04-29-2024, 05:58 PM
(04-29-2024, 11:33 AM)PDub80 Wrote: - Even the pople who scout for a living have more misses than hits. I don't take offense that they, or anyone else, disagree with my opinion on the pick. It's fine!
Generally speaking, I think it's fair to assume a player can stay healthy.... unless they've had major injuries recently. All has had 2 major injuries in back to back college seasons.
- Erick All as a person seems to be a super high character guy. Erick All, IF HEALTHY, is a great prospect. I would have even been fine taking him with the 2nd 3rd round pick if he was healthy. IF HE WAS HEALTHY.
Only, he isn't healthy. He is currently unable to play full contact practice and most likely a pup candidate. The Bengals TE position and interior OL position could have used a player who can practice and provide depth and begin to develop NOW. There were players available who fit that description, which is why I don't like the selection.
Erick All ran a 4.8 40. That is what the reality is. Erick All today cannot hold up or block a NFL DE or LB. Eric All cannot successfully run NFL routes today in a practice, let alone a game.
That is reality. And he will most likely lose another season of development this year while other players on the Bengals and in the league continue to get better. He has no shot to come in and get some magical excellerated TE development. He will not be 100% - a REAL 100% - for a long time. 2025 is the best hope for that timeline - assuming everything goes perfect.The Bengals need 100% NOW. Not 2 years from now.
All has missed a TON of college playing/practice opportunities as well. I understand minor or freak injuries (Mims), but this player has had 2 major surgeries on completely unrelated things in back to back college seasons. He has barely played since 2021 - 3 games to start 2022, 7 in 2023.... And he wasn't just lighting people on fire then, either. He wasn't some college phenom at TE. Not even close.
Look at the history of college players who had major injuries/surguries the season leading up to the draft. The odds of doing well with a player hurt like that is so astronomically low. 4th round picks, IMO, should not be "hope" picks on a team as good as the Bengals.
In 2 years, I hope Erick All is a monster. He deserves to be cheered on to become his absolute best. I'm of the opinion that type of pick is for a team in a different situation or later rounds. To me, the 4th round pick would've been of much higher value if they took a player who is ready to actually compete and play by getting a full offseason of work in.
Until proven otherwise (which I hope I am) this was a total lighting on fire of a strong draft pick postion for a player they could have gotten a round or 2 later, when it makes more sense to gamble.
There really is no debate about the health issues, the history is there and the cause for concern or the lack of optimism is warranted. My take is simply that IF these 2 stay healthy, they are very talented and could provide a solid 2 TE tandem that could be very efficient for us. All being the all around blocking/receiving TE and McClachlan the more slot heavy reception TE.
