The Bengals shuffled through starting offensive linemen throughout last season. The tackles started every game, but the interior offensive line was in flux at times. Andre Smith and Andrew Whitworth are still the stars of the line, but if the offensive line stays together in 2013, it could make for a dominant group. Travelle Wharton was penciled in as the starter during training camp last year, but he had surgery and was lost for the season. Clint Boling ended up as the starting left guard for the Bengals. Kevin Zeitler was a pleasant surprise in his rookie year for the team. He started every game and was consistently a standout player both in run and pass blocking.
The center position was up for grabs last year after Kyle Cook was hurt in the preseason. Cook missed over half the year, but returned when the Bengals played Dallas and started for the rest of the year, including in the playoff loss. Trevor Robinson and Jeff Faine filled in during Cook's rehab process. Robinson played well after being undrafted out of Notre Dame, and Faine was later released from the team. This year's Bengals offensive line should be improved because of the depth and camaraderie of the returning unit.
Tackles: Andre Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Anthony Collins, Dennis Roland, Reid Fragel, Tanner Hawkinson. Smith and Whitworth are the clear cut starters. Even though Smith has yet to show up to team activities thus far, he should be all set for training camp. Collins is a quality backup who started for the team in 2009. If either starter went down with an injury, Collins could fill in and do a good job. Roland, Fragel, and Hawkinson are fighting for 2 spots. Hawkinson will probably make the team after being drafted in the 5th round out of Kansas. The Bengals are trying to play him at every position as a backup, and if he shows that kind of versatility, Hawkinson will be a very valuable commodity. I think Fragel will unseat Roland for third string tackle this year. Fragel is a project after converting to tackle from tight end at Ohio State, but he is very athletic and could be used in the unbalanced line formation in the red zone as a receiving target or a blocker.
Guards: Clint Boling, Kevin Zeitler, Mike Pollak, Travelle Wharton, John Sullen. Boling and Zeitler will most likely start again for the Bengals, even with a healthy Wharton returning from injury. Wharton, much like Anthony Collins, will be a quality backup for the Bengals. Pollak was signed as a backup this year and has done a nice job during OTA's and minicamp. Sullen is the long shot to earn a roster spot. He is more than likely just a camp player.
Centers: Kyle Cook, Trevor Robinson, TJ Johnson. Cook and Robinson are fighting for the starting spot. Cook is a veteran and has played consistently throughout his career with the Bengals, but the offense was very effective with Robinson in there last year. The odds are in Cook's favor to start, but Robinson is a worthy candidate to take over at that position. TJ Johnson was the Bengals' seventh round pick. He probably won't make the 53 man roster, but could be a valuable member of the practice squad.
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