16th pick currently

[*Synric*]

(01-03-2024, 05:10 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I know some people hate the "need" strategy, but this is the Super Bowl window.
Bengals should be looking for someone who can be impactful ASAP as a rookie, so the easiest is to bring in someone who can take a starter spot.
What happens in FA with Higgins, Boyd, Reader, and Williams will (or should) have a heavy impact on who should be drafted in Rd 1.

If Reader is retained, I don't want a 1st rounder spent on NT, even if considered BPA by some.
If Williams is retained, I don't want a 1st rounder spent on OT, even if considered BPA by some.
Same with Higgins.

If by some shock all of Reader, Williams, and Higgins are retained on multi-year deals such that they are penciled in as the starters at their positions for 2+ years more, I'd love to try to get an elite interior pass rusher or Bowers.
I don't see a RB worth taking in this range in Rd 1.

Bengals are in a weird situation with a few key starters hitting free agency and no plan. Tee Higgins' franchise tag is the only easy button they have going forward. DJ Readers first couple months for 2024 are in question which really narrows the DT free agent market. Jonah Williams and the Front office did have issues last off-season so that could effect his willingness to return.

The Bengals FO and Coaching staff have done a terrible job identifying and developing their OL/DL. Good news is looks like a good year to draft trenches bad news if they don't get it right it could be ugly for 2024 and beyond.