The Cincinnati Bengals have some uncertainty in their offensive line going into the upcoming NFL draft. They are attempting to work out an extension with right tackle Andre Smith, but negotiations have stalled between the two parties. While the team does have a few in-house options to replace Smith, none are quality starters. This leaves the Bengals to target a tackle with their first-round pick. The team is highly interested in D.J. Fluker.
The Bengals did not originally plan on having to take a tackle with their first pick, but due to ongoing contract negotiations with Smith, it has forced the team to reset their plans. At 21, they have limited options with many teams targeting linemen. Players like Luke Joeckle and Eric Fisher will be gone in the first five picks. Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma will likely be next. The Bengals are now targeting Fluker because he is the best player they have a chance at getting.
Fluker was part of one of the best offensive lines in college football out of Alabama. At 335 pounds, Fluker is explosive off the line and excels in run blocking. His weight makes him an ideal candidate in the draft as he has the build of an NFL lineman before even entering the NFL. Fluker could step in and start immediately for the Bengals, which is what they need if Smith holds out.
The issue will be that with multiple teams looking for tackles. Fluker could be off the board before the Bengals even get a chance to make a go at him. If that is the case, the team does have options already on the roster. Anthony Collins and Dennis Roland are both available. They are each entering into their sixth season in the NFL with a combined 48 starts between them. Collins will likely get the start if Smith is not there. He started at right tackle in nine games over the past four seasons, exceling in pass blocking.
Ideally, the Bengals reach a deal with Smith. The two sides negotiated over the weekend but little progress has been made. The unofficial deadline to sign him is Thursday and if things are still stalled, a right tackle is the likely first option.