In March, we noted it was a good idea for the Cincinnati Bengals to consider moving 2018 first-round pick Billy Price to guard in the wake of Trey Hopkins re-upping with the team.
As it turns out, new offensive line coach Jim Turner’s first move upon arrival in Cincinnati was making sure Hopkins got extended — but the outlook with Price hasn’t changed.
As The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. wrote, the Bengals still don’t figure to move Price:
I do not see them moving Billy Price. Everyone I’ve talked to sounds resolute the second year of Price at center will be one of the best things going for this team. There’s an appreciation for what Hopkins can bring, but his best chance to play would be winning the left guard battle. I do think he will end up first off the bench at all three interior offensive line spots.
The idea comes from a logical place, at least. Price struggled through his rookie year and battled injuries. When he missed time, Hopkins hopped into the lineup at center and the line didn’t skip a beat.
With Jonah Williams out for the year — meaning no Cordy Glenn at left guard — and Clint Boling retired — the Bengals could use some help at left guard. Christian Westerman is an option, as is John Jerry — but Price had plenty of solid guard play in college at Ohio State.
Given that Price has shown good play there in college and Hopkins has played well at center in the pros, one would have to think the option could still be on the table if all else fails. Keeping Price at center out of stubbornness because “that’s what they drafted him for” is a recipe for getting a quarterback hurt, for starters.
But for now, it sounds like Price will stay at center. That could always be for the best over the long term, but the if another injury happens or the staff can’t find a viable starter at guard, this is something to perhaps still keep in mind.
