4 Cincinnati Bengals newcomers projected to be starters in 2022
La’el Collins
Arguably the most exciting free-agent acquisition for the Bengals this offseason was former Cowboys offensive lineman, La’el Collins. Dallas opted to release Collins and the Bengals were the lucky team to land his services.
Collins fell off the draft boards in 2016 due to some off-the-field drama but found his way onto Dallas’ roster where he spent the last seven years. He missed all of the 2020 season but when he was on the field in 2021, he made the most of his opportunities. PFF gave him a grade of 82.0 and he surrendered just two sacks on his quarterback. Unlike Cappa, however, Collins was penalized more, finishing with eight flags thrown his way.
When Cincinnati secured Collins for the next three years, it meant that they had their right tackle of the future. Riley Reiff did okay at right tackle last year but when he went down at the end of the season, Isaiah Prince was propelled into that role and he wasn’t equipped for it.
La’el Collins has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, which is worrisome, but when he’s on the field and healthy, he’s a top-notch starting right tackle.