Amarius Mims’ Raw Talent Could Be Perfect Fit In Cincinnati
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It’s not a secret the Cincinnati Bengals must improve their offensive line in the wake of another season ending injury to quarterback Joe Burrow. Ranked 26th by Pro Football Focus, to say there need to be upgrades would be an understatement.
The obvious need is to upgrade the tackle positions. With the Orlando Brown signing last off-season, left tackle, while not perfect, is solidified for the next few seasons. Right tackle is a completely different story. Jonah Williams, to the delight of many Cincinnati fans, no longer resides at the end of the Bengals offensive line’s right side.
Trent Brown was signed to a one year deal to take over at right tackle. Brown has been solid throughout his career but has been hampered by the injury bug as well. The former pro-bowler is more of a stop gap than a definite solution.
Having a soon to be 31 year old, with an injured past is not the ideal scenario to protect your franchise quarterback’s future. With a draft rich in tackles, Cincinnati will still be in outstanding position to draft a tackle at #18. Getting younger should be the priority, and the Bengals best option might just be Amarius Mims.
Mims would be the ideal pick based on what the Bengals need. He is extremely talented and might be the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft. He has incredible feet for a man his size, that he uses well to stay in front of ultra quick defensive ends. His long arms help with his punch at the point of attack and keep lineman from getting into his body.
He reminds many of former Georgia teammate Broderick Jones, a first round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers a season ago with his ability to flow to the second level. He uses that athletic ability to cut off back side linebackers and stays engaged through the whistle.
It goes without saying that a man his size is a phenomenal run blocker. He is able to reach the backside three techniques and not just cut them off. He gets movement off the line of scrimmage which is key in stretch run schemes.
Mims also would have the luxury of playing behind two veteran tackles and learn the intricacies of the position. Mims is a raw talent that didn’t see the field a ton while at Georgia. While he started in the playoffs and National Championship game in 2022, he was limited to six games in 2023 due to an ankle injury.
Because of this, his footwork can sometimes be a little sloppy. He was able to out athletic and overpower most guys in college, something he won’t be able to accomplish at the next level. A year learning technique and tricks of the trade would do him wonders. The Bengals would be fortunate to have such a luxury as a potential swing tackle for a season.
It’s an ideal situation for Mims. If the Bengals are being honest, this pick would be for him to take over the left tackle position in the future. Brown’s play has not matched his contract. If they can move off him after this season and plug in a younger more athletic version of him, Cincinnati won’t hesitate to do so.
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