Bengals paired with Oregon State RT Talise Fuaga in latest PFF mock draft
While most of the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line looks to be set for 2024, change is likely at a couple spots. Right tackle Jonah Williams is scheduled to enter free agency for the first time in his career. The former first-round pick has performed better at his new position this season compared to his 2022 […]
While most of the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line looks to be set for 2024, change is likely at a couple spots.
Right tackle Jonah Williams is scheduled to enter free agency for the first time in his career. The former first-round pick has performed better at his new position this season compared to his 2022 campaign at left tackle, which has increased the likelihood of his departure for a second contract that the Bengals won't match.
The easiest way to replace Williams would be using another first-round pick. Enter Oregon State's Talise Fuaga.
A two-year starter for the Beavers at right tackle, Fuaga plays like the classic big-bodied phone booth road-paver. He's listed at 6'6" and 334 pounds, and moves defenders as frequently and easily as you'd expect someone to at that size.
Run blocking is the primary reason why Fuaga is expected to be not just a first-round selection, but a high one at that. Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema highlighted his impressive run blocking grade and percentage of positive-graded snaps in his latest mock draft, which had Fuaga going to the Bengals with the 13th overall pick.
"Fuaga is a people mover. He established himself as one of the best run blockers in America while working on the right side for the Beavers this season. He has earned a 90.7 run-blocking grade while recording a positive grade on 17.5% of his run-blocking snaps. His footwork doesn’t cover as much ground as for some of the other top tackles in pass protection, but Fuaga is an NFL starter at tackle or guard." – PFF's Trevor Sikkema
Cincinnati has graded higher in terms of run blocking compared to pass blocking this season, but they could stand to do better with the former at the right tackle position. Their run scheme centers around downhill gap blocking concepts that prioritize strength over quickness at the point of attack, and that’s not exactly Williams' forte.
Fuaga might be a work in progress in pass protection coming from the college ranks, but inserting him into the current scheme the Bengals run would give them an asset to kickstart the run game, no matter who's taking the carries. It's a significant problem that needs to be addressed in order for the offense to regain its footing in 2024.
Where would you have Fuaga ranked on your big board? Put your skills to the test with our big board tool that comes preset with A to Z Sports' James Foster's prospect rankings:
