Amarius Mims is heading into 2026 with the kind of buzz that usually follows a player on the verge of something bigger. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the second-year offensive tackle looks like a potential anchor on the right side - and maybe much more than that.
The former first-round pick has the kind of physical profile that jumps off the page. At 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds, he brings a rare mix of size, strength and athleticism, and that combination has put him at the center of Cincinnati’s “bully ball” identity. He’s already making his presence felt by hammering defenders at the point of attack and opening up space in the run game.
That power shows up in a few different ways. Mims can seal the edge on outside runs, and he can also drive defenders backward on power concepts. In the run game, he has the look of a lineman who can simply take over a snap.
That matters even more as the Bengals try to build a more balanced offense in 2026.
The spotlight, though, won’t just be on what Mims does in the run game. His biggest job is protecting Joe Burrow, the quarterback who sits at the center of Cincinnati’s explosive passing attack alongside All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and standout Tee Higgins. After injuries and uneven play along the offensive line have caused problems in past seasons, keeping Burrow upright remains one of the team’s biggest priorities.
Mims’ growth could be the answer Cincinnati has been searching for on the right side.
What makes him especially intriguing is that all of that mass comes with surprising movement skills. He moves well for a player his size, and his footwork, recovery ability and length give him a chance to handle elite edge rushers while he keeps refining his technique with more NFL reps.
If he makes the jump people are expecting, the honors could come quickly. Pro Bowl recognition and even All-Pro consideration are both in play if he keeps pairing dominant run blocking with reliable pass protection.
For the Bengals, that kind of leap would mean more than individual praise. It could sharpen the offense, boost the ground game and give Burrow the protection Cincinnati needs to stay in the AFC championship conversation all season long.
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