Devin

Cochran

No surprises here as each player is working their way back from torn ACL injuries suffered during the 2022 season. Also added to the PUP list for the Bengals was OT Devin Cochran.

Cincinnati took a flier on Cochran as a UDFA this spring. With the Bengals retooling their line, it was always a long-shot for him to make their final roster. Given his massive, 6'7/306, frame, he could be someone the Bengals try to develop for a year on the practice squad.

Cochran (6'7"/306) started 32 games for Vanderbilt before graduate transferring to Georgia Tech and playing well enough to earn an All-ACC honorable mention in 2021. Cochran has the necessary size and athleticism to cut it in the NFL, which isn’t that common in the later parts of the draft. Cochran can dominate, but it is very inconsistently, enough that some scouts have questioned his desire and effort. In 2021, he had two games with 79+ PFF grades, but also had two games below 50. The lapses in attention and the subsequent missed assignments are the biggest weaknesses of his game, as he otherwise shows the power, speed, lateral movement, footwork, and (when locked in) awareness to be an NFL player. His issues and strengths have been similar since his Vanderbilt days, but perhaps a jump to the next level will be sufficient motivation.

Cochran was among the best OL available in the transfer portal this offseason. Spare for a few games at the beginning of the 2019 season, Cochran was a three-year starter at Vanderbilt. The only year he did not start was during his redshirt season. Standing tall at 6-foot-7, 318-pounds, Cochran has the size and experience to be an instant upgrade at LT for Georgia Tech. 2020 will be Cochran’s final year of eligibility.

Cochran opened the 2019 season with an undisclosed injury, but finished the year with nine consecutive starts. Cochran is a three-year starter whose 6-foot-7, 318-pound frame makes him a daunting opponent for most defensive ends. Given his size and experience, Cochran should be a solid addition to most programs who aren’t currently starting a future pro at left tackle. Cochran has one year of eligibility left and will be allowed to play immediately.

It’s been a rough start to the season for the Commodores, but they have their first favorable matchup on the docket this week and would like to have their starting left tackle ready for it. Cochran’s injury is not specified, but he has not played this season. Cochran (6'7/315) was a game-time decision last week as well and did not play. Hopefully Cochran will be able to get back onto the field this week.

Cochran (6'7/315) gets a fourth-to-fifth round grade from Pauline, and that ranks second on the Commodores behind corner Joejuan Williams. " He can slide in space, easily gets off the edge in pass protection and blocks with terrific fundamentals,” writes Pauline. “He has a great upside and could be an early selection if he continues to improve his game.” Cochran has two years of eligibility left, so there’s time for him to develop into that type of player.