The Cincinnati Bengals are looking outside the box for draft help this offseason, and they could be adding a basketball player to their roster. The Bengals are looking to strengthen their offensive line for the upcoming season so quarterback Joe Burrow has a chance to lead the team to the playoffs.
The Cincinnati Bengals need to keep Joe Burrow upright
Per Pro Football Focus, the Bengals ranked 22nd in pass blocking and run blocking last season. With an offensive line that was decidedly in the league’s bottom half, the Bengals need to improve the unit if they want a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
The Bengals show interest in Bayron Matos
They’re looking at adding a former basketball player for depth on the offensive line. According to Tom Pelissero with the NFL Network, the Bengals are set to visit on Tuesday with Bayron Matos.
Matos has never played in a football game. NFL scouts apparently project Matos to be an offensive lineman at the NFL level.
Matos is from the Dominican Republic
Matos was born in the Dominican Republic and is part of the NFL’s International Pathway Player Program.
Matos played college basketball for New Mexico before finishing his basketball career at South Florida. He joined the Southern Florida football team as a walk-on during the 2022 season, where he practiced as an offensive tackle. Matos did not play a regular-season game for the Bulls.
Matos is a raw athlete and would be an intriguing Day 3 prospect. The Bengals would likely need to give Matos a couple of years to develop before he would be ready for an NFL regular season.
Matos has the size, but he would be a risky pick for a Bengals team that needs offensive linemen to contribute for the 2024 season.
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