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Folks, we got a quarterback competition in Cincinnati.
This training camp, the Bengals will potentially have Matt Barkley, Jeff Driskel and the 249th overall selection Logan Woodside out of Toledo compete for the backup quarterback spot to Andy Dalton.
With the departure of AJ McCarron to Buffalo, the Bengals Barkley to a two-year low guarantee deal and is the favorite to win the spot because of his history with Bill Lazor, but the Bengals have shown interest in many of the quarterbacks outside of the top five, including Woodside.
And after 248 picks, it was Woodside who became the Bengals’ fourth quarterback.
What Woodside brings to the Bengals:
Anticipation and efficiency: Woodside is known to be very accurate with the football. In his 2016 season, he completed 69.1% of his passes, threw for 45 touchdowns to only nine interceptions and finished with an adjusted yards/attempt of 11.1. Yes, he was playing against MAC level competition, but he still showed the ability to throw with anticipation and lead receivers open. His overall makeup is reminiscent to Dalton.
Athleticism: Woodside is definitely on the smaller side for quarterbacks as he’s listed at 6’1” 213 pounds, but he’s got plenty of quickness to escape the pocket and extend plays. As a shorter and leaner passer, he’s going to need all the maneuverability he can get.
Understanding the pick:
Pre-draft interest: Woodside had been linked to the Bengals in the weeks leading up to the draft, and he was one of the favorites at the quarterback position to be taken by the Bengals on Day 3.
Discontent with depth: Barkley was signed in free agency and Driskel has experience on the roster, but the Bengals don’t seem to be satisfied with either of those two as long-term backups.
Similarities to Dalton: If by some chance Woodside becomes Dalton’s backup, the Bengals like how his play style mirrors Dalton and how that would keep the playbook and scheme the same if a Dalton injury would occur.
The practice squad is definitely in play for Woodside, as he figures to have an uphill battle against veterans Barkley and Driskel, but he could still make some noise this August.