2023 DL Draft Prospects Group Assessment

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

On the outside, I think everyone will be back except Gunter. Who could get squeezed if we take at pass rusher.

We like guys with EDGE/DT versatility (Sample, Hill) and Lou lines DEs up inside on passing downs a lot (Ossai, Hubbard). Early on, guys like Van Ness, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Keion White jump iff as versatillity guys that would be both and Edge upgrade and help with interior pass rush. Brooks from BG fits that mold later on. Or maybe Foskey or Carter if we want straight Edge. Not sure a later round guy is gonna improve on Hendrickson, Hubbard, Ossai, or Sample. Gunter, maybe.

Inside a guy like Ika as a Reader/run-sropper clone has appeal. Guys like Benton or Mazi Smith a bit later as Tufele/Tupou upgrades. Maybe the kid from Toledo. Kancey is VERY intriguing, but I do not think he is big enough to be an every down guy. Which means he cannot really replace Hill or Carter. We'd have to carey 11 DLs or 10 with only 4 DEs.

You can never have too much pass rush, but in terms of bodies signed, we have zero need here, and more issues elsewhere. It is a fairly deep edge class, and there might be some value vets we could latch onto.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Will McDonald from Iowa State is flying up draft boards after a strong performance. He is more of an OLB guy who does not SEEM to fit our scheme. However, I would not rule out an OLB type pass rusher for a couple reasons.

1) You can never have too much pass rush.

2) Just like with Kancey, I doubt he (or any OLB type) could play every down for us. He'd be a pass rush specialist. Unlike Kancey, we would not have to carry 11 DLs to accomodate him. He couod simply take a spot on the roster as a LB (Bachie & Johnston are FAs). We do play dome 5 man fronts where he could play naturally. Or he could just take Gunter's spot.

Still, I think we'd prefer guys who could fill in every down if necessary.

[WVUHomer]

Based on Malik's tweets, we really seem interested in this DL class: Breesee, Dexter Jr, N. Smith

[*Synric*]

(03-01-2023, 02:41 PM)WVUHomer Wrote: Based on Malik's tweets, we really seem interested in this DL class: Breesee, Dexter Jr, N. Smith

Should be the DL and CB are the two deepest position groups in this draft class. I would be surprised if there isn't a corner or DL in the first 3 picks for the Bengals.

[WVUHomer]

(03-01-2023, 02:50 PM)Synric Wrote: Should be the DL and CB are the two deepest position groups in this draft class. I would be surprised if there isn't a corner or DL in the first 3 picks for the Bengals.

I think we could see both. Still surprised to see Nolan Smith but I understood it.

[*Synric*]

(03-01-2023, 02:53 PM)WVUHomer Wrote: I think we could see both. Still surprised to see Nolan Smith but I understood it.

Really...with Dexter on that list I assumed you meant Mazi Smith lol. Yea Nolan would be a different animal than the Bengals currently have... interesting.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-01-2023, 11:28 AM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Will McDonald from Iowa State is flying up draft boards after a strong performance. He is more of an OLB guy who does not SEEM to fit our scheme. However, I would not rule out an OLB type pass rusher for a couple reasons.

1) You can never have too much pass rush.

2) Just like with Kancey, I doubt he (or any OLB type) could play every down for us. He'd be a pass rush specialist. Unlike Kancey, we would not have to carry 11 DLs to accomodate him. He couod simply take a spot on the roster as a LB (Bachie & Johnston are FAs). We do play dome 5 man fronts where he could play naturally. Or he could just take Gunter's spot.

Still, I think we'd prefer guys who could fill in every down if necessary.

What do you mean strong performance?
The drills haven't happened yet, right?

[WVUHomer]

(03-01-2023, 02:56 PM)Synric Wrote: Really...with Dexter on that list I assumed you meant Mazi Smith lol. Yea Nolan would be a different animal than the Bengals currently have... interesting.

Lol yeah, thats why I made sure to put "N." the Smiths could be confusing without.

[WVUHomer]

Adding a name to this list.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

1. Can't wait for good ole Goodell pronouncing his name.

2. Liked what I heard he supposedly said during combine media questions. Per NFL Stock Exchange, (paraphrased) I like to study my opponents, use bull rush early, then use different moves they have issues with when they don't expect it.

