Bengals Bytes (2/27): Focusing on the offensive line at the Combine

Bengals position outlook: Quarterback
This is one of a series of articles in which Joe Goodberry evaluates the Bengals' strengths, weaknesses and needs at each position. The Bengals have...

TE Tyler Eifert medically cleared for OTAs as free agency looms
Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert has remained upbeat despite numerous injuries that sidelined him for much of the past two seasons. Now, as he prepares to become an unrestricted free agent, Eifert has gotten the good news he's been hoping to hear. A source told ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter that Eifert was cleared last week to participate in OTAs and play in 2018.

Cincinnati Bengals should focus on offensive line at NFL combine
The Bengals must make their offensive line their first priority after allowing 80 sacks in two seasons. The Bengals don't have much stability at that position with center Russell Bodine potentially becoming a free agent and their two tackles remaining big question marks. However, tight end and middle linebacker could also be positions of need.

TDBH: Tough business: Montoya’s free-agent move signals dawn of NFL ‘90s
The future is now. Unfettered free agency won’t hit the NFL for three more years but the Bengals feel the jarring impact today in Plan B free agency when three-time Pro Bowl guard Max Montoya shocks them and heads home to Los Angeles. After the Bengals leave the 33-year-old Montoya unprotected in Plan B free agency, he signs a two-year deal with the Raiders for $650,000 per, $175,000 more than he ever earned in Cincinnati, according to The Cincinnati Post. Even though the two sides never see it happening this way, the message is now clear at Riverfront Stadium. Free agency is here to stay.

Bengals load laptops for combine
We are in front of Travis Brammer’s computer in the bowels of Paul Brown Stadium and he’s playing a game of that-and-mouse. He clicks his mouse and what’s that? Click. That’s Bengals wide receiver John Ross’ combine-breaking 40-yard dash from last year.

AFC North Bytes

Positions of Strength (and Weakness) in This Year's Draft
Every draft has its strengths and weaknesses. Last year, defense dominated and cornerback was specifically strong. The Ravens jumped into the mix, grabbing cornerback Marlon Humphrey in the first round and taking defenders with their first four picks. This year, it’s a little more balanced, and the Ravens are happy with the crop overall.

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns snag Andrew Luck in trade, Colts own three top-5 picks
This is my final mock draft before the NFL combine, which means it could be the last time we get to mock before Chris Ballard and Frank Reich give us definite answers about the health of Andrew Luck. Just kidding -- we probably won't know anything about Luck's health status until the season actually begins. Even the Colts cannot be 100 percent sure about the long-term future of their franchise quarterback.

Random Bytes

Teddy Bridgewater Rumors: Vikings QB 'Expected' to Enter Free Agency
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to become a free agent when the new NFL league year gets underway next month. On Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the Vikings are "not planning to assert that his contract tolls" despite missing most of the last two seasons through injury.

Report: Roger Goodell Asks Jerry Jones for Reimbursement over Public Criticism
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is prepared to take millions of dollars from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry due to Jones' attempt to thwart Goodell's contract extension negotiations. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, "it's a reimbursement of costs incurred by member clubs," and he added Goodell made this decision after speaking with owners, and the amount will be over $2 million.

Report: Vontae Davis, Bills Agree to 1-Year Contract After 6 Seasons with Colts
Veteran cornerback Vontae Davis and the Buffalo Bills agreed to a one-year contract Monday, the Boston Globe's Ben Volin reported. Davis will try to bounce back from a down 2017, and he confirmed on Twitter he's headed to Buffalo

Quantifying a running back's blocking advantage | Fantasy Analysis
The number of defenders a back faces is only part of the equation. Scott Barrett compares blockers to defenders to figure who made the most of their chances.