CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Bengals had the good fortune of left tackle Orlando Brown and right tackle Amarius Mims starting all 17 games last season, but they can’t enter 2026 without a solid plan at backup swing tackle.
Cody Ford has been in a backup role at both guard and tackle ever since his second season in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills in 2020, so he probably isn’t a great plan if he has to play long-term snaps.
Bengals offensive lineman Cody Ford warms up prior to the team’s mini-camp practice on June 11, 2024. (WKRC/Tony Wagner)
The only other tackles on the roster are Javon Foster, who has played in four regular-season NFL games, and Andrew Coker, who has never played in a regular-season NFL game.
It would certainly seem to reason that the Bengals will select a tackle in the upcoming NFL Draft, and probably one in the middle rounds who can immediately compete for the backup swing spot.
Here is a look at their offensive tackle situation and what some of the draft class looks like:
On the roster: Orlando Brown, Amarius Mims, Cody Ford, Javon Foster, Andrew Coker
Likely round Bengals will select an offensive tackle: As early as the first round if the board falls apart defensively, but likely in third, fourth or with one of the two picks in the sixth round.
10 highest rated offensive tackles overall and round they are graded (according to TheAthletic.com) in parentheses:
1. Spencer Fano, Utah (1st)2. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (1st)3. Monroe Freeling, Georgia (1st-2nd)4. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (1st-2nd)5. Caleb Lomu, Utah (1st-2nd)6. Blake Miller, Clemson (1st-2nd)7. Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (1st-2nd)8. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (2nd-3rd)9. Travis Burke, Memphis (3rd)10. Markel Bell, Miami (3rd-4th)
10 other offensive tackle who could be available in third, fourth or sixth round (round they are graded according to TheAthletic.com in parentheses):
Austin Barber, Florida (3rd-4th)Diego Pounds, Ole Miss (4th)Jude Bowry, Boston College (4th-5th)Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M (4th-5th)Drew Shelton, Penn State (5th)Isaiah World, Oregon (5th-6th)Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas (6th)J.C. Davis, Illinois (6th-7th)Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Wake Forest (6th-7th)Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame (7th)
The Skinny: It’s more likely than not that the Bengals will spend at least their first two picks on the defensive side of the ball, but there a handful of solid options for players with third and fourth round grades.
Here is an analysis of each of the seven tackles with a third or fourth round grade from either Dane Brugler of TheAthletic or Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
Brugler on the 6-foot-7, 323-pound Tiernan: “Relies on refinement to compensate for his average length and redirect skills, using disciplined hands and poise to execute assignments. He’ll have swing tackle ability, although his best position long-term might be guard.”
JT Tuimoloau #44 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against Caleb Tiernan #72 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field on November 16, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Zierlein on the 6-foot-8, 323-pound Burke: “A lack of short-area quickness limits his range as a run blocker and in pass protection. He’s scheme-dependent in the run game and will need help managing NFL edge speed, but strong hands allow for longer sustained control when he lands cleanly. There are areas of concern that might not be coachable, but Burke’s length and demeanor work in his favor.”
Zierlein on the 6-foot-9, 346-pound Bell: “Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation. There is no escaping a high center of gravity, which will impact his ability to change direction in protection and create consistent engagement as a run blocker. NFL edge speed and sudden inside moves could be an evergreen issue for Bell, but with coaching he could learn to mitigate those issues with his length. He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside.”
Markel Bell #70 of the Miami Hurricanes pass blocks against the Ole Miss Rebels during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Brugler on the 6-foot-6, 318-pound Barber: “Has NFL size, tools and demeanor but needs to polish his timing and technique to hold up against next-level competition. He is a developmental swing tackle prospect, who might be better suited for a move to guard.”
Brugler on the 6-foot-6, 325-pound Pounds: “(He) is a long, dense blocker with play strength who protects the integrity of the pocket, but he will need to be more consistent in the run game to stay on the field. He has the talent to compete for a backup role as a rookie — and, eventually, to outperform his draft spot.”
Diego Pounds #61 of the Mississippi Rebels provides pass protection during the first half of the game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)
Zierlein on the 6-foot-5, 314-pound Bowry: “Toolsy left tackle prospect carrying both a higher ceiling and lower floor. Bowry is typically in the right place at the right time in protection. He has the feet to match edge speed but needs to improve hand usage and punch timing to firm up his outside edge/protect against bull rushers. He’s hit-or-miss as a drive blocker but the hits carry force and movement. Inconsistencies are a concern, but Bowry is a plus athlete who could be targeted as a swing tackle on the second or third day of the draft.”
Zierlein on the 6-foot-7, 319-pound Crownover: “Traits-based tackle with a coveted blend of size, length and athleticism. Crownover’s technique and fundamentals need significant polish. He converted from tight end to tackle in 2022 and is massive, but quick. Crownover has rare traits and a higher floor if everything clicks with coaching, but average swing tackle might be his ultimate landing spot.”
Not exactly glowing reviews for any, though selecting Pounds in the fourth round seems to be the safest outcome.
BENGALS DRAFT POSITION BY ROUND
Round 1: No. 10 overallRound 2: No. 41 overallRound 3: No. 72 overallRound 4: No. 110 overallRound 6a: No. 189 overallRound 6b: No. 199 overallRound 7a: No. 221 overallRound 7b: No. 226 overall
DAILY SCHEDULE OF POSITION ANALYSIS
April 13: QuarterbackApril 14: Running BackApril 15: Wide ReceiverApril 16: Tight EndApril 17: Offensive TackleApril 18: Interior Offensive LineApril 19: Defensive LineApril 20: LinebackerApril 21: SecondaryApril 22: SpecialistsApril 23: Final Local12.com Bengals Mock DraftApril 23: First round of NFL Draft (starts at 8 p.m.)April 24: Second and third round of NFL Draft (starts at 7 p.m.)April 25: Remainder of NFL Draft (starts at noon)