How many new faces will start on the interior offensive line?
The Bengals signed two interior linemen and drafted another in the fourth round to ensure that they have plenty of protection for Joe Burrow this season. The Super Bowl showcased just how bad the offensive line was but luckily reinforcements are here.
Jonah Williams and La’el Collins have secured the tackle spots for this upcoming season but the question of the interior remains. Ted Karras and Alex Kappa were signed in free agency and as of now, they are the projected starters at center and right guard. The situation that offensive line coach Frank Pollack must figure out is whether these free agents can earn their spot and who will start at left guard.
Quinton Spain played left guard last season and to many people’s surprise, he played above average. Spain even had a good showing in the Super Bowl until the final offensive snap where Aaron Donald ran him over and ended the season.
Spain is now a free agent but there are multiple options who could replace him. Jackson Carman was drafted last season in the second round so the team will be looking to give him a chance to prove himself. The other option is Cordell Volson who was this year’s fourth-round draft pick.
Both players have a lot to prove. Carman had a terrible first year with the team. He clearly was not ready to be an NFL starter and Volson was a Day 3 selection. The Bengals need one of these young players to step up in training camp or we could see another season of poor interior protection.