On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Bengals finished filling out their 16-player practice squad. They announced three outside additions from other teams, those being offensive tackle Blake Freeland, cornerback Trikweze Bridges, and defensive end Garmon Randolph.
Freeland is the most likely to see a path to being called up to the 53-man roster early in the season, with the question marks at the swing tackle spot.
Blake Freeland’s Resume
Freeland is a 25-year-old who played college football at BYU. He had actually been a quarterback
originally for his first couple of seasons in high school before switching to tight end as a junior and senior.
At BYU, he switched to the offensive line. That athleticism still showed up when he jumped a 37” vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine, a record that still stands for offensive linemen.
Freeland was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played in just over 700 snaps during his rookie season. He played in 16 games that season, starting in nine of them. He had starts at both left and right tackle that year.
Freeland’s ability to play on either side was likely a selling point for Scott Peters and the rest of the Bengals offensive staff.
Freeland only played in 23 total snaps during his second season with the Colts. Then he fractured his leg in the preseason before the 2025 season began. Freeland did play in 153 snaps during this preseason. He finished with a really impressive 74.5 run-blocking grade per PFF.
On the flip side, his pass blocking grade was a 43.1 this preseason. Going back and watching the tape, I haven’t seen it be nearly that bad, so take the pass-blocking grade with a giant grain of salt.
Freeland still has some concerns with handling NFL power. Weighing just 302 pounds, his anchor strength consistency is a concern. He does have excellent athleticism, good length with almost 34” arms, and impressive leg drive as a run blocker.
The 6’8” Freeland was not claimed off of waivers. Ultimately, he landed in Cincinnati as a member of the practice squad. With actual NFL playing experience at tackle, it wouldn’t be a bit surprising if Freeland ends up being the swing tackle for the Bengals once he is up to speed on the playbook.
What are your thoughts on the addition of Blake Freeland? Will he be able to come in and quickly earn the swing tackle spot over Foster, Rivers, and Hinton? Sound off in the comments.
