Bengals still looking for another offensive tackle after addition of Cordy Glenn

When they traded for Cordy Glenn not only did the Bengals seemingly solve their left tackle problem, they showed their commitment to Andy Dalton. After all, if a team is looking to draft a starting quarterback, they wouldn’t trade down in the first round. Then came a tweet from Gil Brandt that implied that Marvin Lewis may be at Oklahoma’s pro day to see none other than quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Obviously Mayfield is not the only prospect who was showcasing his skills at Oklahoma’s pro day. Tight end Mark Andrews may be a consideration for the Bengals as high as the first round. Before a disastrous combine performance offensive tackle Orlando Brown was seen as a potential pick for the Bengals at 12. Marvin Lewis could have been there to take a good look at him and see if he looked any better in a setting with which he was familiar. Brown’s father was coached by Lewis when he played for the Baltimore Ravens and Lewis made it clear he’s familiar with the former Sooners tackle.

Lewis next made headlines appearing at UCLA’s pro day. While the biggest draw at the Bruins’ pro day was quarterback Josh Rosen, they have another potential first round pick in offensive tackle Kolton Miller. At 6’9” and 310 pounds, Miller has a massive frame and shows some skill in pass protection. As you can imagine, he sometimes has issues with leverage, but Miller definitely has the potential to the 21st overall pick or an option in Round 2 if he lasts that long on the board.

When the Bengals had the 12th overall selection, most of the offensive tackle talk focused around Connor Williams from Texas and Mike McGlinchey from Notre Dame. Now that the Bengals have the 21st overall selection, there are many more possibilities. Williams or McGlinchey could slip, but Brown and Miller also become options who need to be considered. Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O’Neill is probably also under consideration, so don’t be surprised if the Bengals are represented at his pro day on March 21st.

Lewis’ presence at both Oklahoma and UCLA’s pro days does not demonstrate any tangible interest in quarterbacks Mayfield and Rosen. Instead, it proves the Bengals are putting a strong emphasis on improving the offensive tackle position and that they intend to acquire (at least) one through the draft. All things considered, the Bengals are likely to spend one of their first few picks on an offensive tackle.

The Bengals lacked impressive play and real competition at the tackle positions in 2017 but hopefully that will change in a very positive way in 2018.