[Housh]

Amazing group athletically


We may be damn near forced to double dip at DL or RB. Both groups are insane this draft

[WVUHomer]

(03-02-2023, 11:36 PM)Housh Wrote: Amazing group athletically


We may be damn near forced to double dip at DL or RB. Both groups are insane this draft

DBs and TEs too. Every position except OL so if we can get, say Jawaan Taylor, we're open to just being even more unbeatable.

Give me Taylor, Bell, Hurst then in the draft, AA, one of the falling DBs, and Izzy Abanikanda (even if i really like Payne, he's not a top priority for me unless the value is right) and we are at least hosting another PO game. Or better yet, holding a trophy.

[TecmoBengals]

Well, the no pads Olympics got me excited about Calijah Kancey. I'd take him at 28 if he made it down that far.

[NATI BENGALS]

Man I've been sleeping on Gervon Dexter Sr big time.

Enormous true junior 6'6" 310lbs. Only played 2 years of football in high school. Started 2 games as a freshman at Florida.
We drafted his team mate and good friend last year.

We took Carter in the 3rd last year. And I thought he had a great rookie year. The ceiling on Gervon is Chris Jones. He definitely needs some work. But damn the potential is enticing.

I've been looking for Byron Young DE Tenn or Isaiah McGuire DE Missouri in the mid rounds of my mocks. I probably have a new fav.

[phil413]

There are some good takes on this thread and I'm surprised it only has 2 pages since DL could actually be in play early if BPA falls. Kancey would be a weapon beside Reader. If they can pull money forward maybe they get Reader to sign for another year or two. They don't have to draft Reader insurance high, but a player like Jaqueline Roy could grow into being a versatile guy at UT or possibly NT if he bulks up.

I think they know they can always use more help on the DL, especially rushing the passer and other needs may not be as high as we think. They can take a TE by round 4 and he could challenge Smith for the starting gig with the depth of this class. We don't know how they view RT. Collins may not be out the door, Jonah may not be movable, they may be high on JC and even see Ford as an actual band aid. I think CB is a bigger need than DL, but again if a BPA falls they could pounce.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Thought I'd start circling back to these after the first wave of FA. We have our first DL signing in DE Tarell Basham. Contract details are not out yet. I'd expect a 1 year deal with around a $1 mil cap hit. Given his sub 270 pound frame, I expect him to compete as an edge rusher for the DE5 spit with Gunter rather than compete with Sample, who plays more in the Hubbard/set the edge role. Basham also has some OLB experience.

Position Group #8: Defensive End/Edg

I.  2023 Roster Status

A. Signed = 8. Cap Hit: Dead Cap; FA Year/Type

1. T. Hendrickson (DE#1): $15,476,460; $5,000,000; 2025 UFA
2. S. Hubbard (DE#3): $9,970,588; $6,000,000; 2026 UFA
3. J. Ossai (DE#3): $1,416,168; $568,224; 2025 UFA
4. C. Sample (DE#4/DT#3): $1,137,036; $394,072; 2025 UFA
5. J. Gunter (Reserve): $889,510; $58,530; 2026 UFA 
6. T. Basham (Reserve): Unknown
--------------
7. R. Johnson III (PS DE): $870,0000; $0; 
8. O. Carney (PS DE): $750,000, $0

B. Unsigned = 0.  2022 Cap Hit; FA Type

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

For the sake of completeness, here is NT/DT, nothing has changed here. We did have a FA visit at the position, but he signed with Philly. 


Position Group #9: Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle

I.  2023 Roster Status

A. Signed = 6. Cap Hit: Dead Cap; FA Year/Type

1. DJ Reader (NT#1): $15,521,324; $4,062,500; 2024 UFA
2. BJ Hill (DT#1): $10,833,333; $6,666,667; 2025 UFA
3. J. Tupou (NT#2): $1,570,888; $150,000; 2024 UFA
4. Z. Carter (DT#2): $1,154,531; $655,875; 2026 UFA
5. J. Tufele (NT#3): $940,000; $0; 2025 UFA
----------------
6. D. Davis (PS NT/DT): $750,000; $0; 2024 UFA

[*Synric*]

(03-03-2023, 10:28 AM)TecmoBengals Wrote: Well, the no pads Olympics got me excited about Calijah Kancey. I'd take him at 28 if he made it down that far.

