Bengals offensive line ranks in the top 10 of key pass-protection metric

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the Bengals o-line this high on any list.

The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the few truly elite quarterbacks in the NFL, and when you have a guy like Joe Burrow, you have to make sure you protect him.

After all, he is the highest-paid player in the history of the NFL. The Bengals have really put in some major work in free agency over the last few seasons, and now, at least on paper, it’s starting to show.

According to Ben Baldwin, the Bengals are ranked No. 7 right now in Pass Protection Expectations.

Joe Burrow has been sacked a lot in his career and has struggled to stay healthy. In the seasons he’s been healthy, though, he took the Bengals to two AFC Championship games and one Super Bowl, both times with a sub-par offensive line.

The Bengals spent big money to bring in center Ted Karras and right guard Alex Cappa before the 2022 season and then left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. before the 2023 season. Most recently, they signed free agent tackle Trent Brown, who is slotted to start at right tackle.

This leaves the weak spot at left guard, where Cordell Volson, a fourth-round pick in 2022 out of North Dakota State, has started his entire career. He’s given up 10 sacks over the last two seasons, but he’s had some solid performances, too, and there are definitely worse options out there.

The Bengals also could use the No. 18 overall pick, or any of their 10 draft picks, on a draft class full of offensive line talent, especially at the tackle position. Regardless of what the Bengals do in the draft, it’s safe to say that Burrow has the best offensive line he’s had in his career heading into the 2024 season.

If everyone can stay healthy, we could see fireworks when the Bengals offense takes the field.