Bengals Trade Down, Take Clemson Offensive Lineman Jackson Carman in Second Round

The Bengals' quest to build around Joe Burrow continues

Author:
James Rapien
Updated:
Apr 30, 2021 8:34 PM EDT
Original:
Apr 30, 2021

CINCINNATI — The Bengals' quest to build around Joe Burrow continued on Friday night in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

They used the 46th pick on Clemson offensive lineman Jackson Carman. The 21-year-old attended Fairfield High School, which is about 30 minutes away from downtown Cincinnati.

The Bengals originally had the No. 38 pick, but they traded it to the Patriots for the 46th selection and two fourth-round picks.

"He's gonna come in and compete for a starting job," offensive line coach Frank Pollack said without hesitation.

Prior to round two, league sources told AllBengals that the team was seriously interested in taking Carman. Rather than drafting him with pick 38, they were able to add two more selections and still get their guy.

At 6-foot-4, 317 pounds, Carman has the size NFL teams look for in a starting offensive guard. He was a tackle at Clemson, but most scouts expect him to kick inside once he gets to the pros.

"He'll come in and compete at guard right away," head coach Zac Taylor said. "He has great athleticism. He's shown he can do it against some really good competition. We certainly feel like there's a lot of upside with Jackson."

Carman was college teammates with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins for two seasons.

The 21-year-old has worked with Bengals legend Willie Anderson and former offensive line coach Paul Alexander. Watch some video of him below.

For more on the NFL Draft, bookmark AllBengals and check out our LIVE draft tracker here.

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