Bengals Offensive Line: Re-signing Dalton Risner & Free Agent Targets

The Critical Need for Offensive Line Improvement

• 💡 The Bengals' offensive line depth was identified as the weakest part of the team last season, particularly at swing tackle.
• ⚠️ There are significant concerns about current depth behind key players like Brown and Mims, with Cody Ford potentially being a cap casualty and Jaylen Rivers being a guard, not a tackle.
• 🎯 The team needs to address the lack of depth and consider finding a developmental tackle in the draft for future pipeline and immediate depth.

Dalton Risner: A Key Re-signing Priority

• ✅ Dalton Risner is considered a crucial player to re-sign, with widespread calls from fans for his return to Cincinnati.
• 📊 He had a great season for the Bengals, achieving a 69.4 overall PFF grade (26th out of 81 starting guards) despite a rocky start.
• 🏈 Risner's pass blocking (71.5 PFF grade) was phenomenal, exactly what the Bengals need for their pass-heavy offense, and his run blocking (69 PFF grade) was also strong.
• 💰 While Spotrac estimates his value at $2.4 million, the speaker believes he would command significantly more on the open market, making a multi-year extension a priority for the Bengals.

Alternative Guard Options

• 🔍 If the Bengals cannot re-sign Risner, Kevin Zeitler, a former Bengal, is a potential target who is still playing at a high level.
• 🤝 Wyatt Teller is another strong option, known for his top-graded right guard performance and his familiarity with Bengals offensive line coach Scott Peters from their time in Cleveland.
• 💸 Both Zeitler and Teller might be more expensive than re-signing Risner, emphasizing the importance of securing Risner's deal.

Addressing Swing Tackle Depth

• 🛠️ The Bengals urgently need to upgrade the swing tackle position due to existing depth issues and Orlando Brown Jr.'s injury history.
• 🏈 Current backups like Jaylen Rivers (struggled at guard) and Cody Ford (poor PFF rating, not enough snaps) are not sufficient.
• 🌟 Theer Munford Jr., a Cincinnati native and former Ohio State player, is suggested as a potential, affordable swing tackle option with a decent 70.1 PFF grade and strong pass block grade.

Overall Offensive Line Strategy

• 🔑 The overarching message is that the Bengals must address their offensive line depth to protect Joe Burrow and ensure the team's success.
• 📈 This involves not only re-signing key players like Risner but also finding a reliable swing tackle and solidifying backup guard positions.