can't afford to lose Johnson or the defense will suffer greatly once again.

During the past year when Johnson played for the Buccaneers the Bengals' line played at a level that was a shell of its dominant past couple years. Johnson now returns and will offer the ability to apply plenty of pressure on the quarterback. The Bengals can't afford to lose Johnson or the defense will suffer greatly once again.

3. Geno Atkins

Geno Atkins Cincinnati Bengals

3. Geno Atkins

Geno Atkins Cincinnati Bengals — In order for Michael Johnson to be impactful, Atkins needs to stay healthy. If he is able to return to his Pro Bowl form, the Bengals don't have any defensive linemen who could come close to being as big of a threat as Atkins. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback cannot be matched by anyone backing him up.

In order for Michael Johnson to be impactful, Atkins needs to stay healthy. If he is able to return to his Pro Bowl form, the Bengals don't have any defensive linemen who could come close to being as big of a threat as Atkins. His ability to put pressure on the quarterback cannot be matched by anyone backing him up.

2. Andrew Whitworth

Andrew Whitworth Cincinnati Bengals

2. Andrew Whitworth

Andrew Whitworth Cincinnati Bengals — Whitworth is the oldest man on the Bengals' offensive line and provides a veteran presence that can teach the younger men who look to follow him. His leadership and skill make him irreplaceable to the Bengals as they welcome in two offensive tackles from this year's draft class.

Whitworth is the oldest man on the Bengals' offensive line and provides a veteran presence that can teach the younger men who look to follow him. His leadership and skill make him irreplaceable to the Bengals as they welcome in two offensive tackles from this year's draft class.

1. AJ Green

A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals

1. A.J. Green

A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals — While the Bengals have a respectable target opposite of Green in Marvin Jones, Green's skill set surpasses that of Jones. Green is considered a top 10 receiver by many and has the production to support such a claim. Even though the Bengals have been able to get by without Green in the past with help from Jones, Green still is a far better receiver. Jones is good, but he cannot match the production that Green is capable of.

While the Bengals have a respectable target opposite of Green in Marvin Jones, Green's skill set surpasses that of Jones. Green is considered a top 10 receiver by many and has the production to support such a claim. Even though the Bengals have been able to get by without Green in the past with help from Jones, Green still is a far better receiver. Jones is good, but he cannot match the production that Green is capable of.

Chad Troyan is a baseball and football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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