2025 NFL Draft Profile: Cincinnati OL Luke Kandra

In recent times, the Cincinnati Bengals have made sizable investments throughout their offensive line. Orlando Brown Jr. was a significant addition a few offseasons in the past at left sort out, whereas the group has largely pursued veteran one-year leases at proper sort out.

That technique modified with the drafting of Amarius Mims final 12 months, and Cincinnati has additionally most well-liked a mixture of outdoors free brokers and draft picks to man the inside of the offensive line. The Bengals are trying to increase the contracts of three key stars this 12 months, so along with managing the financials, they’re additionally reassessing the play of the beginning guards.

Rumors are swirling that adjustments may very well be made at one or each guard spots, with the group probably including each a veteran and a rookie to compete for beginning roles. One native product, College of Cincinnati guard Luke Kandra, may very well be a long-term resolution at guard.

Kandra brings a mix of expertise, management, and expertise that may intrigue many groups. He appears to be a ready-to-go prospect who might compete for a beginning place instantly.

This mixture aligns nicely with Zac Taylor’s preferences for the kind of gamers he likes to convey into the locker room.

Luke Kandra

Peak: 6’4”

Weight: 323

Faculty: Louisville/Cincinnati

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

2024 Bearcats Speeding Yards: 2,209

2024 Bearcats Speeding Touchdowns: 19

2024 Bearcats Passing Yards: 2,838

2024 Bearcats Passing Touchdowns: 18

Background

Though he attended two completely different faculties, Kandra opted to remain native for each. He spent his first two years on the College of Louisville earlier than transferring to the College of Cincinnati for his closing two seasons.

Kandra began 14 video games in his first two years with the Cardinals after which turned a full-time starter at Cincinnati for the previous two seasons. As a Bearcat, Kandra was a pacesetter each on and off the sphere.

In 2024, Kandra earned Second-Crew All-American honors from each Sports activities Illustrated and the School Soccer Community. He additionally acquired All-Large 12 honors over the previous two years—2024 from the convention and 2023 from the Related Press. Moreover, Kandra was a group captain at UC and a 2024 CSC District All-Tutorial honoree.

Kandra was credited with giving up only one quarterback sack in 24 video games at UC (relying on the supply), with zero sacks allowed in 2024, showcasing his prowess in cross safety. Moreover, he earned a decent 76.7 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus final 12 months.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Though he attended two completely different faculties, Kandra opted to remain native for each. He spent his first two years on the College of Louisville earlier than transferring to the College of Cincinnati for his closing two seasons.

Kandra began 14 video games in his first two years with the Cardinals after which turned a full-time starter at Cincinnati for the previous two seasons. As a Bearcat, Kandra was a pacesetter each on and off the sphere.

In 2024, Kandra earned Second-Crew All-American honors from each Sports activities Illustrated and the School Soccer Community. He additionally acquired All-Large 12 honors over the previous two years—2024 from the convention and 2023 from the Related Press. Moreover, Kandra was a group captain at UC and a 2024 CSC District All-Tutorial honoree.

Kandra was credited with giving up only one quarterback sack in 24 video games at UC (relying on the supply), with zero sacks allowed in 2024, showcasing his prowess in cross safety. Moreover, he earned a decent 76.7 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus final 12 months.

Outlook

Kandra’s draft inventory is restricted due to his lack of sort out/guard versatility. He’s strictly an inside offensive lineman, which locations him within the center rounds of the draft. As of now, he appears to be a late Day 2/Day 3 decide on this 12 months’s class.

A group will get management together with a technically sound lineman. If somebody continues to be clinging to the “glass-eaters” mantra from former Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack, the “nasty” gene could or will not be there. But when Kandra can maintain up in opposition to the league’s powerful inside defensive linemen, the how or why doesn’t matter.

The Bearcats’ previous two disappointing seasons might affect his inventory in one in all two methods. On one hand, he could get neglected; on the opposite, he could also be thought of a giant fish in a small pond, so to talk.

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