08-08-2023, 01:29 PM
(08-08-2023, 12:37 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: That is really encouraging that Williams is looking so good at RT. As good as he's looking, and likely will play just as well this season, it still may not be the end for Jackson Carman's chances of ever cracking the starting lineup at a Tackle position. We should also keep in mind that Williams is playing on that 5th year option, and will definitely be looking to secure a wealthy second contract as a LT, his preferred position.
As for what his natural adaptation to RT means for the Bengals THIS season? To me it means the OL should be able to open up running lanes and protect Joe equally well on either side of the line.
Agreed.
I think the biggest questions on the OL are:
1) What happens with Collins? Keep or cut or PUP?
2) Do we keep 9 or 10?
3) What is the pecking order behind the starters?
Brown, Volson, Karras, Cappa, & Williams will start.
Carman is a roster lock, IMHO, but not necessarily the #3 OT (a healthy Collins couod be ahead of him at RT). His showing in the POs last year buys him another year, min. And with Jonah likely gone, him taking over at RT next year is best case scenario for us.
But if Ford, Adeniji, or Smith really shine at tackle in camp, things get interesting quickly. There is no earhly way we start with only 3 OTs on the roster. If Collins isn't ready to play yet & someone beats out Carman for swing tackle, a cut of Collins or Carman could happen to save $$. But I doubt it.
I think Collins on PUP + 9 is the most likely scenario. The starters + Carman (#3 OT) + Scharping (#3 G) are virtual locks. We need a backup C. We value versatility in the backups. We have seen Hill at G, Ben Brown at G, and Scharping at C. But I still think Hill has the edge for #8 over Brown.
The next spot has to be the #4 OT. If Collins is healthy, you have to assume it is his. Unless Ford, Adeniji, or Smith really wow at camp & make him expendable. If not, the best of them take the #4 OT tackle spot with La'el on PUP. Probably Ford.
That will leave a decision on if we carry 10 OL or not (I could see a 7th WR or CB ir a 5th S instead). If we do keep 10, Adeniji, Smith, Brown, & Kirkland are your choices.
I mean, I think one mediocre OL guy is as good as another. If one gets nabbed off our PS is that really gonna hurt if retain another instead? At least guys oike Morgan (special teams, blocking), Ivey, M. Thomas, and Anderson have demonstrated they can help or have upside. Not sure the OL guys have.
