Bengals continue to show interest in versatile offensive linemen prospects as indicated by their latest pre-draft visit
The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have a type in this year's NFL Draft class. Tackles who can move inside to guard are what they're looking for, specifically beyond the first round.College left tackles such as Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery, Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., and William & Mary's Charles Grant have visited or will soon visit the Bengals. […]
The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have a type in this year's NFL Draft class. Tackles who can move inside to guard are what they're looking for, specifically beyond the first round.
College left tackles such as Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery, Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr., and William & Mary's Charles Grant have visited or will soon visit the Bengals. Each of them project to slide inside to guard if they were to end up in Cincinnati after the draft.
We can add another name that growing list in Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea.
Bengals to host Arizona OL Jonah Savaiinaea for Top 30 pre-draft visit
Savaiinaea, who was born in America Samoa and went to high school in Hawaii, was originally a three-star recruit to play guard at the college level. He started at right guard as a true freshman and eventually made the switch to right tackle during his sophomore season. He then played both right and left tackle as a junior in 2024.
That's the exact kind of versatility the Bengals covet for their o-linemen. Look no further than Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick, two multi-positional linemen who signed contracts with Cincinnati last month.
Cincinnati has a clear need at both guard spots as they do not have established starters at either position. Savaiinaea's experience at right guard and recent familiarity playing on the left side gives him a potential edge to compete at either spot compared to other prospects the Bengals may consider.
Beyond Savaiinaea's positional flexibility is his willingness to be flexible. According to The Athletic's Dane Brugler in his annual draft guide "The Beast," Savaiinaea has a completely team-first attitude about it.
"Wherever my coaches want me, I'll play there," Savaiinaea said. "Whatever the team needs."
Savaiinaea measured in at 6-4 and 324 pounds with 33.875" arms and 10.25" hands at the NFL Scouting Combine where the Bengals talked with him as well. His arms were then measured at 34" and hands at 10.375" at Arizona's pro day. He's got the size to play every position along the line, and his 4.95 40-yard dash indicates he's got the required foot speed to do so as well.
It's no wonder why the Bengals are taking a closer look at him with the draft just two weeks out.