Reaction by national media members and social media posts were mostly positive with the selection of Jonah Williams. Players, fans and media members were almost as thrilled as Williams himself.
The Bengals selection of Williams drew widespread praise from NFL Draft experts.
Grade – A+
"This is a home run for Cincinnati. Williams is a dependable technician and plug-and-play starter with the potential to be a Pro Bowler at any spot on the offensive line. The 2018 first-team AP All-American has light feet and excellent balance, is rarely caught leaning or lunging at an opponent, and controls opposing rushers well with the timing of his punch."
Grade – A
"The only knock against Jonah Williams is that his arms are a little short. Who cares? It was never a problem on the field. Williams was the best all-around tackle in the draft, and the Bengals got him outside of the top-10. That's rare. This was a no-brainer for Cincinnati, especially with Andy Dalton still producing with a modest cap number."
Grade - A
"Cincinnati desperately needed help at offensive tackle, and Williams proved he can handle playing on the left or right side at Alabama. With both of the top inside linebackers off the board, this pick made a whole lot of sense. Just a solid pick."
Grade – Top 5 Value Pick
"The Alabama product was not only my highest-rated offensive lineman, but he ranked fifth overall in my model. There were some questions before the draft about whether teams viewed Williams as a guard or tackle. To me, and especially now as a Bengal, Williams is a tackle."
Grade – B+
"He did some good things against Clelin Ferrell. He's a plug and play...He'll be a consistent starter in the National Football League."
Grade – B+
"Many think that Williams can play guard or tackle in the NFL, which is good because the Bengals need help at both spots. Williams predominantly played left tackle at Alabama, but with Cordy Glenn that is one of just two stable positions along Cincy's front five (the other is center, which is occupied by last year's first-rounder Billy Price)."
Grade – B
"Williams is a sound, consistent blocker who can hold down left tackle for Cincinnati for years. Hopefully….a blocker like Williams should ideally maximize what Andy Dalton can do."
Grade - B
"A detailed-obsessed film junkie, Williams can play every position on the O-line, save center. That gives the Bengals flexibility. Not a sexy pick, but Cincinnati can plug him in for the next eight to 10 years."
Images of the Bengals' 2019 first round pick, offensive tackle Jonah Williams from the NFL combine and his career at Alabama.
Portrait of Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams at the NFL Combine, Thursday, February 28, 2019, in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams (73) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams (73) looks for a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama offensive lineman Jonah Williams runs the 40-yard dash in this pan motion image during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Jonah Williams, OT | Round 1
Alabama tackle Jonah Williams poses with his new jersey after the Cincinnati Bengals selected Williams in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Alabama tackle Jonah Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Cincinnati Bengals selected Williams in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Alabama tackle Jonah Williams takes the stage after the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Alabama tackle Jonah Williams signs an autograph as he walks the red carpet ahead of the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Alabama tackle Jonah Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Cincinnati Bengals selected Williams in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
