If one had to guess the highest-graded member of the Cincinnati Bengals exiting the team’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the obvious names would come up first.
Joe Burrow? Ja’Marr Chase? Tee Higgins? Maybe even Germaine Pratt? How about Samaje Perine?
Try rookie Cordell Volson.
Volson, the fourth-rounder thrown into the starting job as the fourth and final piece of a line that revamped all but one spot this past offseason, put on yet another strong showing. This time, against an elite interior player like Chris Jones and edge rushers like Frank Clark.
Per PFF’s numbers, he graded at a 76.6 overall on the day, allowing no sacks, hurries or pressures while posting a season-high 77.2 run-blocking grade.
Volson had previously received a shoutout from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor for his steady play. What was once thought as a possible weak point to the rebuilt unit has become a quiet, consistent spot, which is all the Bengals can ask for from a mid-round rookie.
Quietly, Volson is a big part of the reason for the team’s offensive success and while it won’t get national attention, he’s pacing to end up as one of the best overall values from the draft class.
Highest graded Bengals in Week 13 win vs Chiefs:
🥇 Cordell Volson – 76.6
🥈 Vonn Bell – 74.7
🥉 Joe Burrow – 73.6
4️⃣ Ja’Marr Chase – 73.4
5️⃣ Samaje Perine – 72.3 pic.twitter.com/qCfix0Xbva— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) December 5, 2022
