Linderbaum

[*SHRacerX*]

(04-19-2022, 12:56 PM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: I think Linderbaum and Zion are similarly elite/crazy value picks at 31. I have the CBs up there because of need, so maybe I should change it to:

1. Linderbaum
2. George Karlaftis
3. Zion Johnson
4. Kaiir Elam
5. Andrew Booth Jr.
6. Kenyon Green

CB isn't such a big need that we should choose them over an elite prospect like Linderbaum, Karlaftis or Johnson.

Won't get any argument from me on this now.  I could even be swayed to take Linderbaum over Karlaftis because there will be pass rushers that can contribute in each round but not starting caliber centers with the tape of Linderbaum.  

One question I keep asking myself is that if Linderbaum is there at 31, and the Bengals don't select him, could he fall to them in Rd 2?  The answer is highly unlikely.  Even though he is only a fit for about half the teams, scheme-wise, teams like the Ravens also need a center and would be all over him in Rd 2.  

Which takes me to ANOTHER place:  Cleveland picks right ahead of Baltimore at 44, and they may need a center as well...which takes me to Atlanta at #43.  They are looking to stockpile picks.  The Bengals have 8 picks and let's face it, a lot of them might not make the roster.  Offer Atlanta our 2nd round pick at #63 and....nope.  The point chart says they would need our 3rd and 4th pick and maybe something else to equal the disparity in values. 

I guess my dream scenario is becoming Karlaftis and Carman figures it out and becomes a solid LG.  A bit of a risk with Carman, but the Bengals had zero pass rush down the stretch in the big game.  They need rotational studs and a better pass rush to win it all this year.  I think that is actually priority one now that the offensive line has had so much help in the offseason.  

Last year the free agency focused on the defense and the draft focused largely on the offense.  I think the script will flip and I could see the Bengals having three straight defensive players in this draft like DE, CB, and DT.  WR depth is there for help later on as is some guard competition for Carman.