The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking to end the three-year playoff drought this season. And it starts with better protecting quarterback Joe Burrow. An NFL Analyst has pointed towards offensive tackle Christian Jones as the possible solution for this.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently named former San Diego State Aztecs player as having the "best chance" out of all UDFA rookies to make the Bengals' 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season.

"Undrafted San Diego State product Christian Jones probably won't be manning Burrow's blindside as a rookie, but he could be part of Cincinnati's long-term plan," Kristopher Knox noted of Christian Jones.

The front office gave the 6-foot-9, 330-pound prospect a three-year rookie deal worth up to $3 million.

"His size and positional flexibility could be enough to extend his stay into the regular season," Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report concluded.

The undrafted free agent rookie earned this massive opportunity after accumulating over 2,000 career snaps for San Diego State as a Left Tackle (30 starts) and Left Guard (one start), as per
Jackson Loschko of Gridiron Heroics.

The Bengals handed Jones a $50,000 signing bonus. Normal undrafted free agents rarely get guaranteed money, as Aaron Wilson of A to Z reported.

General Manager Duke Tobin loves physically big offensive linemen like starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims.

Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated notes Jones fits this mold perfectly. He has an 88.875-inch wingspan and 36.75-inch arms to help anchor heavy packages in short-yardage situations.

Christian Jones is not someone who doubts his ability and importance to his roster.

"They like my ability to adapt"- Christian Jones knows what he brings to the table

Jones' adaptability led to meetings with more than 20 teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

"I have both positional versatility and scheme flexibility," Jones told Justin Melo of NFL Draft on Sports Illustrated in April. "I've changed offenses and played well in different systems. It's been a point of interest for scouts throughout my conversations. They like my ability to adapt."

Jones also participated in virtual scheme installations with the Denver Broncos and New York Jets OL coaches. His extensive background gives the Bengals a plug-and-play backup option anywhere along the OL.

"One of my biggest advantages is my length. I get out there in space like an explosive athlete, Christian Jones stated. "I'm always working to be even more explosive."

In his senior year at San Diego in 2025, Jones allowed only 19 pressures and two sacks in 13 games, as per Loschko.

Jones will still have to earn his spot by competing with Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers, Javon Foster, and Andrew Coker for a swing tackle role during training camp.

Will Christian Jones make a place for himself on the Bengals' 53-man roster? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Read more on the Cincinnati Bengals Community

Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule