It is impossible to forget the starting offensive line from Super Bowl LVI when the Bengals faced the Rams. Protecting Joe Burrow were Jonah Williams, Quinton Spain, Trey Hopkins, Hakeem Adeneji, and Isaiah Prince.
The Bengals have made investments in the position over the last few years with the additions of Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras in free agency. They also spent first round draft capital on Amarius Mims in the 2024 NFL draft.
This season, the Bengals continued adding to the position with what looks like a slam-dunk pick in the third round, with guard Dylan Fairchild. They also re-signed Cody Ford as a swing tackle/guard that can play every position except for center if there were an injury to a starting offensive lineman.
Lucas Patrick is another player who was brought in during free agency. He has dealt with injuries during camp, but when healthy, he looks like a player who will be the opening day starter at right guard. His preseason game two versus Washington was better than many initially thought. He finished that game with a 72.5 pass blocking grade from PFF.
The Bengals also made two more moves on the offensive line that could pay dividends throughout the season. The first one was Jalen Rivers being drafted in the fifth round. He has looked much more natural playing right guard after transitioning to the position from offensive tackle. That positional versatility allows the Bengals some flexibility if injuries occur throughout the season.
The Bengals have added veteran Dalton Risner to the mix at guard as well. Risner has started in sixty-eight career games over his six seasons in the NFL. It is probably unfair to expect him to be starting in Cleveland in a little over a week. With that said, he is likely the next man up at left or right guard if an injury occurs or if Patrick struggles early in the season.
I feel very confident in saying that on paper, this is by far the best offensive line that Joe Burrow will have blocking for him since entering the NFL. The starters and depth are both much better entering the season than they have been in years past. In a little over a week, we will get to see it in action against the Cleveland Browns.