The one thing the Cincinnati Bengals have proven in their 56-year history is that they know how to draft great linemen. Nameable, offensive tackles. Anthony Munoz was the first Bengal to make it to the Hall of Fame. He anchored the Bengal line from 1980 to 1992. Willie Anderson is on the edge of being a Hall-of Famer. Anderson rarely gave up any sacks and dominated defensive tackles from 1996 to 2007. Andrew Whitworth will likely be a Hall member himself. Whitworth was a Bengal from 2006 to 2016 before heading to Los Angeles to win a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Let’s not act like Cincy hasn’t had some forgettable high lineman drafts, also. This season, the first player taken was Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims. Mims has a world of potential and excellent technique. He proved at Georgia he is capable of flattening and pancaking defenders. The knock on the Bengal first rounder is his lack of playing experience. Many criticized Cincy for picking the unproven Mims.
The much improved Bengal offensive line had underachieved last season and needed a boost. The team went out and signed former Patriot Trent Brown from the New England Patriots to replace former first round pick Jonah Williams who left for greener pastures to the Arizona Cardinals.
There are no stats for offensive linemen. Your worth and value is built through your reputation. The young Bengal will be the first to tell you he has a lot to learn. “I just try to pay attention to the vets and get better,” said Mims. It was this past Saturday the Bengals first round draft played in his first game as a Bengal. Mims got the start in place of an injured Trent Brown. The former Georgia Bulldog held his own against Tampa Bays best. With first teamer Brown just now getting back from injury, Mims has gotten extra reps and valuable experience. The mammoth 6-8 Mims has always been a star. Even in high school the Cochran, Georgia, native was a 5 star recruit coming out of Bleckley County High School. Some have compared Mims to the great Willie Anderson. It may be far too early to put that pressure on him, but if the Bengals first rounder can stay healthy, the sky will be the limit for his size and talent. Starter Trent Browns health may caste Mims into a starting role sooner than he knows.