Summary

Cordell Volson was selected in Round 4 (#136 Overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State University. A multi-year starter at the FCS powerhouse, Volson was a key contributor on multiple Missouri Valley Football Conference championship teams, earning First-Team All-MVFC honors and establishing himself as a tough, reliable interior lineman in a run-heavy, pro-style system. At NDSU, he started 30+ games, primarily at left guard, and was known for physicality, durability, and assignment discipline. Since entering the NFL, Volson has exceeded draft expectations by becoming a full-time starter early in his career, logging 40+ starts through the 2024 season at left guard for Cincinnati.

Strengths

• Toughness & Durability: Reliable availability and plays through contact and handles high snap counts. Brings edge and effort and is not intimidated by NFL fronts despite his FCS origin story.

• Play Strength: Physical interior presence who can anchor against power rushers. Hard to collapse when technique is sound.

• Run-Game Physicality: Effective at generating movement on down blocks and double teams. Executes assignments consistently and understands angles and leverage.

• Coachability: Continues to improve year-over-year with reps and refinement.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Quickness: Can be stressed by quick interior penetrators and twist games. Functional but not dynamic when climbing to linebackers.

• Pass Protection Consistency: Susceptible to inside counters when feet stall. More steady than dominant and not a high-end athletic guard.

• Recovery Ability: Limited ability to recover once initially beaten.

• Hand Placement Discipline: Hands can drift wide, opening chest to counters.

Outlook

Volson is best suited for physical, balanced offenses that value toughness, interior stability, and reliability over flash. He fits well in gap, duo, and inside-zone schemes, where his strength and leverage can be maximized and he is less exposed laterally. Volson’s dependability allows offensive coordinators to maintain continuity up front, even in pass-heavy game plans. Looking ahead, Volson projects as a solid long-term starting guard or high-end depth option depending on roster construction. While his athletic ceiling limits elite upside, his durability, toughness, and experience give him a high floor and dependable starter profile. Teams valuing physicality and consistency will continue to see Volson as a trusted interior lineman capable of anchoring the left side of the offensive line and contributing to winning football. While reliable, the Bengals could look to upgrade the left guard position moving forward to help keep Joe Burrow more upright.