In the fifth round, the Bengals finally add to their offensive line. This may seem a little late to address the offensive line to many readers, and it is, but that’s just because of how the board may end up falling. It’s better not to force a pick at a position of need if the talent is not there. Additionally, the Bengals front office and coaching staff are seemingly much higher on their offensive line than the fans and media.
Jack Driscoll would not be expected to start immediately and likely wouldn’t even compete for a starting spot in his rookie season. The Auburn product can play at tackle but will likely be a better fit at guard in the NFL. Guard is a weak position for the Bengals, but Driscoll would have to wait his turn behind Michael Jordan, Xavier Su’a-Filo, and Billy Price before getting a chance to start.
The front office would like to nab an offensive lineman who can be injected into the starting lineup right away, but with how the board is expected to fall and the Bengals likely addressing other needs, that may not be the reality come the draft. Instead, they settle for depth in the fifth round and hope the addition of last year’s first-round pick Jonah Williams and progressions of both Michael Jordan and Fred Johnson is enough to give Joe Burrow a serviceable line.