According to Aaron Wilson the Cincinnati Bengals have spoken with Wisconsin Badgers offensive guard Kevin Zeitler at the NFL Combine on Thursday. During his final season with Wisconsin, Zeitler was named the AFCA, AP and PFW First-Team All-American in 2011. Cincinnati has a need for offensive guards with only Otis Hudson and Clint Boling signed in 2012.
"He's my no. 43 overall player," remarks Cincy Jungle's own Joe Goodberry. "Good size. Technician. Good run blocker. Wisconsin plays pretty much same offensive line schemes as the Bengals. Would fit in perfectly. I see him going between picks 30-50."
Mocking the Draft ranks him fifth while Scouts, Inc. lists him as the third-best guard prospect (In$ider) after Stanford's David DeCastro and Georgia's Cordy Glenn. On his pass protection they write:
Initial quickness is just average and can get beat off the snap when footwork isn't sound. Flashes quick hands in sets and can get into defenders pads and lock on. Also shows ability to shuffle and mirror to stay in front of rushers once engaged. Can get caught lunging at times which can make him vulnerably to quicker interior rusher. Does not panic when getting knocked off balance initially and flashes ability to recover and get back into position. Can sink and anchor to neutralize bull rush attempt.
On rush blocking:
Sound initial fit more times than not and can wall off assignment. Displays quick and compact hands to lock on to defenders. Drives legs once in position and flashes ability to drive defenders when stays low and generating leverage. However can play too high on occasion and does not have an elite inline power base to overcome and get adequate movement when pad level raises up. Shuffles feet well upon contact to stay engaged with blocks. Plays under control and takes good angles in space or when climbing to the second level. Also displays ability to adjust on the move to cover up targets in space.