Bengals Training Camp Preview: iOL
Players:
65. Alex Cappa (G)
67. Cordell Volson (G)
61. Cody Ford (G)
60. Jaxson Kirkland (G)
64. Ted Karras (C)
62. Matt Lee (C)
63. Trey Hill (C)
66. Nate Gilliam (C)
Starting with guard first, we are at a position where the Bengals made very few changes. Alex Cappa is locked into his spot as the starting RG. Though not elite by any means, he is a reliable starter. His job is not in question.
Some wanted the Bengals to add competition for Cordell Volson at LG. However, they haven’t done so, and seem like they do not intend to. Volson has had his ups and downs, but it looks as though he is locked into his starting spot. Going into year 3, the hope is that he can turn the peaks and valleys into more peaks. The potential is there. He’ll need to find more consistency.
Cody Ford was re-signed earlier on in the free agency process. For the most part, he has been a liability on the field, regardless of the team he was on. Big strides at this point in his career are unlikely, but a lack of options means that Ford will likely be on the roster.
Jaxson Kirkland rounds out the group of players listed as a G. The former UDFA has tools to work with, but was disappointing in last year’s preseason. After a year on the practice squad, hopefully he has improved enough to challenge for a depth spot. If not, he may be poised for another year on the practice squad.
With the lack of depth at guard, it is possible that OT’s with some versatility, like Jackson Carman or D’Ante Smith, figure into this battle as well. But those guys don’t inspire a ton of confidence either.
At C, Ted Karras, fresh off a new extension, is locked into his starting spot. He is solid on the field, and one of the team’s biggest leaders off of it.
Depth has been an issue at C for the last several years. Luckily, Karras has been able to remain healthy thus far. Trey Hill has served as the primary backup for the last couple of years. While he hasn’t been needed in the regular season, his preseason performances have been uninspiring. He is the incumbent going into camp, but should be on shaky ground.
Rookie 7th rounder Matt Lee figures to be Hill’s top challenger. Although he was a late round pick, many expected him to go a lot earlier. He is a bit limited in terms of size, but is technically sound, athletic, and still strong enough. It will have to be earned, but on paper, he projects as the best current option to backup Karras.
Not to be forgotten, Nate Gilliam will also look to make a name for himself, with the number 2 job at C up for grabs. He has spent his time with the Bengals on the practice squad, but was quietly pretty solid in the preseason. I am a fan of Lee, but Gilliam can’t be counted out from this battle.
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