The Cincinnati Bengals played it safe in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft with Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams.
Safe, as in, getting a potential franchise left tackle.
Not bad for picking just outside the top 10. The Bengals had a few different possibilities at No. 11 after the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped them and took Michigan linebacker Devin Bush.
But Duke Tobin and Co. stayed the course and made Williams the first tackle off the board. He was a three-year starter in the SEC under Nick Saban and will boost the entire offense right away.
The “where” part of the equation isn’t as important. Williams has the physical tools and mental prep to play inside or out. That could mean throwing him on the right side in place of Bobby Hart or even kicking him inside at one of the guard spots.
This also could mean starting him as a rookie at left tackle and throwing Cordy Glenn somewhere else.
The resume, on field and off, as well as value and versatility Williams brings to the Bengals is a strong start to the Zac Taylor era.
Grade: A
