01-02-2018, 03:41 PM
(01-02-2018, 10:45 AM)ochocincos Wrote: My thoughts exactly.
Boling was adequate in the two games he played and improvement over Ogbuehi, but that doesn't mean he should be moved to LT for 2018.
The Bengals should still draft an OT, preferably early. I still like McGlinchey. While he gave up some pressures (mostly to future NFL first-rounders), he was dominant in the run game and was also an elite RT before switching to LT the past two years at ND.
And I'd still look to re-sign Andre Smith because even though he wasn't good this year, he's still better than Ogbuehi and Fisher's health is still in question. No way do I want to see Ogbuehi out there at OT ever again unless it's an absolute necessity. Make his ass actually earn playing time now.
Also, after the past two games, I don't see how there isn't any hope that the guard positions aren't in good hands between Boling, Westerman, and Redmond. I don't view OG as a need now until probably the fourth round unless the Bengals really want to get a guy like Nelson.
Center and OT are still higher priorities to me.
And by drafting a guy like McGlinchey, it could still allow Boling to try his hand at LT and also provide insurance in case Boling proves he's only a spot starter in case of emergency.
If Boling can prove to be a quality LT in the NFL, McGlinchey and Boling as the book ends with Redmond and Westerman next to them and a new drafted C in the middle.
If not, McGlinchey and Smith as the book ends (at least in the short term) with Boling and Redmond/Westerman at Guard and either a drafted pick or maybe even a shift of position for the other out of Westerman/Redmond at C.
Either way, that still seems like a pretty big improvement over what the Bengals rolled out with in 2017.
Boling is a gamer. He will look solid at literally any spot you put him in.
He's like Whitworth and it's why the Bengals often value "versatility" on the OL so much, even to a fault.
That said, there are enough reps to see why he's not a long term answer at LT.
He still struggled with edge pressure at times.
Westerman should be the RG.
Hopkins should be in the mix for RT, or in the Collins super sub role.
Redmond is a super sub IOL.
Hopkins is very similar in style to Boling and it's unfortunate he's had to put up with so many injuries, I'm a huge fan but I wonder if he'll ever get his power back. He was getting better as the year went on but still struggled with his base. That wasn't an issue for him before.
It's hard to say exactly what we will do until we know who the coaches are.
