Anonymous NFL executive perfectly explains Bengals' 'calculated risk' with their first-round pick

There's no denying that Amarius Mims can touch the clouds, literally and figuratively. The only thing higher than his height is his ceiling as an offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals.

A phenomenal athlete with massive size at just 21 years of age is the ideal profile for a would-be Pro Bowler or All-Pro pass protector, and the tape that already exists is very good.

But no prospect is perfect, and the Bengals are accepting the risk that comes with Mims. The feeling outside the building is the risk is worth it.

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Mike Sando of The Athletic gauged the thoughts of anonymous team executives from around the AFC. One exec perfectly laid out why the Bengals took a swing on Mims with the 18th overall pick in the first round:

“It’s a calculated risk because he is talented. You have to bank on the talent to shine. And while we want the first-round picks to play right away, if Orlando Brown and Trent Brown play to their standard, they will not need Mims to be ready right now. He can redshirt to a degree, but be ready as needed and take over next year.”

803 career snaps from 30 games played and eight starts is what's on Mims' resume at the moment. That lack of in-game experience makes him more of a projection than most of his peers, and a potential wild card if he were to play as soon as possible.

But this exec nailed it on the head. The presence of both Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown create the ideal runway for Mims to properly take off in time. The reps he'll get in the preseason and during practice behind both starters will help him start his career on more stable footing.

Mims was so tantalizing as a prospect because the best possible outcome with him is achievable. Very rarely do players drafted when he went off the board have a legitimate All-Pro ceiling. His talent level is through the roof, and allowing so few pressures and zero sacks as an SEC offensive linemen is a testament to that.

A ceiling that high can only be hit if the plan for Mims is smart. Asking him to start right away would only add more risk to the equation.

The Bengals were an ideal to take on this "calculated risk."

Related: Georgia OL Amarius Mims 2024 NFL Draft Profile