The 2024 NFL Draft is here and there has been no shortage of excitement. The Cincinnati Bengals have put everything aside to make sure they pick the right guy. After the way the first round fell, they have no complaints.
Cincinnati Bengals News Today
Coming into the draft, Cincinnati had a list of needs and a big board of who the best players were. By the end of Day 1, he was Ohio-bound. With two days left to go, they hope the board can keep falling their way. That and more in today’s Bengals news!
Bengals Select Georgia OT Amarius Mims
With the 18th pick, the Bengals took offensive tackle Amarius Mims out of Georgia. Coming into the day, offensive tackle was one of their biggest needs, and Mims is one of the best in this year’s class
Dreams to reality @amarius_mims#GoDawgs | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/SxIjUyXQCy
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 26, 2024
According to Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Mims is a top-32 prospect in the class and with plenty of raw talent that earned him his draft capital. “He doesn’t grade quite as highly as blue-chip OTs like Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu, but he’s in the next tier,” said Cummings.
Mims is 6’7″, 340 pounds, and will slot in as the Bengals right tackle when Trent Brown leaves town.
CONTINUE READING: Bengals 2024 NFL Draft Grades
Mims Goes From First-Round Pick to Fan-Boy
While Mims getting drafted in the first round was a life-changing moment, when quarterback Joe Burrow was mentioned, he got even more excited.
“Just watching Joe Burrow at LSU, I was like ‘Oh, my god. I would love to block for him one day,'” Mims said.
“Now that I have a chance to, it’s a blessing. I just look forward to getting in and talking with him. It feels like I’m a little kid almost, just getting around somebody you look up to.”
KEEP READING: Amarius Mims Fan-Boys Over Joe Burrow
‘We’re a Great Fit for Him’ — Bengals Banking on Mentors Making Mims a Mountainous Talent
While Mims is loaded with traits and talent, he lacks experience. As a result, he’ll need some on-the-job training with the Bengals. “We’re all of the opinion that the only reason he’s here for us to pick at 18 is probably because of the fact that he only has eight starts,” said offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher.
“And had he played this whole season the way he played in the tape that we saw, there’s a very low chance that we’re even having an opportunity to pick him.”
“We think we’re a great fit for him,” said head coach Zac Taylor.
Mims will get paired with two veterans, Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown, who can help him process and adjust to the NFL.
READ MORE: Bengals Relying On Mentorship For Amarius Mims
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!