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Cincinnati Bengals free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Denver Broncos offensive tackle Jared Veldheer (66) in action during the game against the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2nd 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Denver Broncos offensive tackle Jared Veldheer (66) in action during the game against the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2nd 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. T Jared Veldheer (Denver Broncos)

It wasn’t long ago that the offensive front of the Cincinnati Bengals was a team strength. The unit was led by reliable left tackle Andrew Whitworth and feature the likes of right guard Kevin Zeitler and unsung left guard Clint Boling. It was a group that gave quarterback Andy Dalton adequate time and paved the way for a stable of running backs.

In 2017, Whitworth and Zeitler left via free agency for the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns, respectively. It was a big blow to the team, especially the former. But keep in mind that the franchise had used its first two draft choice in ’15 on tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher, respectively. It’s safe to say that neither has really panned out. And both can test free agency this March, as can right tackle Bobby Hart and 10-year tackle Andrew Smith.

Getting a young tackle early in the draft could be an excellent move. And what better player to groom him than Jared Veldheer. The one-time member of the Oakland Raiders have made the rounds in recent seasons, spending 2018 in the Mile High City after four years with the Arizona Cardinals. But the beauty of the nine-year veteran is that he can line up at both left and right tackle. With veteran Cordy Glenn on the strong side, that doesn’t figure to be necessary. But it’s literally a nice backup plan to have.

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