The Cincinnati Bengals have made significant roster moves as they finalized their 16-player practice squad on Tuesday. Among the new additions are offensive tackle Blake Freeland, cornerback Trikweze Bridges, and defensive end Garmon Randolph, with Freeland being the most notable due to his potential impact on the team's offensive line.
Freeland, a 25-year-old former BYU standout, has an intriguing background that includes a transition from quarterback to tight end during his high school years before ultimately settling into an offensive line role at the collegiate level. His athleticism was on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he recorded a remarkable 37-inch vertical leap, a record for offensive linemen.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Freeland had a promising rookie season, participating in over 700 snaps across 16 games and earning nine starts. His versatility, being able to play both left and right tackle, likely caught the attention of Bengals offensive staff, including Scott Peters.
However, Freeland's second season with the Colts was less fruitful, as he only managed to play 23 snaps before suffering a leg fracture during the preseason leading up to the 2025 season. Despite this setback, he demonstrated his potential during the recent preseason, logging 153 snaps and achieving an impressive 74.5 run-blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
While his run-blocking skills have been praised, Freeland's pass-blocking grade of 43.1 raises some concerns. Analysts suggest that this figure may not reflect his true capabilities, as his tape shows a more competent performance. Nevertheless, there are lingering questions about his ability to handle NFL-level power, particularly given his weight of 302 pounds, which raises concerns about his anchor strength.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall with nearly 34-inch arms, Freeland possesses the physical attributes that could make him an asset for the Bengals. His addition to the practice squad opens the door for him to quickly earn a spot on the 53-man roster, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the swing tackle position. As the Bengals look to solidify their offensive line, Freeland's experience and skill set could make him a valuable contributor once he acclimates to the team's playbook.
As the Bengals navigate the early part of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Freeland can outpace competition from other offensive linemen such as Foster, Rivers, and Hinton for the coveted swing tackle role. His journey from a college quarterback to a potential NFL swing tackle is a testament to his adaptability and determination.
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