The Cincinnati Bengals finally have a respectable offensive line. But that doesn’t mean they’re content.
In the never-ending search for players who can protect Joe Burrow long-term, the Bengals met with Oklahoma guard Febechi Nwaiwu yesterday, according to Ian Rapoport.
Nwaiwu would likely be a Day 3 pick who wouldn’t be viewed as a starter any time soon. Still, he is a solid prospect with a lot to offer.
Strengths: According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Nwaiwu gets contact with his hands immediately and doesn’t let go easily. He can also absorb contact from pass rushers really well without giving up much ground. Even when he does, he resets well. He’s also outstanding at combo blocks and double teams before moving to the second level. Lastly his character and work ethic are “as strong as you will find in this draft class”.
On his NFL.com Draft profile, we read that Nwaiwu is capable of playing all three interior spots and shows effort through the whistle.
Weaknesses: Nwaiwu doesn’t always finish in run blocking, according to NFLDraftBuzz’s profile. He has below-average lateral quickness and recovery when the defender wins initially.
Meanwhile, NFL.com notes that Nwaiwu also “hunches forward in pass pro” and that his anchor is a little shallow when he is bull rushed.
In short, there are reasons why the guard is expected to fall to the middle rounds, but he would certainly be a good option for a team that has failed to field an effective and healthy offensive line for an entire season since Burrow was drafted.
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