Anthony Collins Steps Up For Bengals In Andre Smith's Absence

With less than five days before the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason opener, first-round pick Andre Smith is still unsigned and all indications are that it could be a while before the former Alabama Crimson Tide comes to terms.

The sticking point is, as always, money with the two sides apparently miles apart. The Raiders’ signing of receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, taken one spot after Smith, for so much over market value has skewed the landscape and made the Bengals’ job even more difficult.

Of course, the Bengals have always had trouble signing their top draft picks. It hasn’t helped that the team is always drafting in the top 10.

But there may be a silver-lining in the Smith drama. Second-year man Anthony Collins is currently the starter at right tackle, and everyday that Smith stays away is another day that Collins solidifies the job.

Collins, drafted in the fourth round a year ago, is hardly a project. A three-year starter at Kansas, Collins was one of the more highly-touted tackles in the Big 12. As a senior, he was mentioned in the same breath as Baylor’s Jason Smith—this year’s No. 2 overall pick—and played in a pass-happy offense.

Thanks to the massive injuries on the offensive line, Collins got his chance last season, and although he didn’t tear up the field, he played well enough down the stretch to help the Bengals win three of their last four.

Smith, considered by many to be the best tackle in this year’s draft, would certainly help the Bengals' offense if he were in camp. But if Collins steps up when the action turns live, it may be hard to get him out of the lineup.

Elsewhere, head coach Marvin Lewis made some intriguing changes to the depth chart Monday. A closer look at each:

• Running backs Kenny Watson and J.D. Runnels Jr. were both cut. Watson was a fan favorite, but age was obviously taking its toll on the eight-year veteran. Brian Leonard had passed him by and it was apparent he wasn’t going to make the team. Runnels was the No. 4 fullback and had next to no shot at making the roster.

• Jeremi Johnson was listed as the No. 1 fullback, supplanting rookie Fui Vakapuna. As an unabashed Johnson fan, I was happy to see “JJ” reclaim his spot. Weight issues forced him from the team a year ago, but when he is in shape, Johnson is arguably one of the top three fullbacks in the game. He was a Pro Bowl alternate just three years ago and will make a massive difference to the team as a blocker in the backfield.

• Tank Johnson moved ahead of Pat Sims at defensive tackle. Johnson, Sims, and Domata Peko will rotate in and out of the game with all three, playing roughly the same amount of time. Not exactly earth-shattering news.

• Michael Johnson is now the backup to Antwan Odom at right defensive end. With the way he is playing, Johnson will be ahead of Odom soon enough.

• Daniel Coats is the No. 1 tight end with Ben Utecht No. 2. Utecht has more tests scheduled after his terrifying head injury last week, and it is not unlikely that he will be done for the year. Rookie Chase Coffman will be the No. 2 and will end up battling Coats for the starting job, assuming of course, the Bengals don’t sign another tight end.

• Dennis Roland and Augustus Parrish are listed as the backups and right and left tackle respectively with Jonathan Luigs moving ahead of Dan Santucci as backup at center. Roland is a beast and could be a true diamond in the rough, but depth in the offensive line is still questionable which brings us to...

• Defensive tackle Jason Shirley was switched to offensive guard. Shirley is a big man with good feet, but it is apparent he will not make the team as a DT. Injuries on the O-line forced the move, and only time will tell if the move pays off.