Bengals o-line desperately needs Jon Gaines' elite athleticism
The need for speed is dire for Cincinnati’s offensive line.
We need to realize sooner or later that athleticism matters for offensive lineman.
It's not just a bonus, it's a damn near requirement at this point.
The very best o-linemen in the NFL are at least above average athletes for their size. It matters when preventing pressure from the elite pass-rushers of the world, and getting out into space in the run game. The more you can move, the more you can do.
The Cincinnati Bengals need to get the memo if they ever hope to not only fix their protection in front of Joe Burrow, but to make it a bonafide asset for the franchise again.
Major steps were taken last offseason to improve the line. Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and La'el Collins were all brought in and helped the unit take a step forward before injuries struck for several starters.
When healthy, Cincinnati's o-line is solid, but the upside is limited due to athleticism. The likes of Jonah Williams, Cordell Volson, and the aforementioned additions from last year have never been great athletes at their respective positions. This limits how much schematic freedom the offense has, as well as how effectively they can stop the best pass-rushers when it counts.
There is much room to grow in this area.
Intriguing options will be available to them all throughout the upcoming NFL Draft. Tackles Darnell Wright, Anton Harrison, and Dawand Jones all represent great options with their first-round pick. They also might all be gone before the Bengals are on the clock for the 28th overall pick.
One late-round option Cincinnati can bank on is Jon Gaines.
The former UCLA guard originally committed to Princeton a few years back before the Bruins offered him late in the recruiting process. What they got for the next five years was a multi-year starter at essentially every offensive line position.
At the combine, Gaines showed out and made college football insider Bruce Feldman's major takeaways from Indianapolis:
Gaines was one of the unsung heroes of the Bruins turnaround the past few years as a leader inside that program. A 6-4, 303-pound guard who moved all over the Bruins line in his career, Gaines measured in with almost 34-inch arms — which is good for an interior guy — and posted a strong 1.73 10-yard split from his 5.01 40. He had the best 3-cone time among offensive linemen at 7.31, the best 20-yard shuttle at 4.45, the third-best broad jump (9-6) and third-best vertical at 32 1/2 inches. He also looked very fluid in the drills.
That's right. Gaines ranked amongst the top four for all five testing drills out of every o-linemen who participated.
The speed and explosion are fantastic, as well as having over 10" hands and nearly 34" arms. What really stands out is the 4.45 time he clocked in the short shuttle.
Over the last decade, o-linemen who test that quick in the drill typically end up being solid NFL players. Per Josh Norris of Underdog Fantasy, 24 out of 28 since 2010 have gone on to start 84% of their NFL games. This includes success stories like Jason Kelce, Ali Marpet, and Joel Bitonio.
Gaines was the only lineman at the combine this year to clear that threshold.
Gaines has the balance, quickness, drive, and whatever other athleticism trait you can think of to make it in the NFL. Positional versatility and experience against Power 5 competition only improves his case.
If the Bengals are looking for offensive line help late in the Draft, Gaines should absolutely be on their radar.
