Players:
67. Quinton Spain (G)
79. Jackson Carman (G)
72. Xavier Su’a-Filo (G)
60. Michael Jordan (G)
64. Keaton Sutherland (G)
66. Trey Hopkins (C)
53. Billy Price (C)
63. Trey Hill (C)
The offensive line was a big weak spot for the Bengals this past season. While a lot of focus was on the tackle position, a lot of pressure actually came from the inside. Further, it was Michael Jordan at LG who got beat on the play that injured Joe Burrow.
There were only a couple of changes made to this group during the offseason, but the Bengals are expecting these changes to produce different results. As well, some of last season’s new faces now having a year in the system should help improve their play.
Michael Jordan, as mentioned, was the culprit on the play that Burrow got hurt, but he was also responsible for many other pressures allowed. Quinton Spain was signed midway through the year and proved to be an upgrade with his solid play. However, he spent a lot of time at RG and even some at tackle. This year, he will be competing for the LG spot, which is his natural position.
Spain will be competing with Xavier Su’a-Filo for the starting job. Su’a-Filo was signed as a free agent last year and actually opened the year as the starter at LG. A week 1 injury sidelined him for a number of weeks until he finally made it back to play in the final five games of the year, and start the final four.
The LG battle seems to be relatively even at the moment, but the Bengals have shown to be quite high on Quinton Spain. I’d lean in that direction when picking out a starter, but it would not be a surprise to see them go either way when it is all said and done.
The Bengals traded down in the 2nd round of this year’s draft, eventually using their pick to select Jackson Carman. He played LT in college, but some technique issues on the outside make an early move to guard more ideal. Carman possesses the strength and athleticism necessary to thrive at guard. He is the favourite to win the starting spot, but the loser of the LG battle between Spain and Su’a-Filo may have an outside shot at beating out Carman if he performs below expectations.
It has been a steep fall for Michael Jordan since winning a starting spot as a 4th round rookie, a couple of years back. He is now on the roster bubble after new faces have passed him on the depth chart. Jordan is still very young, at 23 years of age, and has all the tools you would want. For those reasons, it would make a lot of sense for the Bengals to keep him around. The question is if there will be enough room on the roster. Otherwise, a spot on the practice squad might be in the cards.
Keaton Sutherland was signed by the Bengals as an UDFA in 2019. He did get into a game on the active roster, but was later waived and claimed by the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins waived him early into the 2020 season, and he has since been with the Bengals for a second stint, splitting time between the roster and the practice squad. It seems unlikely that there will be room for him on the roster, but the team has shown in the past that they like his versatility. He is in play for a spot on the practice squad.
Moving inside the two guard spots, Trey Hopkins, if healthy, will remain the starting C, as his consistent play over the past few years has been an uncommon bright spot for the Bengals OL. His health is a question mark at this time, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in week 17 against the Ravens. Reports have indicated that he has a shot at making it back for week 1.
If Hopkins does have to miss some times to start the year, Billy Price will move back up the depth chart. The 2018 1st round pick has been a disappointment thus far, but the hope is that he takes advantage of what might be his final chance with the Bengals. Looking on the optimistic side, Price has performed better at C than G, so maybe another chance at his original position would do him some good. Nevertheless, the Bengals will be hoping that Hopkins will be ready and that they won’t have to be without their starting C.
Rounding out the interior part of the OL is 6th round rookie, Trey Hill. Hill is a natural C, but also has the ability to play G. If he is able to perform well and show his versatility in camp and the preseason, he has a chance to make the roster. If not, a practice squad spot still seems likely, considering they used a draft pick on him.
While not the overhaul that some were hoping for, the Bengals did make some efforts to improve the OL. Hopefully they payoff in 2021 and beyond.