Jonah Williams was rumored to be a possible fit at right tackle or guard with the Bengals, but the team will relocate a veteran lineman instead to accommodate its first-round pick.
Cordy Glenn will slide from left tackle to left guard, with Williams taking over on the left edge, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer (on Twitter). Williams made 44 starts at Alabama in three seasons, and 29 of those came at left tackle.
Glenn has not played guard as a pro, breaking into the Bills’ starting lineup as a rookie in 2012. He has played left tackle throughout his career but does have guard experience in college. The former second-round pick lined up at guard for much of his time at Georgia before moving to tackle his senior year.
The Bengals traded for Glenn last year and received 13 starts during his first season in western Ohio. Glenn graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 60 tackle, his 60.9 overall grade his worst as a pro, and surrendered the most pressures of his seven-year career as well. Perhaps a move inside will be beneficial for the soon-to-be 30-year-old blocker.
Clint Boling has been the Bengals’ left guard for most of the 2010s, beginning his run there in 2012. He did not participate in team drills during OTAs, according to the Enquirer’s Fletcher Page. Boling started at right guard for the Bengals as a rookie in 2011, so it’s conceivable Cincinnati could slot him there. The Bengals signed former Bills guard John Miller to a three-year, $16.5MM deal, however, so Cincy’s 2019 line could feature two former Bills as first-string guards. One year (at $4.85MM) remains on Boling’s deal. He graded as PFF’s No. 39 guard in 2018.
This, interestingly, stands to leave Bobby Hart in place at right tackle. Most questioned why the Bengals gave Hart a three-year, $16.2MM deal this year, but the scrutinized edge protector may well be part of Cincinnati’s first-unit line after all.
Only the Cardinals had a worse time of possession than Cincy last season so there isn’t much to lose by experimenting with various OL combinations. Not sure Glenn can make the transition to a new position but it would be a big plus for the Bengals if he can.
Bobby Hart is trash! Should have never been resigned. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Glenn at Rt.Tackle sooner than later..
fieldsj2 – Wishful thinking. Whether we like it or not, the Bengals staff has gushed over Hart and they paid the man this off-season. In fact, Hart will be making 7.4 million this season, which is 8th among Right Tackles. He’s going to start. Mark it down.