Bengals 3-round mock draft: Cincinnati adds local star in first round

Round 2: Pick 57 – Zion Johnson, OG (Boston College)

The only true weakness on the offensive side of the ball is the offensive line. Jonah Williams has that left tackle job locked up (though he’s due for an extension here soon) but that’s the only position that has a surefire starter in place for 2022.

The hope is that the Bengals can re-sign Quinton Spain in free agency and even if they do, the pick of Zion Johnson in the second round is a great move for the future. Johnson played both left tackle and left guard during his time at Boston College but is definitely more suitable for a starting guard job in the pros, preferably at left guard.

If the Bengals retain Spain, they could opt to move him over to right guard, which has been a revolving door this season or Johnson could learn to play right guard instead. He’s great in pass protection and while not as strong as a run blocker, he’s still decent in that department.

Cincinnati can figure out the logistics of who goes where on the o-line once they draft Johnson. His best position would be at left guard but if it’s easier to slide him to right guard, then so be it. He’s too talented of a player to pass up though.