3 Cincinnati Bengals who need to step up in 2021
By Alex Austin
Cincinnati Bengals who need to step up – No. 3: Jonah Williams
If you have read much about the Bengals this offseason, you have likely noticed that the success of the team hinges on whether the offensive line has improved sufficiently to protect Joe Burrow.
Having a stable of playmakers will only benefit the Bengals if Burrow has enough time to find his receivers and Joe Mixon has enough rushing lanes to work with. One of the biggest names to look for a jump in development is Jonah Williams.
Williams was drafted in the first round in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Bengals but missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Essentially, last year was his first time playing NFL football and it had the expected ups and downs for a first-year player. This year Williams seems poised to take the next step and become the lockdown left tackle Cincinnati expected him to be when they took him 11th overall two years ago.
Not having to worry about Burrow’s blindside would be an incredible strength to this offense. Even if other areas of the line struggle, Williams is at a position that cannot afford to be a weakness, especially after Burrow’s injury, there needs to be confident to stand in the pocket. Williams had a decent 2020, but he needs to take the next step forward for the Bengals to really start clicking.