NFL Cuts 2010: Seven Cincinnati Bengals Roster Surprises

The Bengals are down to a 53-man roster. There will be more changes coming but they are required to be at 53 now. The Bengals are thought to be looking at the available players on the waiver wire.

None of these were huge surprises like the ones predicted here.

However, here were the biggest roster surprises for the Bengals.

Dan LeFevour

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Dan LeFevour #15 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Raiders defeated the Bears 32-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/G

Members of the J.T. O'Sullivan fan club won't be happy but he has been released by the Bengals. The Bengals picked up Dan LeFevour off waivers from the Bears. LeFevour was picked in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Bears.

The Bengals liked LeFevour all along despite his alleged lack of arm strength. He is a rookie from Central Michigan who was a four-year starter. His college coach was current University of Cincinnati coach Butch Jones so he will know someone in town. Last year, he threw for 3,438 yards and ended up with the most total touchdowns in NCAA history. He definitely had a stellar collegiate career. This year, LeFevour looked good against the Cardinals going 10 of 12 passes for 100 yards passing with a touchdown.

This move puts Jordan Palmer behind Carson Palmer on the depth chart at quarterback.

Reggie Nelson

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 04: Nate Washington #85 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Reggie Nelson #25 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood

The Bengals completed a trade with the Jaguars. They exchanged cornerback David Jones for safety Reggie Nelson. Jones became expendable when his nickel back spot was taken by Pacman Jones. Nelson was a 2007 first round pick out of the University of Florida. Last year he had 70 tackles.

This is a move that has very little risk. They traded their 5th cornerback for a player with some upside who might end up stabilizing their safety problem.

On the downside, Nelson is said to have commitment or attitude issues.

This move gives the Bengals five former first round picks in the defensive backfield.

Chase Coffman

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 14: Tight end Chase Coffman #80 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by linebacker Scott Fujita #55 of of the New Orleans Saints during a preseason game on August 14, 2009 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris G

The Bengals kicked 2009 third-round pick tight end Chase Coffman to the curb...er...practice squad.

Last year, Coffman had his season cut short by a broken foot. He has struggled with blocking since he arrived and never showed the Bengals that he would improve. 

He will get his chance on the practice squad. Coffman is still a pass-catching prospect but needs to work on blocking.

Daniel Coats

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 13: Daniel Coats #86 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings on December 13, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bengals 30-10. (Photo by Jim M

The thought of tight end Daniel Coats dropping a sure touchdown pass makes Bengal fans cringe.

Coats made the squad this year because he is a very good blocker and he is getting better at making catches. Coats won't be a used in the team's passing game much anyway.

Coats is also versatile. He plays tight end, fullback and special teams.

No Fullback

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CINCINNATI - 2009: Fui Vakapuna of the Cincinnati Bengals poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by NFL Photos)

The Bengals cut both their fullbacks (Fui Vakapuna and Joe Tronzo). It was obvious that the team didn't take fullback position seriously in the off season.

The Bengals will likely use the tight end as a fullback in some of their formations. When they spread the offense out, running back Cedric Benson will be alone in the backfield.

They may not be fullback-less for long. The Bengals are said to be scouring the waiver wire for a fullback now.

Dez Briscoe

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INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Dezmon Briscoe #88 and Darius Hill #49 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after Briscoe caught a touchdown pass during the NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Indian

One player that many thought would make the team is wide receiver Dez Briscoe.

Briscoe has potential but couldn't make the team over all the other receivers currently on the roster. Briscoe has signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had a long way to go to get on the field with the Bengals anyway.

Kyries Hebert

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CINCINNATI - AUGUST 20: Kyries Hebert #34 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Riley Cooper #14 of the Philadelphia Eagles after Hebert intercepted a pass during the NFL preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 20, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Ph

Kyries Hebert is very good at special teams but not much else so the Bengals cut him. He hasn't looked all that good in coverage on defense. Hebert's chance to stick was based on special teams play.