The Cincinnati Bengals selected former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Jonah Williams in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. With his rookie season now on the immediate horizon, the up-and-coming blocker will face two very important proving-ground moments in 2019.

During his collegiate playing days at Alabama, Williams lost to former Clemson Tigers defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Christian Wilkins in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. With this trio now in the NFL, Williams will get the chance to avenge that loss, since he will surely match up against each player in 2019.

Williams and the Bengals visit the Oakland Raiders on November 17 to take on Ferrell and company, while Wilkins and the Miami Dolphins appear on the schedule on December 22.

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“Early entrant and three-year starter whose work ethic, attention to detail and desire to get better each day have made him a foundation piece of Alabama's dominant run,” reads his 2019 NFL Draft profile on NFL.com. “Like his idol, Joe Thomas, Williams uses angles, technique and body control to succeed in all facets of the game. He looked more comfortable in his pass sets at left tackle in his final year and he has the tools necessary to counter bigger, longer edge defenders despite a lack of ideal size and length for the left tackle spot. His cerebral nature and potential versatility should make him a safe pick and successful, long-time starter in the NFL.”

Williams will try to change the belief that the Bengals remain in line to be the worst team in the AFC North in 2019.