Paul Alexander works with Rodger Saffold at Indiana's Pro Day
With all of the news surrounding tight ends and wide receivers, it's easy to get lost on the fact that the Bengals are looking to address other positions as well; like their offensive line. While they were reportedly interested in Chester Pitts, and while they continue to negotiate with Bobbie Williams, the Bengals very easily could look to the draft to solidify their depth on the offensive line.
On Friday, Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander worked with Indiana's Rodger Saffold during the Hoosiers' Pro Day.
Saffold, an offensive tackle, weighs around 313 pounds and stands 6-foot-4. Gil Brandt writes that Saffold was a "top performer" at the combine among offensive tackles, "in the vertical jump, the broad jump, three-cone drill and short shuttle."
Saffold is a good collegiate lineman who started at left tackle for three consecutive years at Indiana. He lacks the massive stature that teams are looking for in a left tackle and may be lacking a step in quickness to play on the left side but should be able to find a home on the right side or even inside at guard. He has above-average initial quickness and does a good job of getting a fit with his hands to control and steer opponents on by the hole or pocket. He understands blocking angles and does a good job of recognizing stunts and twists up front and keeps his head on a swivel when in pass pro. While he doesn't really jump off the screen at you, the end result is that he consistently gets the job done and often makes it look pretty easy.
Don't be surprised if the Bengals entertain the notion of drafting Saffold to make him a guard. It's not like we haven't drafted tackles and moved them to guard before. Mocking the Draft ranks Saffold as the seventh best offensive tackle prospect.
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excellent.
you cannot have too good of an O-line in the NFL, keep on building.
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Mar 13, 2010 2:02 PM EST reply actions
Saffold
I would think we are looking at him as a guard at first and maybe a tackle down the line. I would expect him to go before we pick in the 3rd. If we are looking to go that high for a guard, I would think he has to start. Left side? Right? What does this mean for Bobby?
Looks like a great pick to play LG
Especially if we could trade back and pick him up at the end of first/beginning of the second round.

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