2019 NFL Draft: Projected First Round after NFL Combine

Alabama’s Jonah Williams has been scrutinized harshly since his collegiate career ended in Tuscaloosa, largely for ridiculous reasons. The main issue that has popped up with Williams is his arm-length is a hair shorter than is preferred for NFL offensive tackles, and many scouts believe that he may have to kick inside to guard at the next level in order to be successful.

Regardless of where Williams plays in the NFL, I think he’s still the top offensive lineman in this draft class, although Florida’s Jawaan Taylor and Oklahoma’s Cody Ford have made strong pushes for that throne.

The Alabama product was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, manning both right and left tackle during his career. The Bengals have a hole at right tackle with Bobby Hart’s free agency, and they could look at replacing him with their first round draft pick. Williams has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line, and he should be an instant contributor for whoever picks him.

Cincinnati covets Devin White, but they would likely have to move up to draft him at this point with the LSU product putting on a show in Indianapolis. I doubt he would be available by the time the Bengals pick, but if he is then they will pull the trigger on him without hesitation.

With White off the board, I think they would look at more ancillary needs, although they might seriously consider Michigan’s Devin Bush, who put together a strong performance in Indianapolis as well and sports similar measurables to the LSU product. He’s probably too much a reach here, though, so Williams makes the most sense if they stand pat.