09-18-2016, 07:24 AM
(09-13-2016, 01:47 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Something sticks out here. No center drafted by the Bengals came in the first two rounds. Now while that might show how they view the position, it may also show why they keep having crappy luck at finding at drafting a really good center.
IMO they should buck the trend and take a center within the first two rounds next year. There are a few good prospects worth the selection and could really boost the OL.
You're right about how they view the position. It would be some work, but if you compared everyone's Offensive Tackles during the same span I'm sure the Bengals would be in the top 5 if not the highest. In a way, I'd rather be complaining about center than tackle but sarcastic or not as the OP said they'll eventually have to hit on one...you'd think. In the offseason, one of the few FA pickups I was hoping for was a cut vet that could play center if needed.
The thing that could sway this trend of center being low priority could be Zeitler leaving. Lets project that Ced and Fish do a descent job, Westerman never really plays, and Bodine continues to struggle. You could slide Westerman inside, start Fish at guard and project that Whit loses a bit with age, and you're still going to need one big improvement to the line. No matter what you project, there are a lot of variables that could line up this decision..... do finally pay market value for a top guard or use a big chip (FA cash or high pick) on a center? I hope Zeitler stays, but they have to plug that middle or what we saw last week will happen often.
It's early, but mark me down for them losing Zeitler and hoping for another Bobbie Williams/Rich Braham type find as they sift thru the cut vet average young interior OL. Even then, if Bodine flops then everyone can look forward to another 2 dollar scratch off center in the 4th round.
