Winners and losers from Bengals’ selection of Jonah Williams

The Bengals have taken Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams with the 11th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Williams is the first offensive tackle drafted by the Bengals since Jake Fisher back in 2015, and is the highest-selected offensive lineman by the franchise since they drafted Andre Smith with the sixth overall pick back in 2009, and for good reason.

What does this pick mean for the Bengals? Mostly good things. Here are our winners and losers for the Bengals picking Williams with their first round pick.

Winners

Andy Dalton: This is obvious. Pass protection has been a major issue for the Bengals’ offense for the past three years, and the right tackle spot has been the main culprit to that problem. Williams solves this issue immediately and will help Dalton immensely.

Joe Mixon: The Bengals’ workhorse back has also dealt with underwhelming blocking on the perimeter in his two years in Cincinnati. With Williams stepping into the lineup, look for more movement up front for Mixon.

John Miller/Clint Boling: No matter which side of the line Williams plays, he’s going to make his running mate next to him very happy. Williams is an expert at picking up tackle-end stunts in pass protection.

Jim Turner: For the second year in a row, the Bengals’ hired a new offensive line coach and drafted an offensive lineman in the first round. Now, Turner will build his offensive line with Williams as a centerpiece.

Zac Taylor: Picking the best player available at a major position of need — there are worse ways to start your first draft as a head coach. Taylor’s draft history starts off on the right foot.

Losers

Bobby Hart: Right away, this puts Hart’s starting job in danger. Hart’s still signed through the 2021 season, but his role for the 2019 season is very much up in the air.

Cordy Glenn: Glenn’s starting role at left tackle may be more safe than Hart’s, but it’s possible they see Williams as the starter at either spot. Glenn’s salary probably makes him a safe bet to start, but this puts his long-term future with the Bengals in jeopardy.

Lou Anarumo: A bit of a stretch here, but the Bengals’ 32nd-ranked defense still needs a lot of help and will go into the second day of the draft still looking for a linebacker and a defensive lineman. Presumably, Anarumo will have some influence in the upcoming rounds.