The Cincinnati Bengals neglected to address their biggest need during the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. But the club did wind up drafting Cincinnati native and offensive lineman Jackson Carman after they traded down to the 46th pick in the NFL draft.
Carman was a five-star recruit out of Fairfield High School before he signed a letter of intent to play at Clemson. During his collegiate career at Clemson he was in for 1,934 snaps over the course of 40 career games.
The offensive lineman now comes full circle back home to Cincinnati.
How does Jackson Carman fit on offense?
There’s no doubt about it, the Bengals need better play out of their offensive line. Zac Taylor and the Bengals weren’t shy about the importance of upgrading the unit this offseason coming off another disappointing year.
The Bengals gave up an AFC North-worst 48 sacks and allowed a division-high 191 pressures last season. Reinforcements along the O-line are necessary.
Carman is a player who provides position versatility to the Bengals. He started all 12 games for the Tigers at tackle in 2020. Despite playing tackle in college, scouts think he’s better suited at the NFL level at guard. The Bengals are intrigued at his ability as an interior lineman.
“He’s got great experience. He’ll come in and compete at guard for us. He’s played a lot of tackle at Clemson,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “We feel good about the position flexibility there, but he’ll come in and compete at guard right away.”
Right away are the key words in Taylor’s statement. The Bengals are expecting him to compete for a starting position as soon as he walks in the door. The team currently has Quinton Spain and Xavier Su'a-Filo penciled in as the starting two guards with Hakeem Adeniji and Michael Jordan also believed to be in the mix.
Yet, the Bengals didn’t spend prime draft real estate for Carman to sit on the pine.
“Whatever the team needs me to do for the team to win, I’m going to do it. If that means being able to play guard, it’s something I’m going to do at the highest level,” Carman said. “I’m excited for my opportunity, wherever it’s going to be.”
Carman has quick hands, plays with good leverage and upper body strength. He’s an experienced player who played in big games in college.
Weaknesses
Carman’s technique can be a little unorthodox which causes him to get in trouble. He doesn’t play with a stout base and he lunges at defenders sometimes instead of staying committed to his technique.
Grade: B-
Some draft pundits had Carman projected as a third-round pick. The Bengals traded down and got the Clemson product at pick No. 46 in the second round. He didn’t play a game at guard but he did spend time at the position in practice. He does have intriguing potential. However, he’s going to have to work for a starting spot in Year 1.
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