2021 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins get top pick in new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
In Joe Burrow‘s rookie season I have the Bengals finishing out at 4-12 and ending up back in the top 10. Should this happen, there’s a likelihood that some of the blame will go to the offensive line.
This year, Cincinnati gets back Jonah Williams who missed last year to injury, which is almost like getting two first-round picks for them this year. If the line proves to be the issue, then in the 2021 NFL Draft they take another Alabama lineman, this time to take over the right tackle position, giving the Bengals a reason to part with the horrible contract of Bobby Hart.
Leatherwood is another top offensive lineman in next year’s class and putting him in front of Burrow would be a dream for the Bengals. He’s another youthful player to grow with Burrow over the next decade. He could have come out this year and been one of the top picks, but choosing to stay will most likely see him go higher in the 2021 NFL Draft than he would have gone this year.
The focus for Cincinnati has to shift to protecting Burrow and Leatherwood added to Williams solidifies both edges of the offensive for years to come.