Protect Joe Burrow. That should be the slogan for the Bengals in 2022. He was battered for 55 sacks in the regular and was taken down 19 times in the postseason, which included seven in the Bengals Super Bowl loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Bengals are currently a top-5 team in terms of cap space and will certainly be looking to fill holes on their offensive line through free agency. The NFL draft provides another opportunity for the Bengals to sure up the unit, and the Bengals will have plenty of prospects to choose from.

While Pro Football Focus named Cincinnati as a fit for Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning, another name popped up in their most recent mock draft: Boston College guard Zion Johnson.

Per PFF:

"Of course, the offensive line is going to be the talk of the offseason in Cincinnati, and while the Bengals shouldn’t force a pick here, Johnson is a good fit who fills a need and provides value. He’s an excellent all-around player who improved his grades every year and can make an impact both in the run game and in pass protection."

Below is Johnson's scouting report via Joe Marino of The Draft Network:

"Zion Johnson transferred to Boston College after playing at Davidson. It didn’t take long for Johnson to become a starter on a talented Eagles offensive line and he proceeded to start for three seasons. Two of those seasons came at left guard with one at left tackle. I believe his natural position is guard where his aggressive mentality enables him to handle the faster action that comes with playing on the interior. Johnson doesn’t have the ideal length or wide frame to play tackle in the NFL, although he can handle spot duty in a pinch. Johnson is a smart and physical blocker with consistent technique. He plays within himself and is rarely caught with poor posture or poor control of his frame. I believe he is best in pass protection but he’s still an above average run blocker that is comfortable operating in space. Johnson has plug-and-play potential at guard in the NFL and given how consistent his technique is, I would keep him on the left side. He has the makeup of an above average starter that can lock down a starting role at least through a second contract."

Johnson is an intriguing player given his versatility and that would go a long way toward helping the Bengals solve their offensive line issue. In addition to playing guard and tackle, Johnson added to his arsenal by taking reps at center during the Senior Bowl.

#BostonCollege OL Zion Johnson has looked really good this week. There were rumors that he was viewed as a center and he has looked very impressive playing there this week at the #SeniorBowl. Gotta love the versatility he brings to the table. pic.twitter.com/Ij0aNvDC3Q

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) February 3, 2022

Johnson was an ACC All-American every season he spent with the Eagles. He would be a Day 1 starter if selected by Cincinnati and he would help set a foundation to protect their long-term investment at quarterback in Burrow.

Feature image via Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports