Brian Callahan says there will be competition at right tackle

The Bengals ruffled some of their fans’ feathers by waiting so long to select an offensive lineman, but they corrected it to start the sixth round with Kansas’ Hakeem Adeniji.

It turns out that he may be competing for a starting spot sooner rather than later. Bengals offensive Brian Callahan stated during the press conference following the selection of the offensive lineman that he expects competition at right tackle next season.

The right tackle position has been a very weak point of the offensive line for a few seasons now. Most recently, the team has had Bobby Hart filling that role, with the pickup of Fred Johnson last season also expected to compete there.

It is noteworthy that the Bengals may think their sixth round pick will be up for competing for a starting spot so early, but it makes sense to have an open competition. After all, it probably does more harm than good to just declare him as a backup rather than light a fire under him as well as the veterans above him.

It should also be noted that if Adeniji does lose out at right tackle, he also adds versatility as a backup right guard if needed, which will be very valuable when teams cut down to 55 this season.

Bengals fans were understandably displeased that the team waited so long to address an area that is seen as such a need, but it seems like they ended up with a guy they are very comfortable with.

Will he actually be able to come in and steal a job. or will he spend a season as a backup or practice squad player?

It seems like Cincinnati is putting that decision in Adeniji’s hand, which is a great philosophical change from what we’ve seen from past coaching regimes.