A less-than-stellar year by the Bearcats doesn’t take away the allure of a promising interior offensive lineman.
In recent years, the Cincinnati Bengals have made sizable investments across their offensive line. Orlando Brown Jr. was a major addition a couple of offseasons ago at left tackle, while the team has largely pursued veteran one-year rentals at right tackle.
That strategy changed with the drafting of Amarius Mims last year, and Cincinnati has also preferred a mix of outside free agents and draft picks to man the interior of the offensive line. The Bengals are attempting to extend the contracts of three key stars this year, so in addition to managing the financials, they are also reassessing the play of the starting guards.
Rumors are swirling that changes could be made at one or both guard spots, with the team possibly adding both a veteran and a rookie to compete for starting roles. One local product, University of Cincinnati guard Luke Kandra, could be a long-term solution at guard.
Kandra brings a blend of talent, leadership, and experience that would intrigue many teams. He seems to be a ready-to-go prospect who could compete for a starting position immediately.
This combination aligns well with Zac Taylor’s preferences for the type of players he likes to bring into the locker room.
Luke Kandra
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 323
- School: Louisville/Cincinnati
- Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
- 2024 Bearcats Rushing Yards: 2,209
- 2024 Bearcats Rushing Touchdowns: 19
- 2024 Bearcats Passing Yards: 2,838
- 2024 Bearcats Passing Touchdowns: 18
Background
Although he attended two different colleges, Kandra opted to stay local for both. He spent his first two years at the University of Louisville before transferring to the University of Cincinnati for his final two seasons.
Kandra started 14 games in his first two years with the Cardinals and then became a full-time starter at Cincinnati for the past two seasons. As a Bearcat, Kandra was a leader both on and off the field.
In 2024, Kandra earned Second-Team All-American honors from both Sports Illustrated and the College Football Network. He also received All-Big 12 honors over the past two years—2024 from the conference and 2023 from the Associated Press. Additionally, Kandra was a team captain at UC and a 2024 CSC District All-Academic honoree.
Kandra was credited with giving up just one quarterback sack in 24 games at UC (depending on the source), with zero sacks allowed in 2024, showcasing his prowess in pass protection. Furthermore, he earned a respectable 76.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last year.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Although he attended two different colleges, Kandra opted to stay local for both. He spent his first two years at the University of Louisville before transferring to the University of Cincinnati for his final two seasons.
Kandra started 14 games in his first two years with the Cardinals and then became a full-time starter at Cincinnati for the past two seasons. As a Bearcat, Kandra was a leader both on and off the field.
In 2024, Kandra earned Second-Team All-American honors from both Sports Illustrated and the College Football Network. He also received All-Big 12 honors over the past two years—2024 from the conference and 2023 from the Associated Press. Additionally, Kandra was a team captain at UC and a 2024 CSC District All-Academic honoree.
Kandra was credited with giving up just one quarterback sack in 24 games at UC (depending on the source), with zero sacks allowed in 2024, showcasing his prowess in pass protection. Furthermore, he earned a respectable 76.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last year.
Outlook
Kandra’s draft stock is limited because of his lack of tackle/guard versatility. He is strictly an interior offensive lineman, which places him in the middle rounds of the draft. As of now, he looks to be a late Day 2/Day 3 pick in this year’s class.
A team will get leadership along with a technically sound lineman. If someone is still clinging to the “glass-eaters” mantra from former Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack, the “nasty” gene may or may not be there. But if Kandra can hold up against the league’s tough interior defensive linemen, the how or why doesn’t matter.
The Bearcats’ past two disappointing seasons could influence his stock in one of two ways. On one hand, he may get overlooked; on the other, he may be considered a big fish in a small pond, so to speak.
This Orange and Black Insider episode was brought to you in part by FOCO, the “Fans Only Company.” One of their upcoming releases is a very special one—not only because of the players featured, but because it is a limited release of only 75 units in production. Check out the Ja’Marr Chase/Carl Pickens Rookie of the Year bobblehead for pre-release purchase here.
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