Three Offensive Tackles The Cincinnati Bengals can Target in Round 2

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 05: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts in the second half of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Cardinal Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY – OCTOBER 05: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts in the second half of the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Cardinal Stadium on October 5, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

If the Cincinnati Bengal’s goal is to make Joe Burrow feel safe, placing Mekhi Becton in front of him would easily do the job. Becton, standing at 6’7″ and weighing in at nearly 370 pounds, clearly has the size to ensure he’ll never be overpowered, even against some of the strongest defensive ends the NFL has to offer.

While it’s his size that makes him stand out, it’s the adequate balance, mobility, and general athleticism he pairs with his frame that causes him to be such a special prospect.

He more than likely won’t set records at the combine, but he has more than enough speed to make blocks on the second level and in space when he needs to. Often times, he doesn’t need to work beyond the first block, as his overwhelming power can knock a defensive lineman in the path of a linebacker, paving a hole for his running back.

It’s difficult to tell if the Bengal’s would ask him to play right tackle, clearing the way for Jonah Williams to protect the blindside. Becton’s most natural fit appears to be on the left side. Regardless of where he lines up, he offers a big upgrade for the Bengal’s offensive front.

His stock is skyrocketing, so much so that NFL Network analyst Daniel Jerimiah has him as the first offensive tackle taken in the draft. Still, most scouts aren’t that high on him and have him ranked as the fourth-best tackle in the class currently.

Nonetheless, if he continues to impress, the front office may watch him slip off the board before their second selection. As the draft process plays out, Bengals brass will certainly hope that the three offensive tackles ahead of Becton on most boards, as well as the historic wide receiver class, will be enough to push him to their selection.