The Bengals drafted offensive tackles with their first two picks in this year’s draft, which is the sort of thing that sends a message to the team’s incumbent starters.
Right tackle Andre Smith seems to have heard that message. He reported to camp down 23 pounds from last year, completely healed from the torn triceps that ended his 2014 season and feeling better than he has since he was the team’s first-round pick in 2008. Smith said he’s set a goal of being the best right tackle in the NFL and that he’s “tired of being mediocre.”
“I do feel fresh,” Smith said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I got a year off to prepare my body, get better mentally, physically, get in great shape, stay in shape and be out there with my teammates now and do what I’m supposed to do.”
Even without the arrival of two rookie tackles, Smith has ample motivation for the 2015 season. His contract is up after the year and a season of strong play will be rewarded by the Bengals or someone else next offseason.