04-15-2018, 02:04 AM
At this point I imagine the Bengals won't make any more signings before the draft. Nevertheless, out of curiosity, I checked a list of unsigned free agent o-lineman and noticed a few players who caught my attention (in case the draft plays out differently than we expect).
RT Austin Howard: 2017 PFF Grade of 71.6 (#36 OT)
- Austin Howard signed a 3 year, $16 million contract with the Ravens last offseason but they declined his option for this year. He started all 16 games at right tackle in 2017 and has experience at the position.
OG Jahri Evans: 2017 PFF Grade of 71.7 (#30 OG)
- Jahri Evans used to be a well-known guard. Now he is 35 years old and definitely not the same pro bowl caliber player he once was. However, he is still more than serviceable and has signed two cheap contracts the last two seasons.
OG Luke Joeckel: 2017 PFF Grade of 44.5 (#51 OG) and OT Greg Robinson: 2017 PFF Grade of 36.6 (#78 OT)
- Both players were #2 overall selections (2013 and 2014) and have been busts thus far in the NFL. They have each been played at multiple positions for multiple teams and it hasn't really worked out. That being said, they are still young (26 and 25 respectively) and the Bengals have a history in giving second chances to former first round picks.
Would you consider signing any of these players if the offensive line isn't appropriately addressed in the draft? Personally I think they'd rather test the players they already have versus signing any of these, but I thought they were interesting options. No available centers caught my attention.
RT Austin Howard: 2017 PFF Grade of 71.6 (#36 OT)
- Austin Howard signed a 3 year, $16 million contract with the Ravens last offseason but they declined his option for this year. He started all 16 games at right tackle in 2017 and has experience at the position.
OG Jahri Evans: 2017 PFF Grade of 71.7 (#30 OG)
- Jahri Evans used to be a well-known guard. Now he is 35 years old and definitely not the same pro bowl caliber player he once was. However, he is still more than serviceable and has signed two cheap contracts the last two seasons.
OG Luke Joeckel: 2017 PFF Grade of 44.5 (#51 OG) and OT Greg Robinson: 2017 PFF Grade of 36.6 (#78 OT)
- Both players were #2 overall selections (2013 and 2014) and have been busts thus far in the NFL. They have each been played at multiple positions for multiple teams and it hasn't really worked out. That being said, they are still young (26 and 25 respectively) and the Bengals have a history in giving second chances to former first round picks.
Would you consider signing any of these players if the offensive line isn't appropriately addressed in the draft? Personally I think they'd rather test the players they already have versus signing any of these, but I thought they were interesting options. No available centers caught my attention.
