Grade The Draft

[*Synric*]

(05-07-2023, 08:00 AM)OSUfan Wrote: I find it hysterical that across the NFL the Bengals are being lauded for an excellent draft yet the majority of these boards are giving the draft a B and it is simply because the Bengals did not draft the players or positions that the individuals have determined were needed by the Bengals. Shows a real inability to look at the situation with perspective and to realize that the staff and ownership have a better grip on the needs of the team better than the fan does.

The Bengals pretty much went BPA across the board and added value selections in areas that needed depth and/or positions that could see player turnover in the next couple of seasons. Drafting as the Bengals did is how a team continues to weather free agency and cap restrictions to remain highly competitive year in and year out.

Bengals fans should start to embrace drafting at the bottom of each round moving forward and that is a very good thing.

I grade on a curve. I thought the draft class as a whole was a B- which means you either climb or fall from there. The Draft class was lacking in two of six premium positions (WR, OT) only one of the premium positions had a player that could be considered "Blue Chip". The LB class you could have almost considered and endangered species. Add in all the 6 year seniors and the fact a large part of the skill positions were 10lbs away from being underweight and you have a B- draft class.

The Bengals earned above the average B+ by staying with the strength of the draft class defensive line and defensive back early and had what I considered a couple of steals Myles Murphy and Chase Brown.