Drafting with a lens on upcoming free agents

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(04-22-2023, 01:14 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: But why? I could see Reader playing at a high level for 3 more years.

(04-22-2023, 05:36 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: The thing is, Reader is a Top 5 DT. We can draft a DT at 28, but huge chance he's nowhere near as good as Reader. At 28, there's a decent chance a guy is a bust or not high quality starter.

It's what happened to us when we let Whitworth go.

It's a huge risk letting go of a good player and going with a rookie.

Assuming he stays healthy. He's missed 18 games in 3 years as a Bengal and guys don't get more durable in their 30s.

If he can't stay on the field, a guy who is 80% of what Reader is playing 100% of the games is actually more valuable because the backup behind Reader who will be pushed into the starting role (and the guy behind him on the PS or whatever who will be pushed into the rotational role) are a HUGE dropoff from even 80% of Reader... and the guy 80% of Reader won't be having $13.5-15.5m cap hits.

All a moot point if he stays healthy, but he's had trouble doing that as a Bengal.