Edge Rushers

[CJD]

(02-18-2017, 11:03 AM)bambino5130 Wrote: I get the phrase " You can never have enough pass rushers", but is this a higher need then let's say bolstering the LB core, getting a playmaking Free Saftey, or reterning the Bengals Oline to some form of respectability? I keep seeing national media pundits & analysis saying that the Bengals top need is another end to compliment Dunlap. I honestly didn't think Will Clarke did a bad job when forced to come in for a mediocre MJ. I just didn't see the overglaring need.

I just think that when picking at #9, the Bengals would be better off trading up or taking a FS like Hooker or Adams, a LB like Foster, or a top Olineman over an Edge rusher like Solomon Thomas or Derrik Barnett. I also don't get the RB picks when the Oline as constructed can not run block for that pick. Thoughts?

Here's the issue:

LB Corp: We have Burfict, who will be here for a while and Nick Vigil, who the coaches regard very highly. Linebackers are becoming less and less valuable in the NFL today because it is a passing league and, if we did take a LB at 9, they probably wouldn't be a 3 down player, likely coming off the field on 2nd and long and 3rd downs.

Playmaking Free Safety: The Bengals have paid Illoka and Williams for at least 3 more years. We aren't drafting a safety. People just need to get over this.

Offfensive Line: Any OT or OG would be a large reach at this position. If we are truly looking for a BPA pick, Oline is even worse value than DLine. Add on to this that they have two young players that were high picks that, really, saw their first year of pro football this year. While they struggled, the Bengals aren't going to give up on them that quickly.

I watched Clarke play as well and was completely uninspired by him. He wasn't horrific, but there's a reason the Bengals went out and signed Gilberry in the middle of the season.

Because that's how thin our DE group is. Now Hunt and Gilberry are free agents, we have a few guys coming off of the injury list that we little to nothing about and our pass rush has been slipping.

Unlike each of the 3 positions you mentioned, there is not a clear heir apparent at DE, as Clarke has not shown any promise beyond a replacement level player. There is a lack of depth and they're even losing free agents at the position.

I think DE is the clear choice at 9 and there are a lot of very strong, talented players to pick from.

It all starts in the trenches. And at DE, you're getting value, impact and you're still selecting BPA.

It hits all the criteria and I think it's going to be obvious when all's said and done.

They may take Foster at the end of the day just because he is a great value at 9, but I just don't think the Bengals are ones to take a player they don't intend to play on most of their snaps for the position. And I don't think Foster is a 3 down backer.