With the 101st selection of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Georgia offensive guard Clint Boling. The Bengals have a big need at offensive guard. Evan Mathis and Nate Livings are free agents and Bobbie Williams, turning 35 this September, is heading into the final year of his current contract. And it helps that the Bengals improve the position, talent-wise, considering that Livings was rated as one of the worst offensive linemen with the Bengals over the course of the last two seasons.
So who is Boling? According to CBSSports.com's draft scouting page:
Positives: Football smart, durable and very experienced against top competition. Quick feet and can get to the second level and hit a moving target. Technique and hand placement are good. Hands have some power. Can trap, pull and seal effectively. Decent drive blocker. Light on his feet and extends his arms well in pass protection. Excellent Intangibles.
Negatives: Not a great athlete. Marginal knee bend and plays high. Waist bends. May not be athletic enough for the NFL tackle position, and may not play with the knee bend and low center of gravity needed to succeed inside. Can be bull rushed. Struggled against elite competition, including Nick Fairley of Auburn.
Mocking the Draft ranked him as the sixth best guard prospect.