04-20-2022, 11:35 AM
(04-18-2022, 02:15 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Karras is a big upgrade over Hopkins especially in run blocking where Hop was pretty terrible. But it is true that Karras is a
much better Guard than Hopkins, even more so. But yeah, maybe after the Draft we can sign someone like Tretter if need be.
In 2019 and 2020 when Karras played center he had a PFF grade in the 60s which was about the same grade as Hopkins. When New England moved him to guard in 2021 he had a PFF of 72.8. He has played guard much better than center. As a center he has been on par with Hopkins. The Bengals really should move Karras to LG and sign Tretter. This way the line would be greatly improved. You have Karras at LG with Carman backing him up, you have a great center like Tretter with the option of moving Karras back to that spot in case of an injury. That line would be really good with adding just one more guy to the team.
If the Bengals go with the current planned line, you have a guy that plays center on par with the guy you just got rid of (Hopkins). You also have a LG with serious question marks including back issues. As of right now the Bengals have only improved two O-line positions, RG and RT. That will certainly help but with 70 sacks given up last season, RG and RT were not the only issues on the O-line. Burrow will be sacked less this year but I would be willing to bet if the Bengals dont make more adjustment to the O-line, the O-line still ends up in the bottom half of protecting the QB and sacks allowed.
