Cincinnati Bengals 4-round mock draft at the midway point

Bengals mock draft: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Bengals’ number one priority in the 2021 offseason should be to protect Joe Burrow with an improved offensive line. If the recently signed guard Quinton Spain is re-signed in free agency, that will help significantly along the interior, but it won’t be the only needed addition to the line.

Although Bobby Hart had an impressive game against the Browns two weeks ago, the Bengals desperately need to find a solution at the right tackle. At the start of the season, it seemed like the club would have a shot at acquiring a high enough draft pick to select Oregon tackle Penei Sewell with their first pick.

However, after their win over the Titans on Sunday, it has become less likely. That’s where Alex Leatherwood from Alabama comes in, who is an impressive tackle prospect himself. Leatherwood is a big, strong, and athletic tackle prospect who could immediately start at right tackle for the Bengals.

He plays with the power needed to hold his own against the top defensive lineman in the NFL. Alongside fellow Alabama alumni Jonah Williams, Leatherwood could give Burrow and the Bengals the stability needed at tackle to compete for years to come.

An offensive line that features Leatherwood, Williams, Spain, and Trey Hopkins would do a much better job at protecting Burrow than the Bengals’ opening day lineup at the start of the 2020 season.

While that may still leave a need at the other guard spot, Michael Jordan, B.J. Finney, or a free agent addition could fill that role and give the Bengals the offensive line they need.