The comeback tour for Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Jackson Carman appears to be on track.
After looking like a draft bust as a rookie for various reasons, Carman seized his opportunity last postseason with a strong showing in a playoff win over the Bills, getting an “unbelievable” remark from Joe Burrow in the process.
Carman followed that up in April by impressing onlookers with his reworked body.
Now? Carman says he’s spent the offseason re-comping his body with an emphasis on better balance, how he applies force through his feet, etc., via means such as yoga, gymnastics and getting in the water more.
It’s a fun interview, captured by Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media:
Jackson Carman says he is transforming his body ready to compete for Bengals starting right tackle pic.twitter.com/qStvfQK5K0
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 1, 2023
The Bengals tabbed Carman as an interior lineman early, then put him at left tackle in an emergency situation last postseason. Now he’ll compete at right tackle, where there’s a steep uphill climb.
At right tackle, Carman will compete with the not-traded Jonah Williams, the rehabbing La’el Collins and Cody Ford.
While Carman doesn’t project to win that starting job in Week 1, his versatility, experience and the makeover gives him an inside track at the final 53 as a primary backup, though if the makeover translates to another jump in play, he could be a training camp surprise — which would be a great problem for the Bengals to have this summer.
