04-28-2023, 10:42 AM
(04-28-2023, 10:22 AM)Nepa Wrote: I understand Bengals fans concern about selecting of a edge rusher. They have Hendrickson (who makes top 100 lists) and Hubbard and Ossai. It doesn't seem as much of an immediate need as some other positions. (Lost the two safeties to free agency, don't have the best TEs, always need CB help for Lou's schemes; need a RB; and at some point need an interior presence to support or eventually replace Reader.)
But still, the Bengals ended up with so few QB pressures last year that only three teams had fewer and the Bengals were 29th in sacks. If Myles Murphy can help address this -- whether directly or by giving breathers to the sometimes running on fumes Hendrickson -- then it will be a very valuable pick. Likewise, he is good against the run and the AFC north has all these running QBs. Best case scenario: Murphy becomes a major sack and QB pressure machine. Worst case scenario -- he develops into someone who can capably replace Hendrickson or Hubbard when their contracts expire and they go the free agency route. I don't see him as someone who will be a bust -- not with his motor.
Fans concerned with this selection are seemingly not looking at the situation with clear perspective:
* To begin with he was the BPA. Tobin was clear what would drive their selection.
* Hendrickson and Hubbard played too many snaps last season and this cost the Bengals down the stretch. Both players were exhausted!
* Ossai is a situational pass rusher at this point far more than he is an every down DE at the NFL level. Murphy is an every down starting caliber DE prospect.
* What safety, DT, TE, or RB was ranked above Murphy?
* The only CB ranked above Murphy was Porter Jr. who is not a great scheme fit for the Bengals so they probably had Murphy graded above Porter on their board.
You do not leave talent on the board to draft less talent because of a perceived need from the fans! Great teams have great depth and Murphy can come off the bench on any down and distance in relief of either Hubbard or Hendrickson and do it with starting caliber traits.
It was a no brainer selection. Oh and by the way every TE that started the day on the board is still on the board other than Kincaid who it could be argued was over drafted. Not sure why there is such panic about this position.
