The Cincinnati Bengals approach the transfer portal process if building around QB Joe Burrow…
As the NFL landscape evolves, NFL teams are increasingly looking at non-traditional avenues to build their rosters, and the transfer portal has become an intriguing resource for college talent. This trend has mainly impacted NFL teams’ ability to find immediate contributors, particularly through the undrafted free agent pool, but it can also have implications for how NFL teams, such as the Cincinnati Bengals, approach roster building, especially when they are centered around a star quarterback like Joe Burrow.
Joe Burrow, the 2020 NFL Draft’s first overall pick, has quickly become the face of the Bengals’ franchise and the focal point of their offensive scheme. As the Bengals have shifted from a rebuilding phase to Super Bowl contention, leveraging every possible advantage in the roster-building process is critical. The transfer portal, which has seen an exponential increase in player movement, offers the Bengals an opportunity to bolster their roster and ensure that Burrow has the weapons and protection needed to succeed long-term.
Understanding the Transfer Portal and Its Impact on the NFL
Before diving into how the Bengals might use the transfer portal, it’s important to understand the context of this tool. The NCAA Transfer Portal has revolutionized college sports by allowing players to move from one university to another without requiring permission from their current school. Since its introduction in 2018, the portal has opened up new pathways for players, providing them with more flexibility and options. While this shift primarily impacts college football, its trickle-down effect has also influenced the NFL, as many former college athletes with transfer portal experience are now looking to enter professional ranks, especially through undrafted free agency.
NFL teams are beginning to pay closer attention to the transfer portal, particularly for players who have developed quickly after their transfer, since many of them are already proven at the collegiate level. As a result, organizations like the Bengals have the opportunity to scout these players more efficiently, especially those in positions where depth or immediate impact could be a game-changer for their roster.
Building Around Joe Burrow: Prioritizing Supportive Roles
While Burrow’s immense talent as a quarterback is undeniable, building a championship-level team around him requires a cohesive effort to provide him with the necessary resources—both offensively and defensively. Here’s how the Bengals might approach the transfer portal to best complement Burrow’s skill set:
1. Improving the Offensive Line
The Bengals’ offensive line has been a well-documented issue during Burrow’s tenure. Despite Burrow’s success, his tendency to take hits behind a porous offensive line has been a glaring issue. The 2020 season saw Burrow suffer a season-ending knee injury, underscoring the importance of protecting their franchise quarterback.
To address this, the Bengals could utilize the transfer portal to bolster their offensive line depth. College players who transferred to schools with strong offensive line programs could potentially provide immediate help. For instance, if a standout transfer had flourished after a move to a stronger program with a proven offensive line coach, the Bengals could target that player to help shore up the line and protect Burrow for the long term.
2. Adding More Weapons for Burrow
The Bengals’ receiving corps, led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, is one of the most formidable in the NFL. However, Burrow is always in need of more weapons to keep defenses guessing. The transfer portal presents a unique opportunity to find high-level talent at wide receiver, running back, and tight end, who could quickly integrate into the offense.
For example, if a wide receiver or running back transferred to a high-profile college program and had standout performances, the Bengals could consider these players as viable options to develop behind the starters. Players with a strong college pedigree—perhaps a wideout who transferred from a smaller school to a larger program and excelled—could have the potential to be a valuable asset for the Bengals, either as a developmental prospect or as an immediate contributor.
In terms of running backs, with Burrow’s quick-release passing style, having a versatile back who can catch out of the backfield or create explosive plays on the ground would provide more balance to the offense. A player from the transfer portal with these skills could complement the existing backfield and give Burrow another option when the passing game is heavily defended.
3. Building Depth on Defense
While building around Burrow offensively is critical, the Bengals also need to continue strengthening their defense. Cincinnati’s defense, led by players like Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Jessie Bates, has become one of the NFL’s stronger units. However, just as in any NFL defense, depth is key, especially as injuries are inevitable.
The transfer portal could provide the Bengals with potential contributors on the defensive side of the ball as well. The Bengals’ defensive coaching staff has shown a knack for developing defensive talent, so they could look to identify transfer portal prospects who have experienced significant growth and development, particularly in a conference known for producing top-tier defensive talent. This could include a linebacker, cornerback, or safety with great speed, instincts, or coverage ability—traits that would complement the Bengals’ current roster.
4. Special Teams Impact
Another area that may benefit from the transfer portal is special teams. Special teams often get overlooked in roster construction, but a reliable kicker, punter, or returner could swing games in close contests. By scouting former college players who have proven themselves in special teams roles, the Bengals could uncover talent that can provide immediate value in this often-overlooked aspect of the game.
Strategic Scouting and Risk Management
One of the keys to the Bengals’ success in utilizing the transfer portal will be their ability to effectively scout and evaluate players, especially given that many players from the portal come with varying levels of experience and competition. The Bengals’ scouting department will need to assess how a player has developed after transferring and whether they fit the team’s culture, especially when the team’s success is so heavily tied to the development and chemistry around Joe Burrow.
There will also need to be a strategic balance between bringing in talent and maintaining team cohesion. Overloading the roster with transfer portal players could disrupt chemistry, so the Bengals must tread carefully. Moreover, not every player who excels in college football after a transfer necessarily translates to NFL success, meaning the team will need to lean on their scouting acumen and risk management practices to ensure they’re bringing in players who can contribute to a high level.
Conclusion
As the Bengals continue to build a roster around Joe Burrow, the transfer portal offers a new dimension for roster construction, providing a pipeline for skilled players who could complement Burrow’s abilities and help the Bengals win a championship. Whether it’s improving the offensive line, adding more weapons for Burrow, enhancing defensive depth, or strengthening special teams, the transfer portal provides a potential route to acquire high-quality players quickly. However, the key will be smart and strategic scouting to ensure that the Bengals make moves that not only help Burrow’s growth but also maintain the team’s overall balance and cohesion. If approached carefully, the transfer portal could become an invaluable resource in the Bengals’ pursuit of NFL supremacy.
