Here is the projected starting lineup for the Cincinnati Bengals.

OFFENSE

Quarterback (Andy Dalton): He's been the starting quarterback since he was a rookie five seasons ago, and as the Bengals' $115 million man, that won't be changing this year.

Running back (Jeremy Hill): Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson claims the Bengals will balance carries between Hill and Giovani Bernard. But the fact Hill led the NFL in rushing the last nine weeks of last season should be enough to convince coaches he deserves the bulk of backfield snaps.

Wide receivers (A.J. Green, Marvin Jones): If we're to assume the Bengals open the season in a two-receiver, one-tight-end set, then Green and Jones would be the wideouts they would turn to. Mohamed Sanu mostly played well in 2014 while leading an injury-riddled pass-catching group and could contend with Jones for No. 2 receiver duties.

H-back (Ryan Hewitt): The Bengals could easily open the year in a three-receiver set, but since they like Hewitt as a blocker, and because they used him often as a rookie last season, look for him to resume his duties helping power the running game.

Tight end (Tyler Eifert): On just eight snaps in last season's opener, Eifert caught three passes for 37 yards. He was in line for a big second season before a pair of upper-body injuries effectively ended his season. He could be a 40-catch player in Cincinnati's offense.

Center (Russell Bodine): Despite occasional struggles as a rookie, Bodine figures to take another step toward anchoring one of the NFL's best blocking offensive lines.

Offensive tackles (Andrew Whitworth, Andre Smith): Two veterans entering contract years, Whitworth and Smith will be playing for their next deals. Whitworth was rated the league's top offensive tackle in 2014 by Pro Football Focus. Smith had trouble staying on the field because of injuries, so he'll be out to prove he isn't injury-prone.

Guards (Clint Boling, Kevin Zeitler): After signing a contract extension this March that will pay him $5.2 million per year, Boling has the left guard position locked down. Zeitler is arguably the better guard, but like Smith, he'll be looking to prove he can stay on the field after dealing with injuries the last couple of seasons.

DEFENSE

Defensive ends (Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson): Dunlap's eight sacks last season marked the second-highest total of his career, but it wasn't enough for a Bengals defense that finished with a league-low 20 sacks. The return of Johnson to the right side of the line ought to help ease some of the double-teams Dunlap encountered last season.

Defensive tackles (Geno Atkins, Domata Peko): Both ends could benefit from an improved and healthier Atkins. Coaches believe Atkins will return to the Pro Bowl form he showcased in 2012, when he had a career-high 12.5 sacks. Peko will be more of a rotational player, switching out for Brandon Thompson on run downs.

Outside linebackers (A.J. Hawk, Emmanuel Lamur): Put Lamur down in ink as the starting strongside linebacker, but keep Hawk's inclusion as the weakside starter in pencil for now. This position depends upon how quickly weakside 'backer Vontaze Burfict can recover from offseason microfracture surgery. If Burfict isn't ready -- as it currently appears -- the former Packer Hawk would be a viable replacement. Hawk will be competing in camp, though, with Vincent Rey.

Middle linebacker (Rey Maualuga): Like Boling, Maualuga signed an extension in March that locks him into the starting role. He's best in run-stop situations. When he was on the field last season, opposing offenses collected just 3.6 yards per carry. When he wasn't, they averaged 4.9 yards.

Safeties (Reggie Nelson, George Iloka): Two more players slated for free agency at season's end, Nelson and Iloka are among the team's top players. Iloka might have been a Pro Bowl snub after leading the league in PFF's metric "cover snaps per reception" last season. He allowed a catch every 51.8 snaps he was in coverage.

Cornerbacks (Adam Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick): Assuming the Bengals open the year in a base, non-nickel defense, Jones and Kirkpatrick would start on the right and left boundaries, respectively. Leon Hall and Darqueze Dennard figure to be on the field regularly, too, as slot corners in nickel situations.

SPECIALISTS

Kicker (Mike Nugent): There might be two kickers on the roster now, but Nugent will be alone by preseason's end. He signed a two-year extension in March.

Punter (Kevin Huber): One of four Bengals Pro Bowl selections, Huber will be out to build upon his No. 4 ranking in net punting average last season.

Long-snapper (Clark Harris): Like Huber, Harris has no competition and will begin his seventh straight season as the Bengals long-snapper.

Kick returner (Mario Alford): If Alford makes the team, he has a good chance to be one of the Bengals' two return specialists. A seventh-round draft pick in this year's draft, he was a better kick returner at West Virginia, where he had two return touchdowns. The Bengals have worked with him as a punt returner, though.

Punt returner (Adam Jones): Jones was one of football's top punt returners last season.