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Grade the Bengals Offseason: Offensive Line

We're taking a look at each position and how the Bengals improved during the offseason, broken down by position. We present, you grade the results. After you grade, present your reasons.

By Josh Kirkendall
Jared Wickerham

2012: Kyle Cook, Kevin Zeitler, Travelle Wharton, Andre Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Anthony Collins, Dennis Roland, Clint Boling, Reggie Stephens, Otis Hudson, Trevor Robinson, Matt Murphy, Matt O'Donnell.

2013: Kyle Cook, Kevin Zeitler, Clint Boling, Andre Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Trevor Robinson, Anthony Collins, Dennis Roland, Travelle Wharton, Tanner Hawkinson, Reid Fragel, Mike Pollak, T.J. Johnson, John Sullen

The core of Cincinnati's offensive line returns in 2013 with two exceptions. Clint Boling is now the favorite to start at left guard and Kyle Cook isn't a sure-thing at center. Well, at least that's what the Bengals want us to believe. Smith will return after signing a three-year deal and second-year guard Kevin Zeitler joins Andrew Whitworth as students of stability.

Where the Bengals have really improved is the prospects for depth. Tanner Hawkinson appears to be on the "backup everywhere" path while Travelle Wharton and Anthony Collins offer impressive backup solutions -- if Wharton is healthy, that is. Roland, who has long been Cincinnati's sixth linemen in jumbo packages, will compete against Reid Fragel and his collegiate experience at tight end to make the jumbo packages more dynamic. Hudson and Stephens, relics from the 2010 NFL draft, have already departed.

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