5 prospects for Cincinnati Bengals to watch at 2022 Senior Bowl

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Zion Johnson – Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Zion Johnson, Offensive Guard (Boston College)

Height – 6’3″
Weight – 316

Guard will continue to be high on the list of draft needs for the Bengals. With Quinton Spain out of contract and Jackson Carman having an underwhelming first season, it will be a priority for Duke Tobin.

As we saw against the Titans, Hakeem Adeniji doesn’t look like an ideal solution to protect Joe Burrow at this point in his career, so how about Boston College’s Zion Johnson?

While some scouts will tell you he has the versatility to play tackle and guard, it is the interior where he has been most dominant. While playing left guard, he has only conceded 13 pressures, and in his lone season at left tackle, he allowed 22. At 6’3″ and 316 pounds, it appears Johnson is best suited to kick inside and provide a reliable starting option.

It has been quite the ride for Johnson, who began his career in the FCS at Davidson before transferring to Boston College. The coaches in Mobile will look to feature Johnson at tackle and guard, allowing the Bengals to get an idea of his best spot for the pros. If he performs well, you can expect him to come off the board somewhere on Day 2.

Whether the Bengals wish to dip back into the guard market soon after picking Carman is yet to be seen. They may seek to resolve the problem by bringing back Spain and/or another veteran option to allow him more time to develop. It would be hard to pass up on a solid prospect like Johnson if the value is correct.