“Staying on our theme of AFC contenders and key offensive line positions, the Bengals are filling the shoes of Alex Cappa\u00a0(released as a\u00a0cap casualty) with either incumbent\u00a0Cody Ford\u00a0or free agent addition\u00a0Lucas Patrick. Neither is a thrilling option, which leaves the door open for rookie third-rounder\u00a0Dylan Fairchild\u00a0to win the spot. Guard play was a big issue for this team last season, and\u00a0Joe Burrow’s injury history makes poor pass protection feel all the more concerning.”<\/p>\n
Bengals Guard Positional Battle Will Be Crucial For Success<\/h2>\n
Volson, Ford, Patrick, Fairchild, and fifth-round pick Jalen Rivers are likely going to battle for the two guard spots. Seth McLaughlin is a UDFA out of Ohio State who could make noise…if he fully recovers from his Achilles injury.<\/p>\n
Volson has been a popular cap casualty pick among the folks who cover the Bengals. Considering the fact that he has experience and restructured the final year of his contract to help out the team, it’s looking like he’s going to be a Bengal in 2025. Now, the question will be whether or not he will be the starter.<\/p>\n
In OTAs, the two guards in the first-team drills were Fairchild on the left and Patrick on the right. Obviously, anything can happen, considering it’s not even June yet. However, it’s something worth mentioning as it sets the stage for the most important of the Bengals’ positional battles.<\/p>\n
Fairchild was drafted in the third round and is considered a plug-and-play kind of player, so he may be able to slot in on either side. Patrick was a free agent signing who is in town on a one-year deal and was considered to be just a floor-raising signing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Scott Peters, known for his innovative approach to offensive line technique and player development, brings a fresh perspective to Cincinnati. Peters values linemen who are athletic, intelligent, and adaptable\u2014traits that fit the Bengals\u2019 blend of zone and gap-blocking schemes. His background in teaching hand-fighting and leverage should help younger players accelerate their development and improve pass protection for Joe Burrow<\/a>.<\/p>\n Peters\u2019 emphasis on fundamentals and versatility means that linemen who can quickly pick up the playbook and execute in multiple roles will have a distinct advantage. His track record of maximizing the potential of developmental players could be a key factor in shaping the Bengals\u2019 2025 guard rotation.<\/p>\n The Bengals\u2019 offensive guard situation is defined by uncertainty and opportunity. With no entrenched starters, the door is wide open for emerging players to seize starting roles and for depth pieces to prove their reliability. The competition at both guard spots will be one of the most important storylines of training camp, and the results will have a direct impact on the offense\u2019s success this season.<\/p>\n As Peters works to mold a cohesive and resilient unit, the Bengals\u2019 hopes for a strong 2025 campaign may rest on the development and performance of their interior line. The Bengals’ positional battles on the offensive line are set to be a must-watch as preseason unfolds, with the potential to shape the direction of the entire offense.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/05\/USATSI_24788991_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Outlook for 2025<\/h2>\n