Bengals can take familiar route in NFL Draft to fill big need
The Nick Saban era of Alabama football produced several Cincinnati Bengals draft picks; none higher than Andre Smith and Jonah Williams.Not only were each of them first-round picks of the Bengals, they were offensive tackles for the Crimson Tide.Smith was picked sixth-overall. Williams went 11th overall. Another tackle from Bama has a decent chance of […]
The Nick Saban era of Alabama football produced several Cincinnati Bengals draft picks; none higher than Andre Smith and Jonah Williams.
Not only were each of them first-round picks of the Bengals, they were offensive tackles for the Crimson Tide.
Smith was picked sixth-overall. Williams went 11th overall. Another tackle from Bama has a decent chance of ending up in Cincinnati at the 18th overall pick.
JC Latham's fit with the Bengals
JC Latham is the next—and possibly final—edge protector to become a first-round selection from the Saban era. A two-year starter at right tackle, the former five-star recruit is considered one of the top five offensive tackles in the class of 2024 draft.
A to Z Sports' Destin Adams paired Latham with the Bengals in his latest first round mock draft, and has evaluated the tackle as an immediate contributor at whichever tackle spot his team needs him to play.
"After losing Joe Burrow for the season, the Bengals have to do everything in their power to add to their offensive line this offseason. Luckily for them, this is a really nice class to do just that. I have them going to Alabama's JC Latham, who can play either tackle spot and projects as a day-one starter." – A to Z Sports' Destin Adams
Pro Football Focus has graded Latham above 81 in pass blocking each of the last two seasons. His size and strength at 6-6 and 330+ pounds proved to be overwhelming even against the best players in the SEC.
Cincinnati's need at tackle is directly dependent on what happens with Williams, who just wrapped up his fifth season and first at right tackle. Williams is scheduled to become a free agent, and nearly a year after requesting a trade from the team, it's not likely that he returns to the Bengals.
Should the Bengals want to keep Williams, it may not cost them that much. A to Z Sports salary cap experts Josh Queipo and Kyle Dediminicantanio project Williams will only command a one-year deal worth $5 million.
Swapping one Alabama tackle for another could end up being an ideal scenario for the Bengals. Latham would solidify an offensive line that still lacks upside and is in desperate need of youth. The club could spend a premium on a replacement in free agency, but drafting Latham instead would be much more cost effective. If only the draft happened earlier in the offseason.
Cincinnati has gone years without using a premium pick on an offensive lineman. They're past due to take a swing, and Latham has the makings of a home run.
Bengals return to their roots in latest mock draft
Cincinnati double-dips in a program they know very well.
