NFL Draft grades: 10 first-round picks that get an A

Billy Price – Cincinnati Bengals (Pick #21)

There was a theme of this draft, and that was that this may have been the best interior offensive line class in a long time. The aforementioned Nelson kicked things off with the sixth pick. Luckily for the Cincinnati Bengals, the class had strength towards the back-end of round one. The Bengals had a desperate hole at center and filled that with local product Billy Price out of Ohio State.

A torn pectoral muscle at the combine was primed to tank Price’s stock. As the draft got closer though, reports were that Price would be ready for fall’s offseason work. Once that was assured, it was clear he was going to be a top 50 pick.

Versatility along the offensive line interior is a very valuable skill. Price has the ability to play guard or center at a very high level. Two years ago he was the Buckeyes guard while fellow top 50 pick Pat Elflein manned the pivot. He took over the snapping duties this past season and showed his abilities.

One of the most explosive and powerful offensive lineman in the draft will pop right into the starting lineup for Cincinnati at the center position. In a tough AFC North he will use that power to handle the massive players up the middle and open lanes for Joe Mixon and company. Price will have to clean up some aggresiveness to make the most of his talent, which is exceptional. Cincinnati solidified a huge weakness with a great player and was a fantastic pick.