Jones ready to be Bengals’ bookend for years to come

By Connor Byrne | Tuesday, July 25, 2006 | ( 0 )

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When the Cincinnati Bengals used the 10th overall pick on left tackle Levi Jones in the 2002 NFL Draft, they were mocked for supposedly "reaching" on a player who had no business being selected that high. Four years later, Jones has become an elite lineman and one of the Bengals' most integral performers.

On Tuesday, the organization made its best move of what has been a tumultuous offseason by agreeing with Jones on a contract extension through the 2012 season. The Bengals signed the 6-5, 300-pounder to a six-year deal worth $40 million, making him the fourth-highest paid offensive lineman in the National Football League. Jones' deal also includes over $16 million in guaranteed money.

In the first four seasons of his pro career, the former Arizona State stalwart has appeared in 63 games and started in 61. Last season, Jones finished with career-lows in penalties taken (six) and sacks allowed (five). It was evident that the soon-to-be 27-year-old showed enough improvement to make many in Cincinnati and around the league believe he has enough potential to become a dominant blocker up front.

Without question, Jones is the most important offensive lineman for the Bengals' future. Although his fellow standout linemates, right tackle Willie Anderson and left guard Eric Steinbach, both have contracts expiring after the upcoming season, Jones brings more upside than the pair.

The 340-pound Anderson is Cincinnati's best player up front; however, it's a wonder how much the 11-year veteran has left in the tank at the age of 31. Meanwhile, Steinbach has been superb in his three-year career, but the former second-round pick should be someone the Bengals can lock up at some point before next March's free agency period, since guards normally aren't given left tackle money - except for the Minnesota Vikings' Steve Hutchinson.

In 2006, Jones' most important task will be to protect the blindside of Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer. In January's AFC Wild Card Playoff Round, Palmer was hit in his left knee by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen, causing the signal-caller to tear numerous ligaments, damage cartilage and dislocate his kneecap. Many in Cincinnati are worried about the health of their young star under center, so Jones will need to perform at an elite status to keep the 26-year-old's knee intact.

The 2005 season saw the Cincinnati Bengals finish fourth in the league in points scored and eighth in total yardage accumulated. Much of that was thanks to Jones and the rest of his linemates, who paved the way for Palmer, receiver Chad Johnson and running back Rudi Johnson to dominate. As long as that pace keeps up, the team should once again be a strong playoff competitor in an extremely difficult AFC North division.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on Levi Jones at Realfootball365.com.

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