It’s no secret what the Cincinnati Bengals will attack this offseason — the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow.
The question is more of a who? than anything, at this point.
And for the experts over at ESPN, only one name makes sense: Dallas Cowboys guard Connor Williams.
While outlining the best team fits for the top 50 free agents, Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen made the case for Williams to Cincinnati:
Why it makes sense: With Quinton Spain hitting free agency, the Bengals could pair Williams with center Trey Hopkins and guard Jackson Carman, who should make a Year 2 jump. — Fowler
Scheme fit: While we have some concerns on Williams’ overall power and ability to anchor, he upgrades the interior of the Bengals’ offensive line. A good fit for Zac Taylor’s outside zone run scheme, Williams also has the movement skills to mirror in pass p ro. — Bowen
The problem with Williams isn’t age (24) or performance — he had a 76.1 PFF grade last year, measuring well in the running and passing game. What sticks out is the 15 penalties while allowing just one sack.
Granted, it’s reasonable to hope that a guy like line coach Frank Pollack can help him clean that up. And Williams’ mid-range price tag is going to be more where the Bengals would like to be on the market. He’d be an instant upgrade and that would leave plenty of wiggle room to go upgrade another spot on the line before the draft.
A former second-round pick just hitting his prime with solid upside, it would be hard to complain about Williams, even if he’s not the biggest name on the market.
