Ohio State award-winner sets sights on going from undrafted to key piece on Super Bowl contender

The Cincinnati Bengals had a controversial 2025 NFL Draft, but their headlining undrafted free agent signing has been remarkably well-received. The Bengals had a need for a future starting center, so adding the Rimington Award winner from 2024 could be a home run.

Ohio State star center Seth McLaughlin bounced back from a disappointing 2023 campaign with Alabama with a masterful senior season in 2024. The bad news is McLaughlin suffered a torn Achilles, which ended his season prematurely before the Buckeyes had reached the College Football Playoff.

However, with veteran Ted Karras now 32 and being an average starter for the Bengals, there's a ton of optimism that McLaughlin can be a primary backup and eventual starter.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski named McLaughlin as the Cincinnati Bengals' UDFA most likely to make their final roster.

"Seth McLaughlin was on track to be the top-rated pure center prospect in the 2025 draft class. He even won this past season's Rimington Trophy.

Unfortunately, McLaughlin also suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, which could hamper his participation in training camp. Still, the Cincinnati Bengals should try to sneak McLaughlin onto the roster somehow, because he could potentially replace Ted Karras in the lineup.

"Overall, McLaughlin is an older prospect coming off a major lower leg injury with solid athletic ability and the mental makeup, build, play strength and technical savvy to compete for the pivot job when healthy and stick as a starter long-term in a multiple run scheme," B/R scouting Brandon Thorn wrote."

McLaughlin hopes to be back on the field come July.