Summary

Cordell Volson was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Round 4, (pick 136) is a physically imposing offensive lineman who built a decorated college career at NDSU, where he was a multi‑year starter and played both tackle and guard spots. PFSN Drafted in the fourth round by the Bengals, he entered the NFL as a big‑frame, high‑character blocker known for his run‑game dominance, anchor strength, and positional flexibility.

Early in his pro career he earned significant playing time and showed the ability to contribute at guard, which is where his skill‑set is best suited. His combination of size, toughness, and experience make him a solid building block on the interior of an offensive line.

Strengths

• Size, length & power at point of attack: Volson’s large frame and long arms allow him to engage defenders early, stay attached, and move them in the run game. Steelers Depot

• Run‑blocking ability: He excels in moving defenders off the line, finishing blocks, and has a wide base and good grip strength. PFSN

• Versatility: He has experience at both guard and tackle in college, which gives him flexibility in the pro scheme and value as a multi‑spot lineman. WKRC

• Character, tenacity & consistency: Reports highlight his finish‑through‑the‑whistle style, his intelligence in picking up stunts/twists, and his strong work ethic. PFSN

Weaknesses

• Athleticism / lateral quickness limitations: His foot speed, burst, and ability to mirror quick edge rushers are considered below elite for tackle, and this may limit his ceiling or position fit. NFL Draft Buzz

• Pad level & leverage inconsistencies: He sometimes plays upright, which can hurt him in leverage battles, especially against faster defenders or in pass‑protection. Bleacher Report

• Pass protection in space & against speed: Because much of his college competition was FCS and his movement skills are less refined, there’s some question about his ability to handle high‑end rushers on the outside or in open space. NFL Draft Buzz

• Injury / role uncertainty: As of 2025, he is facing shoulder surgery and may miss significant time, which introduces risk and could impact his development or status in the lineup. Reuters

Fit & Outlook

Volson projects as a solid interior starter or key rotational lineman with a strong floor. His strength and run‑game acumen make him particularly well‑suited for a scheme that emphasizes physicality on the interior. However, his ceiling might be limited compared with elite‑athlete linemen, especially on the edge or tackle outside.

His ability to improve technique (pad level, leverage, hand placement) and to stay healthy will determine how high his ceiling can go. If he stays healthy and improves his movement and pass‑pro refinement, he could be a reliable multi‑year starter at guard. If not, he still has value as a dependable backup or swing lineman.

Given the 2025 injury, the key near‑term factor will be recovery and whether he can return to full form. The Bengals (or any team) will look for him to bounce back, reclaim a starting role, and continue to build on his early promise.