​The Cincinnati Bengals have a straightforward offensive line narrative to tell as training camp approaches. They bring back five starters, delivering continuity that should help the unit settle in quickly. Yet NFL analyst Warren Sharp still slots them near the bottom of the league in his 2026 offensive line rankings, a position that feels all too familiar and uncomfortable before the season even begins. Sharp’s ranking of No. 28 isn’t just a number; it comes with context. He highlighted the Bengals’ 28th-place finish in pass block win rate from last season and noted the protection problems they faced, including allowing the third-most pressures, the second-most non-blitz pressures, and the seventh-shortest time-to-sack. He also pointed out that the primary offensive line group—Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims—averaged 3.9 yards per carry, posted a minus-0.09 EPA per rush, produced a 12.8% stuff rate, and allowed 1.29 yards before contact per rushing attempt. Even with star power at quarterback and receiving corps, a fragile line can complicate life for Joe Burrow, forcing him to make plays with elite receivers getting open quickly while the pass protection lags.
There is more to the story than a single ranking. The Bengals’ own depth and roster outlook provide ammunition for optimism. Cincinnati currently lists Brown at left tackle, Fairchild at left guard, Karras at center, Risner at right guard, and Mims at right tackle on its starting line. Bengals.com also notes that the club returns all five starting linemen from last season, along with depth pieces Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers. Burrow himself underscored the value of continuity, saying that having all the same blockers back is a significant early-season advantage. “You don’t have young guys trying to fit into the mix and learn the communication on the fly,” he told Bengals.com, emphasizing how crucial it is to start the year with established chemistry.
Beyond that, there are encouraging signs from the Bengals’ recent performance. Jay Morrison of SI.com observed that the offensive line improved in the latter part of the previous season, offering some basis to expect continued progress in 2026. That said, Sharp’s cautious projection remains a factor to consider, given the realities of protecting a high-powered offense in a tough league. The positives aren’t just about seniority; Fairchild’s trajectory stands out. He posted the fourth-highest PFF offensive-graded score among rookies with at least 100 snaps, and he earned the second-highest pass-blocking grade among his peers. Risner also graded as a top-25 guard, while Mims logged all 17 games and produced a respectable 5.3% pressure rate.
Mims, in particular, could be the linchpin of Cincinnati’s future line stability. PFF recognized him on its 2026 All-Breakout Team, noting an 81.0 overall grade from Weeks 12–18 last season, a stretch in which he allowed no sacks and achieved a 76.6 run-blocking grade. That kind of breakout potential adds a layer of upside to the unit, suggesting the line could evolve positively as the pieces gel and develop together.
The counterpoint to optimism remains Sharp’s case: a line that returns intact can still carry the same flaws. A young tackle can rise, but he may still need the entire unit to elevate their performance in tandem. The Bengals’ balance of veterans and rising players means there’s a path to improvement, but it won’t be without a temporary learning curve. The tension between perception and reality—continuity versus potential shortcomings—will shape Cincinnati’s offensive-line narrative all season long. The team’s success may hinge on the line’s ability to harmonize with Burrow’s quick-release timing and the receivers’ growth, while lessening the pressure that undermined protections in recent years.