ESPN's Bill Barnwell Names Jonah Williams a 'Loser' Following 2023 NFL Draft

Cincinnati didn't address two positions of need this past weekend.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
May 3, 2023 12:00 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals got high marks for the 2023 draft haul the team brought in but ESPN's Bill Barnwell has one player as a loser from all the selections: offensive tackle Jonah Williams.

The fact the Bengals did not land a tackle means it's less likely Williams gets his trade wish granted.

"Many of the players on this list didn't benefit in the draft because their team drafted competition for them on the roster," Barnwell wrote. "Williams might be upset because the Bengals didn't land a tackle. He requested a trade in March after the Bengals signed Orlando Brown Jr., a move which forced the former left tackle to move to the right side and compete with La'el Collins for starting work. As a player entering his fifth-year option season, it was no surprise Williams balked at moving to a less-lucrative position in a contract year.

"The Bengals could have moved him during the draft for picks if they had landed a right tackle of the future, but they used their early-round selections to supplement a defense in the middle of retooling. Williams might see competition from Collins, but Collins underwent knee surgery in January and could be a cap casualty. As it stands, it seems more likely Williams will be spending his 2023 in Cincinnati at right tackle."

With each passing day, it becomes more and more likely that Williams plays right tackle for Cincinnati on his $12.6 million option.

He does not want to switch to right tackle, but his injuries and inconsistent play, fair or not, is why Brown replaced him on the other side.

Williams, Jackson Carman, and Cody Ford are competing at right tackle throughout the next few months. Collins could get in that mix if he recovers quickly enough.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Zac Taylor and Lou Anarumo Discuss Decision to Take Myles Murphy

Bengals DE Myles Murphy Named Best Value of First Round

Bengals Take Myles Murphy in First Round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former NFL Offensive Lineman and Current Analyst Ross Tucker Compares Joe Burrow to Peyton Manning

Look: Bengals Stars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase Meet LSU's Angel Reese

Chris Long on Joe Burrow: 'Perfect Marriage' of Technique 'And That Dog'

Brian Callahan Discusses Ideal Running Back Prospect Traits For Bengals

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase Posts Eye-Popping Power Clean During Workout

Zac Taylor Names Irv Smith Jr. Starting Tight End: 'He's A Good Weapon For Us'