Cordell Volson is the Bengals rookie to keep an eye on after OTAs

In the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Cordell Volson out of North Dakota State to help bolster their offensive line. He’s someone to keep a watchful eye on this summer. 

The offensive line was responsible for the Cincinnati Bengals‘ loss in Super Bowl LVI but the team went to work on making sure that didn’t happen again. They added three free agents to their o-line and also drafted North Dakota State’s Cordell Volson, who Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report said was their rookie to watch following OTAs.

Ballentine goes into detail about how Volson is likely going to enter the season as a second-stringer and he’s been taking reps with the backups as a result. The fact that he’s already taken reps at both guard spots does work in his favor, however.

Ballentine offered this analysis:

"It’s going to take an incredible summer for Volson to unseat Carman based on their draft status. Typically, a second-rounder like Carman will have the advantage based on the investment the team made in him.However, it’s worth noting that Volson has already gotten reps at both guard spots, according to Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson. The North Dakota State lineman could at least find himself as the first guard off the bench if Carman struggles or Cappa gets injured."

Bengals: Cordell Volson is someone worth paying attention to

The starting o-line is mostly figured out with Jonah Williams at left tackle, Ted Karras at center, Alex Cappa at right guard, and La’el Collins at right tackle. The only spot up for grabs is at left guard, which is probably going to be Carman’s job to lose.

As Ballentine noted, Volson will have to put together the performance of a lifetime to grab that starting job but it is something that could happen. Carman didn’t play much as a rookie and there has been troubling news surrounding him that could also come into play.

Even if Cordell Volson doesn’t get a chance to start right off the bat, he might be able to find his way into the starting lineup if injuries occur and that’s when he’ll get a chance to show that he could provide as a starter.

Fans were a little surprised by the Volson selection in the fourth round but the Bengals clearly saw something in him and he was the only offensive player they selected in this year’s draft. He’ll likely get a chance down the road to show what he can do.