The 2019 NFL scouting combine isn’t a goldmine for offensive line talent — but that won’t stop the Cincinnati Bengals from having a close eye on the players at those positions.
The Bengals need replacements at right guard and tackle, barring moving Christian Westerman around or getting help in free agency. Heading into the event, these are some of the top names to know.
Jawaan Taylor, Florida
A 6’5″, 334-pound mauler, Taylor is the typical right tackle prospect who can boost a running game upon arrival at the pro level.
Unfortunately, he’ll hold back from the physical side of things:
Still, seeing Taylor measure will be important and so will the interview process. He’s an instant fix at right tackle in the early rounds for the Bengals, which in theory means they wouldn’t have to worry about either tackle spot again for a long time.
Cody Ford, Oklahoma
Ford is much of the same as Taylor, though he might not be starter material right away at right tackle.
Which isn’t a bad thing.
An in-depth report from a former Bengals coach:
Even if Ford has to play right guard, it shores up a major need for the Bengals after years of underselling the problem since Kevin Zeitler left.
Chris Lindstrom, Boston College
The Bengals under Duke Tobin love their proven players who started for a long time.
Well, Lindstrom is one the front office will love then considering he started for four years and looks like one of the draft’s best guards.
Granted, this requires the Bengals taking the position seriously enough to draft a first-round guard.
But if they do, Lindstrom is versatile throughout the interior and would give the coaches another option.
Dalton Risner, Kansas State
A senior with superb film, Risner is going to make headway in the pros in a hurry.
And some of the numbers back it up:
Risner played right tackle and center in college, so the Bengals could bring him on and plug him in wherever. At the combine, teams will be watching closely to see if he can handle elite speed off the edge.
If not, Risner is still a top-50 guard who would solve a lot of headaches at Paul Brown Stadium.
Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia
For now, draft analysts seem split on Cajuste.
While Cajuste looks like he could be a long-term left tackle, it might take some time to get him to that point.
But the lack of instant gratification in the top 50 or so with the West Virginia product shouldn’t stop the Bengals, either.
Cordy Glenn, after all, is 29 years old with a serious injury history behind him over the past three seasons. Cajuste could at least help elsewhere while developing and inheriting the most important spot on the line.
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