Ranking the Bengals’ top 5 options with No. 31 pick in 2022 NFL Draft

Zion Johnson, OL (Boston College)

Speaking of the offensive line, all things considered, with the state of the Bengals line last season, why not add first-round line help?

Zion Johnson, the 6’3″, 312-pound guard from Boston College could be Frank Pollack’s first draft pick to groom from the ground up. 2022 should be a good season to groom and bring along a new lineman slowly. Johnson wouldn’t be expected to start right away, which if history tells us, especially where the Bengals are concerned, is a very good thing.

Johnson has played some tackle, though his ability to continue that at the next level will take some development, so he should be able to step right in at guard and get meaningful snaps in the rotation.

Johnson is a solid technician and also very intelligent, which is always a plus trait in an offensive lineman.

Most of Johnson’s issues aren’t from physical limitations, rather minor technique things that with the proper coaching can be corrected. It is definitely worth giving Frank Pollack the opportunity to mold young lineman into his vision of what he wants across the Bengals’ offensive line. It also wouldn’t hurt to be learning from Collins, Karras, Kappas, etc.

Considering line was the most glaring need after 2021, even with the free-agent signings of 3/5 of a new line, adding a potential mauler like Johnson makes sense and he should add depth across the line with an eye on starting in 2023.