After signing Riley Reiff in free agency, in a position to add an impact offensive lineman in the NFL Draft and with their returning players, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin is optimistic about the players upfront for Cincinnati entering the 2021 season. Tobin provided the caveat the OL has to stay healthy.
The Bengals’ 2019 first-round pick, OL Jonah Williams missed his entire rookie season with a labrum. Williams played in 10 of the first 12 games of the 2021 season for Cincinnati before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Williams staying healthy is critical for the Bengals OL in 2021.
Depending on what the Bengals decide to do in the NFL Draft, Reiff and Williams project to start at the tackle in 2021. Trey Hopkins will likely start at center with Michael Jordan and either Alex Redmond or Quentin Spain projecting to start at guard with a likely high round draftee to be in the mix.
Cincinnati also rehired Frank Pollack as the offensive line coach after he previously spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets. Better play from the OL is essential from the Bengals in 2021. Cincinnati finished 27th in the NFL allowing three sacks per game in 2020. The Bengals were 27 averaging 4.1 yards per rush in 2020.
"“I do think we have some good players in the building. I think that group can come together. I’m very bullish on how that group can meld…It has to stay healthy. If we can get five guys playing together, I think the unit as a whole will look a lot better.”"
If the Bengals select an OL in the first round, Oregon offensive tackle is the likely pick. The other projections have Cincinnati taking either LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase or Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. If the Bengals take Chase or Pitts, an OL in the second round is almost guaranteed. Cincinnati needs to add OL help.
The 2021 NFL Draft is deep in OL. Cincinnati needs help on the interior of the OL. USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is the highest rated IOL but would be a reach for the Bengals at five. When Cincinnati chooses 38th overall in the second round there will be multiple options to help upgrade the OL. Offensive line help is definitely coming.