It's Now or Never for these Cincinnati Bengals

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Trevor Robinson

The team took on Trevor Robinson as an UDFA in 2012. He was fortunate enough to gain some valuable experience during his rookie year when starting center Kyle Cook suffered a significant ankle injury. The team chose to sign free agent Jeff Faine at first,

July 28, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA;Cincinnati Bengals center Trevor Robinson (66) with the ball during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

but once he was hurt Robinson played admirably in Cook’s stead. He was unable to hang onto the job once Cook returned later that year, which was an indication that Robinson was unable to pick up the mental portion of the game; Cook was always revered by coaches for the mental part of his game. Cook was released in March of this year following Mike Pollak’s resigning. This could be seen as an indication that the team remained unconfident in Robinson’s ability to succeed Cook. This thought is further supported by the Bengals’ lauding of rookie Russell Bodine; they were even so confident that they chose to trade up for the rookie, a rare move on the part of the Bengals. Offensive line coach Paul Alexander acknowledged the Bengals had been scouting Bodine for some time.

"“He’s worth it,” says offensive line coach Paul Alexander. “He’s a guy that, honestly, we’ve been looking for for some time. He’s got a little different style. They’re all good players. But he’s one we’ve kind of been looking for.”"

With the Bengals having so much faith in both Pollak and Bodine, this really puts Trevor Robinson in an extremely difficult position. Clint Boling is on the mend from his ACL tear last year and will be ready at some point this year. The team has also given first-team reps to second year player Tanner Hawkinson this off-season. If Robinson is to even make the roster, much less get onto the field, he’s going to have to show substantial improvement once training camp begins. By my count there’s Bodine, Pollak, Zeitler, and Boling as roster locks for the interior line spots. Hawkinson has gotten first team reps as a fifth interior lineman. Robinson is going to have an uphill battle this summer.