Heard something interesting yesterday. Only one sub 32' arm DT has had a solid NFL career since 2000 and that's Ed Oliver at 31 3/4 ' arms. Calijah Clancey has sub 31' inch arms at 30 5/8ths. Dude has one of the best rip moves in college football but taking him in the first round is betting on a one of a kind player with some very low odds. His frame is in like the 2 percentile of DT since 2000. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(03-31-2023, 09:00 PM)phil413 Wrote: There are some good takes on this thread and I'm surprised it only has 2 pages since DL could actually be in play early if BPA falls.  Kancey would be a weapon beside Reader.  If they can pull money forward maybe they get Reader to sign for another year or two.  They don't have to draft Reader insurance high, but a player like Jaqueline Roy could grow into being a versatile guy at UT or possibly NT if he bulks up.

I think they know they can always use more help on the DL, especially rushing the passer and other needs may not be as high as we think.  They can take a TE by round 4 and he could challenge Smith for the starting gig with the depth of this class.  We don't know how they view RT.  Collins may not be out the door, Jonah may not be movable, they may be high on JC and even see Ford as an actual band aid.  I think CB is a bigger need than DL, but again if a BPA falls they could pounce.

We a largely in agreement. 

TE is the most pressing need in terms of a starting level player and overall depth. But it is a deep class and you don't want to reach at #28. Jonah's situation and the injuries to Collins and Awuzie could put RT and CB higher than they appear right now. 

With the upcoming extensions hits for Burrow, Chase, and likely Higgins/Wilson, getting starter level players on rookie/cheaper deals is valuable pretty much everywhere except QB/LB, and maybe safety if Hill, Scott, and Anderson pan out. Jonah's $12.6 mil and Collins' $9+ spring to mind immediately. Jonah is in his last year and Collins is signed thru 2024. Though IDK what we'd necessarily us $20 mil in cap savings on this year at this point. Though signing bonuses for Burrow, Higgins, & L. Wilson are gonna be pro-rated back in and are gonna be around $15 mil, which, coincidentally, is a little less than the cap cap space we currently have. 

Anyway, beyond the $35 mil we are paying iur top 3 OTs, and Mixon's deal, and Boyd's, DL is also VERY expensive. Hendrickson & Reader are both fantastic, and paid accordingly ($15 mil plus). Hubbard and Hill both around $10 mil. We coukd use more pass rush (inside & out) and uogrades to some of the depth with the potential to take over later. 

DT/NT is not super deep, but Kancey at #28 would be my pick unless one of the stud OTs (Skoronski, Johnson, B. Jones, Wright), CB's (Witherspoon, Porter, Gonzalez) or DEs (Wilson, Murphy, Van Ness) fall to us. Which seems unlikely outside of maybe Wright. There are some decent ones mid round, but I'd be hunting TE, CB, and DE first. Maybe RB/WR too. 

[phil413]

(04-01-2023, 12:04 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: We a largely in agreement. 

TE is the most pressing need in terms of a starting level player and overall depth. But it is a deep class and you don't want to reach at #28. Jonah's situation and the injuries to Collins and Awuzie could put RT and CB higher than they appear right now. 

With the upcoming extensions hits for Burrow, Chase, and likely Higgins/Wilson, getting starter level players on rookie/cheaper deals is valuable pretty much everywhere except QB/LB, and maybe safety if Hill, Scott, and Anderson pan out. Jonah's $12.6 mil and Collins' $9+ spring to mind immediately. Jonah is in his last year and Collins is signed thru 2024. Though IDK what we'd necessarily us $20 mil in cap savings on this year at this point. Though signing bonuses for Burrow, Higgins, & L. Wilson are gonna be pro-rated back in and are gonna be around $15 mil, which, coincidentally, is a little less than the cap cap space we currently have. 

