Austin McNamara, Elijah Collins, and Eric Miller joining Bengals as undrafted free agents

Just because the draft is over doesn’t mean the Bengals aren’t busy filling out their roster with potential difference-makers.

The 2024 NFL Draft is over, but the Cincinnati Bengals are still busy as every, scrambling along with the other teams, trying to sign undrafted free agents to help round out their rosters.

While they often don’t get the notoriety of the players drafted, especially the guys taken in the first few rounds, every team has at least one guy who contributes; some are even stars that were passed up by every team in the draft.

The Bengals signed three guys who have the potential to at least contribute in 2024 or beyond just after the draft ended.

They signed Texas Tech punter Austin McNamara, who Dane Brugler listed as his third-best punter in this year’s copy of The Beast. He has a rocket-powered leg, which has actually caused issues in the past when he has out-kicked coverage and allowed a punt returner to get a jump start. He needs to develop some touch, but that’s an easier thing to learn how to kick with more power.

It’s no secret that rookie punter Brad Robbins struggled in 2023, and there’s nothing wrong with a little competition. Iron sharpens iron.

They also signed Oklahoma State running back Elijah Collins, according to Ryan Fowler. Some believed the team would address running back in the draft, perhaps as early as in the second or third round, but they went through all seven rounds and 10 picks without one they liked falling to them.

Collins spent four seasons with Michigan State before transferring to Oklahoma State. He’s 6-foot, 220 pounds and looks to blend into a running back room including some new and familiar faces.

They also signed Louisville Cardinals offensive tackle Eric Miller. It’s very safe to say the Bengals have a type when it comes to their offensive tackles. Not only did they sign free agents Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown, both of whom stand at 6-foot-8, over the past two offseasons, but they used the No. 18 overall pick in this year’s draft of Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who is also 6-foot-8.

Well, Miller isn’t as tall. He’s ‘only’ 6-foot-7.

The four offensive tackles were stacked on top of each other, they’d be over 24 feet tall and weigh an as much as a white rhino. Like Hank Hill used to say, “That’s a lot of meat, son.”

Stay tuned here for more news on the Bengals’ undrafted free agent signings.