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The Bengals must focus on these key areas as the rebuild begins

By Rory-Joe Daniels

CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Zac Taylor speaks to the media as director of player personnel Duke Tobin looks on after being introduced as the new head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Zac Taylor speaks to the media as director of player personnel Duke Tobin looks on after being introduced as the new head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Jonah Williams (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Rebuilding the Bengals: Offensive Line

The record is seemingly broken when it comes to discussing the Bengals’ offensive line. It was a major need this offseason and is set to be the biggest area of concern in 2021.

Jonah Williams has had a tumultuous start to his career after losing his rookie year to injury. However, he’s shown enough to think that he can hold down the starting job at left tackle. Trey Hopkins is one of the most underrated centers in the league but after those two spots, things are up in the air.

Bobby Hart has, in patches, looked serviceable at right tackle but would be better suited to a backup role. Meanwhile, the guard spots have been the most concerning. Interior pressure is a surefire way to knock Burrow’s confidence in his early career.

The Bengals secured interior depth by acquiring B.J. Finney in the Carlos Dunlap trade. Expecting him to become a full-time starter would be a leap. The Bengals are also working on a deal for free agent Quinton Spain, who should get a short-term shot at a guard spot. Finally, rookie Hakeem Adeniji deserves an extended look to see if he can offer a solution to either the tackle or guard problem.

The best way to solve the issues during the offseason would be by finding an experienced lineman as well as investing an early-round pick. It will be up to the Bengals to analyze the free agency options and draft prospects to pinpoint the most effective way to build a new-look line.

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