Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Position Overview: iOL
Players:
65. Alex Cappa (G)
79. Jackson Carman (G)
67. Cordell Volson (G)
60. Desmond Noel (G)
64. Ted Karras (C)
63. Trey Hill (C)
62. Ben Brown (C)
61. Lamont Gaillard (C)
There was a big change at the OT position, but the Bengals made multiple major changes along the interior of the offensive line. Some starters from last year were not retained, and they used the free agency period to make some splash signings.
Alex Cappa was the biggest addition to the interior. He makes the move over from Tampa. The Bengals will be counting on him to fill the void at RG that has essentially been there since Kevin Zeitler’s departure back in 2017. The Bengals did place him on the active/PUP list today, as the first happenings of training camp are beginning to take place. But it isn’t said to be anything to worry about, and he should be on the field soon.
The LG spot is one that will be up for grabs. Jackson Carman is the leading candidate to take it. He had some rough moments as a rookie, but the traits were also visible. Carman initially started off on the right side, but looked a lot more comfortable on the left side later in the year. A full offseason of preparation on his natural side could allow him to take that next step.
I talk a bit more about Hakeem Adeniji in my OT overview, but they also figure to be in the mix. Rookie Cordell Volson should also be given a shot. Volson himself has some desirable traits, and he may be a dark horse candidate if he is able to show technical improvements.
Desmond Noel rounds out the guards. The rookie UDFA is a long shot for the roster, but a solid camp could help him earn a place on the practice squad.
Ted Karras was brought in to start at C. He comes from New England with C/G versatility, something that the Bengals like in all of their players.
The backup C position is a muddy one at the moment. Trey Hill is the front runner, but he wasn’t particularly impressive in his limited snaps last year, or in the preseason. UDFA rookie Ben Brown does have a path to the spot if he can put some good snaps on tape in the preseason. He also has his issues, but I thought he was a draftable player. It will be an interesting battle.
Lamont Gaillard rounds out the C position. I wasn’t impressed with him in last year’s preseason. However, he does have a bit more experience than the others. Considering that none of the other candidates really stand out, you can’t rule him out from the competition.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)