Cincinnati Bengals 2022 Position Overview: OT
Players:
73. Jonah Williams
71. La’el Collins
77. Hakeem Adeniji
70. D’Ante Smith
75. Isaiah Prince
76. Devin Cochran
Last offseason, the Bengals brought in Riley Reiff from the Vikings in an effort to solidify the offensive tackle position. While he wasn’t spectacular, Reiff was solid in his role. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury towards the end of the regular season, and missed the rest of the regular season and playoffs, leaving RT as one of the weaker positions on the team. Now, the veteran remains a free agent, but the Bengals have since made even bigger efforts to solidify the position.
Starting with the LT spot, Jonah Williams is in line to hold it down once again. He has been a solid starter since the Bengals drafted him in the 1st round back in 2019. However, it would be nice to see him take another step forward.
La’el Collins was one of the team’s big signings in free agency. He comes to Cincy with big expectations. Collins has been one of the best RT’s in the league over the course of his career, contributing to a Cowboys OL that had also been among the best over that span. Needless to say, he is the unquestioned starter at RT, and will be counted on to help keep Joe Burrow upright.
I’ve got Hakeem Adeniji and D’Ante Smith in here with the tackles, but they just as easily could have been included in the iOL position overview that will be coming next. The two were both drafted as tackles, but have played a lot of guard since then. Their versatility is valuable and we could see them in different spots, depending on any injuries that may hit. Adeniji and Smith are likely battling each other for the right to be first man off the bench at all positions, except for centre.
Isaiah Prince served as the primary backup at RT last year, while Adeniji and Smith focused more on guard. I suppose you could say that he is also included in the battle for the first off the bench. However, he is likely to only be in the running for that spot as a tackle. Further, his uninspiring play from last year may leave him behind Adeniji and Smith when it is all said and done. He will need to show improvement.
Devin Cochran rounds out the OT’s. The rookie UDFA is raw coming out of college and will need time and development. However, he has a massive frame, and his athleticism is solid, relative to his size. He will need to show promise, but his traits do make him a solid practice squad candidate.