Anyway, beyond the $35 mil we are paying iur top 3 OTs, and Mixon's deal, and Boyd's, DL is also VERY expensive. Hendrickson & Reader are both fantastic, and paid accordingly ($15 mil plus). Hubbard and Hill both around $10 mil. We coukd use more pass rush (inside & out) and uogrades to some of the depth with the potential to take over later. 

DT/NT is not super deep, but Kancey at #28 would be my pick unless one of the stud OTs (Skoronski, Johnson, B. Jones, Wright), CB's (Witherspoon, Porter, Gonzalez) or DEs (Wilson, Murphy, Van Ness) fall to us. Which seems unlikely outside of maybe Wright. There are some decent ones mid round, but I'd be hunting TE, CB, and DE first. Maybe RB/WR too. 

Yeah I'd really like for then to get creative with pulling forward guaranteed money to make a few 2024 guys have smaller hits.  Kancey is my dude too, but I'm not seeing the 2nd best DT available at 28. I also think it's hard for some of us fans see him without a bias.  In tape, I'm seeing Geno or Donald with a little less strength, both players have sentimental value being the one that kept us from a ring and the guy we wish could have won one as a Bengal. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(04-01-2023, 11:46 AM)Synric Wrote: Heard something interesting yesterday. Only one sub 32' arm DT has had a solid NFL career since 2000 and that's Ed Oliver at 31 3/4 ' arms. Calijah Clancey has sub 31' inch arms at 30 5/8ths. Dude has one of the best rip moves in college football but taking him in the first round is betting on a one of a kind player with some very low odds. His frame is in like the 2 percentile of DT since 2000. 

Surprised Geno had that much of longer arms, what was he? 32" even?

Gives me pause with Kancey though. I like Bresee, Mazi Smith, Will McDonald in the first 2 rounds.

Wilson, Murphy, Van Ness at Edge.

(04-01-2023, 12:04 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: We a largely in agreement. 

TE is the most pressing need in terms of a starting level player and overall depth. But it is a deep class and you don't want to reach at #28. Jonah's situation and the injuries to Collins and Awuzie could put RT and CB higher than they appear right now. 

With the upcoming extensions hits for Burrow, Chase, and likely Higgins/Wilson, getting starter level players on rookie/cheaper deals is valuable pretty much everywhere except QB/LB, and maybe safety if Hill, Scott, and Anderson pan out. Jonah's $12.6 mil and Collins' $9+ spring to mind immediately. Jonah is in his last year and Collins is signed thru 2024. Though IDK what we'd necessarily us $20 mil in cap savings on this year at this point. Though signing bonuses for Burrow, Higgins, & L. Wilson are gonna be pro-rated back in and are gonna be around $15 mil, which, coincidentally, is a little less than the cap cap space we currently have. 

Anyway, beyond the $35 mil we are paying iur top 3 OTs, and Mixon's deal, and Boyd's, DL is also VERY expensive. Hendrickson & Reader are both fantastic, and paid accordingly ($15 mil plus). Hubbard and Hill both around $10 mil. We coukd use more pass rush (inside & out) and uogrades to some of the depth with the potential to take over later. 

DT/NT is not super deep, but Kancey at #28 would be my pick unless one of the stud OTs (Skoronski, Johnson, B. Jones, Wright), CB's (Witherspoon, Porter, Gonzalez) or DEs (Wilson, Murphy, Van Ness) fall to us. Which seems unlikely outside of maybe Wright. There are some decent ones mid round, but I'd be hunting TE, CB, and DE first. Maybe RB/WR too. 

Nice post, Wilson really stood out to me in 1 game I watched him play last year. He looked unblockable and a man amongst boys.

(04-01-2023, 06:13 PM)phil413 Wrote: Yeah I'd really like for then to get creative with pulling forward guaranteed money to make a few 2024 guys have smaller hits.  Kancey is my dude too, but I'm not seeing the 2nd best DT available at 28. I also think it's hard for some of us fans see him without a bias.  In tape, I'm seeing Geno or Donald with a little less strength, both players have sentimental value being the one that kept us from a ring and the guy we wish could have won one as a Bengal. 

Well, as Synric noted, Kancey has short arms, could be why he falls to us...