Reassessing the Bengals Offensive Line

The Bengals have signed offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse to a deal, and that may have reveal the team's plans for one the NFL's best o-lines. Since losing Anthony Collins, the Bengals have been searching for depth on the line and Newhouse would provide that. He can play both right and left tackle and right guard.

One interesting nuggets to come out of this news was that Andrew Whitworth will remain at left tackle:

It looks like Whit staying at LT

— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) March 21, 2014

Marvin Lewis has already stated this offseason that the plan was for Whit to stay at left tackle, but this move could ensure that's the case. The Bengals may very well envision as Newhouse as a guard who can make an impact on this team, even though he played tackle for the majority of his career in Green Bay out of necessity.

As of now, Kevin Zeitler and Clint Boling are projected as the starting guards, but Boling may miss the beginning of the year due to his torn ACL suffered last year. Mike Pollak was re-signed after starting a handful of games last year, but he's expected to move to center this year.

In other words, even though he hasn't played the position and hasn't played well at any o-line spot, Newhouse could be the starting right guard when the 2014 regular season begins. It's also worth noting the Bengals official site has Newhouse listed as a guard.

That is, unless the Bengals decide to draft an offensive lineman high in this year's NFL Draft. Then we'll be reassessing the line again in two months.

As of now, here's what the starting lie would look like if a game was played today:

LT: Andrew Whitworth

LG: Marshall Newhouse or Tanner Hawkinson

C: Mike Pollak

RG: Kevin Zeitler

RT: Andre Smith

Backups: C Trevor Robinson, C T.J. Johnson, C Scott Wedige

Injured: Clint Boling

Three backup centers means someone is moving to guard if they want to even be on this roster when training camp opens.