The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy offseason. They bolstered their secondary with moves like adding corners Mike Hilton and Chidobe Awuzie and safety Ricardo Allen. The pass rush should improve with the arrival of Trey Hendrickson and Larry Ogunjobi.
Hopefully, Hendrickson's breakout season with the New Orleans Saints playing opposite to Cameron Jordan will serve as precedence to a productive career and not a flash in the pan.
Despite the addition of tackle Riley Reiff and the solid play of left tackle Jonah Williams, the offensive line is the team's biggest need. The Bengals cannot let their designated franchise savior quarterback Joe Burrow suffer a season-ending injury again and addressing the pass protection goes a long way in doing so. Burrow played behind one of the worst lines in the league and faced a barrage of sacks and pressures.
Reiff was signed to essentially a one-year contract worth $7,500,000 and is 32 years old. It would be good to give Burrow a pair of bookend tackles he can grow with. Williams is just 23 years old and has looked good so far in his young career.
Cincinnati is picking fifth overall in the upcoming draft. Fortunately for them, it is almost a certainty that the first three picks will be used on signal-callers. There is also a possibility that the Atlanta Falcons, who are picking just before the Bengals use their selection on an heir apparent to longtime quarterback Matt Ryan.
These give Cincinnati the option to select the best, non-quarterback player in the draft. Depending on preference, this could either be Penei Sewell, the tackle from Oregon, or Kyle Pitts the Florida tight end.
Bengals fans have had their eyes on Sewell for a while now and rightfully so. He is the best offensive line prospect in years. He is the best chance for Cincinnati to have another Anthony Muñoz, who was one of the best at his position. Muñoz was a perennial All-Pro and was vital in the team's two trips to the Super Bowl.
At 6'6, 325 pounds with long arms and a sturdy frame, Sewell is the most physically imposing offensive lineman in the class. He displays good technique and plays with aggression. It is a terrifying sight seeing him effortlessly run up the field and bulldoze a linebacker.
If he gets his hand on a defender, it is pretty much game over. Despite his size, he moves like a much lighter man and at times, even looks like a big tight end with his agility.
Speaking of tight ends, that position is not enough to describe what Pitts is capable of. He is a versatile weapon capable of lining up all over the formation. With his athleticism, route-running, and nearly 6'6, 245-pound frame, he will be a matchup nightmare for defensive backs and even linebackers.
He also has a ridiculous wingspan, which he utilizes in bringing down tough catches. Pitts crushed his combine and one of the highlights was his 22 bench reps, which is impressive in itself.
A young offense with Pitts, wide receivers Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, and running back Joe Mixon will be explosive.
In the end though, the O-Line is the priority. Sewell is the man the Bengals want and need because he is a game-changing talent who will provide tremendous protection for Joe Burrows. It will be interesting to see if the team can get him on Draft Day.
Follow Us
Subscribe