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How Jake Fisher Fits With the Bengals

By David Petrocelli

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Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jake Fisher (75) motivates the crowd against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

So before I get into this, let me just say, I really love Jake Fisher as a prospect.

The Oregon senior tackle offers both the demeanor necessary to play the position at a high level and the skill set as well.  His versatility also should be of interest to the Bengals.  Cincinnati needs a swing tackle for the coming season and Jake Fisher will be able to offer the Bengals this depth.

With all that said, I have to be honest, I’m largely perplexed by the direction here.  After selecting offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi in the first round, I was sure the Bengals would take another lineman, but later in the draft.  I also thought the Bengals would select a player who could play both guard and center, as they lack a lineman who can take over at center if necessary.

Taking Jake Fisher in the second round raises more questions than answers for me.  For 2015, the Bengals are sending signals that they are confident enough in their roster to win without utilizing either of their first two selections in the coming season, but should they be?  Fisher’s selection also possibly means the Bengals don’t expect Ogbuehi to be ready in the coming season, referring to his knee injury.

Beyond 2015, taking two tackles (and two players who can play guard) means Cincinnati is going to move on from either Andrew Whitworth or Andre Smith after the upcoming season.  Could it also mean they are preparing for the possibility of losing both?  After failing to reach an extension with right guard Kevin Zeitler this year, could they also be safeguarding themselves against his potential departure?

Overall, I can’t help but feel somewhat disappointed in the Bengals’ draft thus far.  Neither player will help them in the coming season, and with so many players set to hit free agency in 2016, I was hoping the team would gear up to make a run this season.  Thus far that hasn’t been the case.

The Bengals do have another seven selections to go, so there’s still time to find quality players, and the Bengals did get great value in Fisher, but they have their work cut out for them the rest of the way if they hope to improve this roster for the coming season.

Next: How Cedric Ogbuehi Fits with the Bengals

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