​This is the fourth in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Defensive line.The Cincinnati Bengals still ranked among the worst offensive lines last year, but by the end of the season, quarterback Joe Burrow was calling it the best he’s played behind.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA slow start, while finding the best combination and chemistry, impacted the numbers behind what Cincinnati’s offensive line was doing. However, in the second half of the season, the Bengals found consistency and better protection.Now the Bengals are running it back with the same group, as all five starters return, thanks to right guard Dalton Risner re-signing, but there is still room to improve. Orlando Brown Jr. has the most to prove, especially after signing an extension this offseason, and that’s the spot where Cincinnati should be looking for more.Let’s take a look at the past performances of the Bengals’ offensive linemen, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.Offensive linemen on the rosterAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement* Projected starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr., LG Dylan Fairchild, C Ted Karras, RG Dalton Risner, RT Amarius Mims* Reserves: Cody Ford, Connor Lew, Brian Parker II, Jalen Rivers* Others in the mix: Liam Brown, Andrew Coker, Javon Foster, Jacob Bayer, Christian Jones, Corey RobinsonBrown Jr. by the numbers* 2025 stats: Started all 17 games after missing six games in 2024 due to injuries; played the fifth-most snaps for an offensive tackle but allowed nine sacks, 46 pressures and 10 hits and had 10 penalties.* PFF grades for 2025: Brown ranked 66th of 89 qualifying tackles with an offense grade of 60.3 last year. He was 64th in pass blocking grade (62.0) and 61st in run blocking grade (59.8).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.Fairchild by the numbers* 2025 stats: Played 15 games, all starts and allowed just two sacks, 31 pressures and five hits as a rookie.* PFF grades for 2025: Fairchild ranked 46th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 59.1 last year. He was 25th in pass blocking grade (67.5) and 61st in run blocking grade (54.3).* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.Karras by the numbersRisner by the numbers* 2025 stats: Played 14 games with 11 starts after signing at the end of preseason; allowed just two sacks, four hits and 17 pressures; had four penalties.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement* PFF grades for 2025: Risner ranked 26th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 69.4 last year. He was 17th in pass blocking grade (71.5) and 23rd in run blocking grade (69.0).* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.Mims by the numbers