With a clear need to protect star quarterback Joe Burrow, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11 last season, the Cincinnati Bengals have addressed their offensive line by selecting Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite having just eight career starts and playing only 802 total snaps during his time at Georgia, Mims brings exceptional size and athleticism to the Bengals’ offensive line, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 340 pounds. Mims’ impressive collegiate record with zero quarterback hits or sacks allowed on 377 pass-blocking snaps, as per Pro Football Focus, highlights his potential as a reliable protector for Burrow. While Mims’ lack of experience may raise some concerns, the Bengals’ addition of veteran offensive tackle Trent Brown in free agency provides a buffer, allowing Mims to develop without the immediate pressure of starting. Head coach Zac Taylor believes that Cincinnati is the ideal landing spot for Mims, stating that the team is excited about his potential and that veterans Trent Brown and Orlando Brown Jr. can guide his progress. With the run on offensive tackles in the first round of the draft, the Bengals were fortunate to secure Mims at No. 18, a move that could pay dividends in the long run as they look to protect their franchise quarterback and make a deep playoff run.