Bengals Training Camp: 3 questions that need to be answered

Where is Jackson Carman in his development?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ front office has been lauded for their efforts in revamping the offensive line this past offseason.

After Joe Burrow took a historic number of sacks, the team did what they could to ensure that the franchise cornerstone won’t take a similar beating in the upcoming season. Signing guard Alex Cappa, center Ted Karras, and tackle La’el Collins leaves only one question mark among the big men up front–left guard.

The front runner to fill that role is an obvious one: last year’s second-round pick Jackson Carman. After a disappointing rookie season, the former Clemson standout has a full offseason under his belt and appears to be fully healed from the injuries that nagged him a season ago.

Still, the transition from college to the NFL is a difficult one to make, no matter how impressive of a draft pedigree a player possesses. And, when it comes to the trenches, a unit is only as strong as its weakest link.

That begs the question, where is Carman at in his development? Can he and offensive line coach Frank Pollack turn his flashes into consistent play?

If not, the team may turn to rookie Cordell Volson, call up old friend Quinton Spain, or be faced with the reality that they have a below-average starter protecting Burrow again.