Bengals' possible NFL draft steal isn't getting enough attention yet
TL;DR
Cincinnati Bengals' sixth-round pick Brian Parker is gaining attention as a potential draft steal, ranked 84th among the top 100 picks by ESPN's Matt Miller. His versatility to play all five offensive line positions makes him a valuable asset for the team's future.
Key points
- Brian Parker is a sixth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.
- He is ranked 84th among the top 100 picks by ESPN's Matt Miller.
- Parker's versatility allows him to play all five offensive line positions.
- He started 33 games in college at Duke.
- His selection addresses the Bengals' concerns about their interior offensive line.
Mentioned in this story
When it comes to Cincinnati Bengals draft picks this year, Connow Lew is the runaway star of the show as a possible steal and long-term starter.
But it’s probably not wise to sleep on Brian Parker.
A sixth-round pick by the Bengals, Parker just charted as the 84th-best pick out of the top 100 in the mind of ESPN’s Matt Miller.
“The selections of Lew and Parker in the same draft highlighted the Bengals' worry about their interior offensive line,” Miller wrote. “Parker played left and right tackle at Duke, but teams loved his ability to slide inside, his versatility and skill set to play all five offensive line positions. He started 33 games in college, so getting a quality swing tackle or third round this late in the draft is the best thing about this pick.”
In our deep dive on the Bengals picking Parker, it became pretty apparent right away why the team liked him so much: He’s a tackle-to-center lineman who effectively can play all five spots on the line. That’s a big deal for depth when roster spots are limited.
Beyond that, Parker’s long history as a starter could mean he pushes anywhere on the roster, be it Cody Ford at swing tackle or even emerges down the road with a chance to start on the interior.
Not a bad find by the Bengals right near the 200th pick of a draft.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' possible NFL draft steal isn't getting enough attention yet
Q&A
Why is Brian Parker considered a potential steal in the NFL draft?
Brian Parker is viewed as a potential steal due to his versatility to play all five offensive line positions and his strong college performance, starting 33 games.
What did Matt Miller say about Brian Parker's draft ranking?
Matt Miller ranked Brian Parker as the 84th-best pick out of the top 100, highlighting his ability to slide inside and play multiple positions on the offensive line.
How does Brian Parker's selection impact the Bengals' offensive line strategy?
Parker's selection indicates the Bengals' concern for their interior offensive line, providing them with a quality swing tackle option and depth for the future.
