The Cincinnati Bengals have desperately tried to protect Joe Burrow in several ways since he was drafted in 2020. Remarkably, most of their hard work started after he took possibly the worst offensive line ever to a Super Bowl. The team has pursued coveted free agents and missed on several high draft picks, which has cost Burrow a spot in the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The front office knows how important number nine is to the city, and the 2025 iteration that’s responsible for protecting Burrow is his best yet. It was reported yesterday that the Bengals signed Dalton Risner from the Minnesota Vikings. This is a huge addition for depth as Risner will have the opportunity to start at right guard when the coaching staff gets him up to speed. It seems QB1 will have something to work with after all these years.
The Bengals’ Quest to Protect Joe Burrow May Finally Succeed
Well Guarded
The OG position has been a point of contention as long as Burrow has been in stripes. Quarterbacks hate pressure up the middle as it disrupts their timing and often makes them rush throws before routes can fully develop.
The Bengals swung big in the 2025 NFL Draft and selected Dylan Fairchild in the third round, and he’s been everything they could have hoped for and more at left guard. Lightning may have struck twice in the same draft class in the form of fifth-rounder Jalen Rivers from Miami (FL). Rivers has been fantastic thus far as well, and he moves well laterally for a man his size at 6’5″ and 319 pounds. Throw in Risner to the mix, and you have by far the best protection Burrow has ever had at both guard spots.
Bookend Boost
The bookends of Orlando Brown Jr. and sophomore Amarius Mims are back for a second year and look to build off a solid 2024. Mims is the one to watch as he should take a big leap in the level of his play. Cincinnati loves big tackles, and this duo fits the bill as the anticipated improved play at guard should make the job of Brown and Mims a bit easier. The test is tough in Week 1, and you’ll get a better sense of where the OL stands when they go up against one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, in the Cleveland Browns.
Center of Attention
The anchor of the group is Ted Karras, as he enters the final year of his deal, and he’s been as steady as they come in his play, in his leadership in the locker room, and in his community involvement. Karras is tough, reliable, and smart, much like Burrow, and they have a great relationship that Cincinnati should be open to extending this offseason.
The bottom line is, this is the best group of players the Brown and Blackburn families have ever put in front of their franchise. It’s been a long time coming, but they might have hit the jackpot as they look to get to the end of their Super Bowl rainbow.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The post The Bengals’ Quest to Protect Joe Burrow May Finally Succeed appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.