Bengals badly need a TE

[*ochocincos*]

(08-31-2023, 10:11 AM)TheFan Wrote: I think there's definitely some merit to picking for need. Especially if players are close on the board. I believe the Bengals shared Miles was quite a bit higher on their board (in the teens) then anyone else so that's why they picked him. Plus we only had 1 more year for Henderson at the time. 

That said I personally wouldn't have been against any of the players you mentioned though in lieu of who we picked. I don't get quite as much into the draft in regards to self-scouting players so I didn't have many players in mind for those picks outside of what people here and the talking heads were mostly talking about. 

Did you mean Hendrickson?

He was signed through 2024, so the Bengals could have drafted a pass rusher early next year and still had a year to groom.
Or taken a pass rusher on Day 2 or even early Day 3 this year since they're gonna be in a rotation and get time to develop anyway.

Now, Hendrickson is signed through 2025, which will be the majority of Murphy's rookie contract.
Feels like an overly long time to keep a 1st rounder as a rotational player.

On the flip side, you could have had Mayer or LaPorta come in as a strong TE2 this year and take over starting gig next year after Smith's contract is up.
Could have also allowed for more 12 personnel looks with both Smith and Mayer/LaPorta out there, which may help the running game.

It is what it is now though, so hopefully Murphy really develops this year and emerges into a force within the next couple years.
Battle too.