What the Cincinnati Bengals did over the course of the 2023 NFL draft tells us a lot about the outlook for offensive tackle Jonah Williams and running back Joe Mixon.
Up first is Mixon. His well-documented issues staying on the field in key situations because of poor pass blocking, and the roughly $10 million the team would save by making him a post-June 1 cut, suggested the draft could be a place for the team to find his replacement.
And the Bengals did draft a running back, but not until the fifth round. Chase Brown should push for rotational snaps right away and could overtake Mixon in time, but not to the point of Mixon getting cut or traded before the season.
Zac Taylor confirmed as much after the draft, per Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Zac Taylor: I like Joe Mixon as our starting running back.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 29, 2023
As for Williams, the Bengals didn’t draft a single lineman over the course of eight picks. That suggests they will keep Williams, the former left tackle who put in a trade request after getting moved to right tackle due to Orlando Brown Jr.’s arrival. If the Bengals trade him, they would save $12.6 million against the salary cap.
Here’s the latest from Taylor:
Zac Taylor says Jonah Williams is a "valued" member of the team and also mentioned Jackson Carman will get a crack at the starting RT spot.
With Jonah's absence at the voluntary offseason workout program due to his injury, Taylor says Carman will get the looks
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 29, 2023
This doesn’t mean something won’t happen unexpectedly over the summer. Mixon has the off-field incident hanging over his head, and the team could change its mind if he doesn’t play ball on a potential pay cut. But it’s unlikely.
Williams moving is still more likely. The team has Cody Ford, La’el Collins and Jackson Carman competing at right tackle. But the Bengals would have to get an amazing offer, which might only come now if another team loses a key component during the summer.
As it stands now, the draft fell in a way that makes it clear Mixon and Williams are on board for 2023.
Our whole undrafted free agency tracker is here.
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