Predicting the winners of the Bengals’ top training camp battles
By Aaron Burd
Bengals’ training camp battles: Right Guard
Another concerning spot on the offensive line is the right guard position. Michael Jordan is the clear favorite for the left guard spot, but the right side is much more uncertain. Backup journeyman Xavier Su’a-Filo was brought in from Dallas in free agency to compete with players like Billy Price and Alex Redmond for the starting spot.
Su’a-Filo played well when used by the Cowboys in 2019 and is the safest bet at the position. Price, however, is only two years removed from being a first-round pick. The former Ohio State Buckeye has the most potential of any of the options at guard.
The problem for Price is that he has yet to display that potential in the NFL. His career has gotten off to a terrible start, due to injuries in his rookie year and poor play in his second year. There is still a glimmer of hope for Price, however.
The third-year lineman was originally drafted to be a center for the Bengals, despite being more physically suited for the right guard position. If Price can move back to his rightful position of right guard, he can potentially shed his bust label and be an above-average lineman for the Bengals. Jim Turner and staff would be smart to make a priority of tapping into the young guards’ potential, but it may be too late at this point in the eyes of the coaches.
Unfortunately, Su’a-Filo is the safer bet here. Until Price shows that he deserves the starting spot in training camp, the veteran guard has a clear advantage going into camp. The ideal scenario for the Bengals’ offensive line would be a breakout year from Price, but at this point, it may just be wishful thinking. Barring a great training camp from Price or one of the other guards, Su’a-Filo should be considered the presumptive starting right guard.
Winner: Xavier Su’a-Filo