Bengals rumored to be looking for o-line help early in the NFL Draft

By trading for Orlando Brown Jr., the Cincinnati Bengals believed they had killed two birds with one stone. Brown is set to take over as the offense's new left tackle for the next four years. The player he's replacing, Jonah Williams, is still valued by the club as they want him to play right tackle […]

John Sheeran Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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By trading for Orlando Brown Jr., the Cincinnati Bengals believed they had killed two birds with one stone.

Brown is set to take over as the offense's new left tackle for the next four years. The player he's replacing, Jonah Williams, is still valued by the club as they want him to play right tackle instead. 

That plan has since been complicated due to Williams' trade request. 

Williams' discontent with his new reality is known, but the Bengals won't give him what he wants unless it makes sense for them. 

One such scenario would be if they landed a falling tackle prospect in the NFL Draft. 

Per ESPN NFL Draft expert Matt Miller, the Bengals may still address the offensive line in the first three rounds of the Draft, and Ohio State right tackle Dawand Jones makes sense at the end of the second round. 

The Bengals added left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency, but there is still talk they could address the offensive line in the first two days of the draft. Right tackle, depending on what happens with Jonah Williams' trade request, could be an early area of focus. Darnell Wright (Tennessee) — the best right tackle in the class — likely will be off the board by the time Cincinnati is on the clock in Round 1, but Dawand Jones (Ohio State) could be a plug-and-play find in Round 2. The Bengals also have big needs in the secondary and at tight end. – ESPN's Matt Miller

Previously thought of as an option for the 28th overall pick, Jones' stock has been trending downwards after not participating in his pro day workout and reportedly weighing in close to 400 pounds. 

Weight is just one factor when it comes to the former OSU Buckeye. His lack of scheme versatility may push him down boards alone. Jones was not featured in Mel Kiper Jr.'s recent two-round mock draft, and is currently ranked 62nd on Dane Brugler's top-100 board. 

Cincinnati appears to be a good fit for the giant-sized right tackle. They've fully transitioned to a gap-scheme rushing offense out of shotgun, and are prioritizing big-bodied pass-protectors who can withstand power. Jones would theoretically fit like a glove, but only if he maintains proper playing shape. 

The risk factor with Jones is obvious, but for a late-second round pick, it might be a risk worth taking. It would also open the door for Williams to be traded soon afterwards.

Williams initiated his trade request out of the desire to be a left tackle. He'd be giving up the chance to start another year for a contending team if he gets his wish, but playing left tackle elsewhere would increase his potential earnings next year if he plays well. 

If the Bengals select Jones, or any tackle prospect to start in this draft, the chances of him getting traded would increase dramatically. 

The door is still open for that to happen.