Former Bengals Coach Believes in Jackson Carman: 'I Saw Him as a First Round Pick'

"I think it's a steal. I don't think it's a reach. I'd put him in the steal category."

CINCINNATI — The Bengals selected Clemson offensive tackle Jackson Carman with the 46th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday night. 

The selection received mixed grades from analysts across the country, but former Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander is bullish on the 21-year-old. 

"He's a powerful guy. He can knock guys off the ball better than any lineman in this draft," Alexander told Dan Hoard on the Bengals Booth Podcast. "He can stop the bull rush, but he also has terrific balance and agility to pass block. I saw him as a first round pick. I know that Mel Kiper and friends probably had him lower, but I guess too bad. I think it's legitimate. I think it's a steal. I don't think it's a reach. I'd put him in the steal category."

That's high praise from Alexander, who served as the Bengals' offensive line coach from 1994-2017. He helped draft players like Andrew Whitworth, Willie Anderson, Levi Jones and Eric Steinbach. 

Alexander has worked with Carman during the pre-draft process. He's gotten to know the Clemson product well, as has Anderson, who also gave the Bengals his stamp of approval before the pick was made on Friday night.  

The Bengals had some of the worst guard play in the NFL last season.

Alexander believes Carman will be an instant starter at guard and can eventually transition to tackle. Listen to Hoard's entire conversation with him below. 

For more on the NFL Draft, bookmark AllBengals and check out our LIVE draft tracker here.

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