Draft Recap: Round 4

In the 4th round the Bengals took:

Clint Boling: Offensive Guard, Georgia 6'4'' 307 lbs
Mel Kiper's Rating: 8.6, #4 best guard in the draft.

Big fan of this pick. If it were up to me I'd never go a draft without taking an offensive lineman. In the NFL these guys make the world go 'round. The common fan probably doesn't realize how important good line play is.

Anyway, Clint was a 4 year starter at Georgia which in itself is a pretty big accomplishment. He's also started at all line spots throughout his career except center which is even more impressive. That versatility is a huge bonus in the NFL where you generally only suit up 7 or 8 linemen on game day. He plays with a mean streak and is very consistent. Only knock I've heard on him is he doesn't blow you away on tape. Should be a plug and play guy with all his experience and solid technique. He could win the left guard job outright and stay there for many years. Seems like a very safe pick sandwiched in between two projects with big upside. I think they got great value for grabbing him in the 4th. Kiper had him as one of the highest rated guys on the board at the time. Not that Kiper is always right.

With the Bengals I see him as more of a left guard than right. They love huge mashers on their line in Cincy and right guard is usually the biggest meanest guy one. Now this could just be because Bobbie Williams has held that spot down for so long and he has been great there. I think Clint would do just fine at either guard spot. I think he'll come into camp and probably be competing with Nate Livings at left guard who has been adequate for a few years there. I wouldn't be surprised to see Clint win the job and stay put for many years to come. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him be the versatile back up this year and step in for Bobbie Williams the year after at right guard. The Bengals have needed some guard help for a while and I think one way or another this guy will win a job and keep it for a long time.