Cincinnati Bengals 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Building around Joe Burrow

Now the Bengals can turn their attention to the offensive line and they do so with a player who could potentially be a first-round pick. Alex Leatherwood was a longtime starter at Alabama and ended up being one of the anchors of the best offensive lines in the country.

While he’s not a terrific mover or athlete, he’s aggressive, smart and powerful on the edge. Making him even more valuable, he garnered experience as both a tackle and guard for the Crimson Tide. For a line that’s as devoid of effectiveness and talent as Cincinnati’s, adding a player with the ability, mentality and leadership of Leatherwood could be pivotal.

Depending on what the Bengals do with William Jackson III and a number of other players in the secondary, the defensive back group could use some serious help this offseason. As such, if a player such as Trill Williams is there for them at the beginning of the third round, they would have to make the pick.

At Syracuse, the long, rangy Williams played all over the back end of the defense and has the physical tools to do the same in the NFL as well. His best fit might be as an outside corner given his frame and explosiveness but, as he develops more instincts and a feel for that position, he could be a move piece in the defense.

Most fans have heard of Deonte Brown at this point as photos of him at Alabama and then at the Senior Bowl left many of them in awe of his size. Make no mistake, he’s a mountain of a man who is able to assert his physical will in many situations.

With his size, it shouldn’t be shocking that Brown struggles with quicker players and isn’t a great puller or mover. In fact, it could be to his detriment. But if Cincinnati wants to truly invest in the offensive line via the draft, then adding a player of Brown’s physical tools to be a tone-setter on the interior would ultimately make sense.