The last time Mel Kiper Jr. put out a mock draft he heaped praise on the Cincinnati Bengals in the process.
This time, Kiper wonders whether the Bengals can trade Andy Dalton after taking Joe Burrow — then used the second round to get Burrow some serious help up front.
Said help comes in the form of Houston offensive lineman Josh Jones:
“The Bengals get back 2019 first-rounder Jonah Williams, who missed his entire rookie season with a shoulder injury, so that fills the left tackle opening. But there are still holes at guard and right tackle. Jones started 45 games for the Cougars at left tackle, but some teams think he will move inside to guard. This would be the ideal top two picks for Cincinnati.”
Jones is a huge 6’5″, 319-pound prospect filled with untapped potential who looks like he could be a long-term starter on the left side.
Obviously, with Jonah Williams there, Jones could come in and fight it out with Bobby Hart on the right edge immediately. And if not that, as Kiper notes, he could always start his career inside.
This isn’t as flashy as a wideout for Burrow or a speedy linebacker. But taking a borderline first-round tackle and potentially upgrading the right side of the line might just end up being more important — especially during a year where offseason activities and even the preseason could end up shortened.
