Bengals select Jonah Williams with the 11th pick in NFL Draft

With the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Jonah Williams.

Regarded by many experts as the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft, getting Williams at No. 11 was an absolute home run start of the Zac Taylor era. Williams can play either tackle spot but will likely be the franchise’s future left tackle.

The Bengals came into the draft in desperate need of a quality offensive tackle prospect, and the team is hoping Williams is the answer to what’s been a revolving door at both tackle spots.

Cordy Glenn is expected to start at left tackle this coming season, but after back-to-back injury-plagued seasons and poor play, the Bengals could opt to release Glenn and save $7,250,000 this year.

Then there’s the issue at right tackle, where Bobby Hart did just sign a three-year deal worth up to $21 million, but he’s one of the NFL’s worst starting lineman at any position. He needs to be replaced ASAP.

All of this is why taking a tackle here made the most sense. It will be interesting to see how Williams is used as a rookie, as he could end up playing either tackle spot depending on what the team does with Glenn. Some experts projected Williams to be a guard at the NFL level, so don’t rule him out starting there either.

The Bengals’ remaining top draft needs are:

LB, QB, DE, DT, TE

Day 1 NFL Draft schedule: 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 25: (10 minutes per pick)

Here’s a link to the full seven-round NFL Draft order and live draft tracker!