Bengals Pick Billy Price in 2018 NFL Draft Despite Serious Pectoral Injury

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft Thursday, and the reactions to the selection immediately flooded in:

Price's versatility makes him an intriguing prospect. He spent his first three seasons at guard for the Buckeyes before moving to center in 2017, winning the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top player at the position. 

Price is a strong, aggressive mauler who has the potential to be a force in the run game. 

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered the following scouting report on the interior offensive lineman:

"Plays like a Wildling at times with tremendous explosiveness, strength and almost excessive initial charge. Price's power and leverage give him a huge advantage over most centers in this draft. He should be able to come into the league and deal with NFL power right away. However, his impatience as a blocker and tendency to charge in head-first will be used against him by savvy NFL opponents if he doesn't get it cleaned up. Price is an early starter with Pro Bowl potential."

Chris Burke of The Athletic noted that Price "is so quick pulling and reaching the second level," while Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports added: 

As for whether Price settles at center or guard, Jon Ledyard of FanRag Sports likes him at the former:

One thing to keep in mind with Price, however, is he suffered a minor pectoral tear while doing the bench press at this year's NFL Scouting Combine, per ESPN, though he is expected to be back in action by training camp. It didn't hurt his draft stock, and the Bengals will be expecting Price to be a difference-maker on the interior of their offensive line for years.

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted a note from Price's doctor letting teams know he will be ready for training camp in July:

With Russell Bodine now in Buffalo, center was a huge need for the Bengals. Price should slide in and start immediately, helping to solidify a weak group. His addition, paired with the trade for tackle Cordy Glenn, should fuel an improvement in the team's line play.

That's big news for a squad that finished 30th in rushing yards in 2017. Price's selection isn't the sexiest one, but it's an important upgrade.