Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Andre Smith knows a thing or two about developing into and remaining a quality player for a long time in the NFL.
So when Smith singles out Bengals rookie guard Michael Jordan as a name to watch, onlookers should pay attention.
Smith did so at the preseason’s halfway mark, as captured by Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
“He’s going be a really good player once his body fills out,” Smith said. “I knows he’s a young guy, 20 years old.”
Told Jordan is actually 21, the 32-year-old Smith said, “21? He’s still got a long way to go, but he’s going to be a really good player.”
Jordan has indeed made impressive strides, earning first-team reps at left guard earlier than even coaches expected.
And while those coaches say Jordan still has to work on his consistency, there remains a chance he ends up as the starter.
Even if the coaches decide to go with the more veteran presence of a Trey Hopkins, it’s clear veterans like Smith don’t see how the Bengals hold a talent like Jordan back much longer.
