Yahoo Sport 
- Associated Press
Bengals take OT Amarius Mims in the NFL draft as Cincinnati seeks better protection for Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals, seeking an offensive tackle who can play in front of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow for years to come, chose huge Georgia tackle Amarius Mims in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night. The 6-foot-8, 340-pound Mims, a gifted pass protector, played seven games and suffered a high ankle sprain that required surgery in his third year at Georgia in 2023. The Bengals lost tackle Jonah Williams to Arizona in free agency.
Cincinnati Draft Picks
Amarius
Mims
1
Rnd
18
Pk
OL
Position
- Draft Grade: A+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 11
- School: Georgia
- Height: 6' 8"
- Weight: 340
Expert Commentary
Love this pick! Mims did not play a whole bunch of football in college due to injury and depth, but he is not lacking for talent and skill. He has the size at 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds with the technique of the purest pass protectors in the NFL. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have no problem assimilating to the NFL.
Kris
Jenkins
2
Rnd
17
Pk
DL
Position
- Draft Grade: C+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 71
- School: Michigan
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 299
Expert Commentary
Jenkins is a solid defensive lineman who can play all over the line, but might not be a true standout at any position. Still, Jenkins has the talent and opportunity to develop into a steady presence for the Bengals.
Jermaine
Burton
3
Rnd
16
Pk
WR
Position
- Draft Grade: B
- School: Alabama
- Height: 6' 0"
- Weight: 196
Expert Commentary
Burton is extremely talented, but had some character red flags this offseason. He’s the perfect guy to pair with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase for the long term — and maybe Tee Higgins, too? Regardless, Burton can make big plays happen downfield.
McKinnley
Jackson
3
Rnd
33
Pk
DL
Position
- Draft Grade: C
- School: Texas A&M
- Height: 6' 2"
- Weight: 326
Expert Commentary
The Bengals needed defensive line depth and might have found that with the steady Jackson from Texas A&M.
4
Rnd
15
Pk
5
Rnd
14
Pk
6
Rnd
18
Pk
6
Rnd
38
Pk
7
Rnd
4
Pk
7
Rnd
17
Pk
AFC North Table
| W | L | T | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 4 | 0 | .765 | |
| 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | |
| 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 |
- x
- - Clinched Playoff Spot
- z
- - Clinched Home Field