Try to sell me on O.J. Howard.

[*ochocincos*]

(04-03-2017, 12:26 PM)Au165 Wrote: We use our TE's and backs to block the least of almost any team in the NFL on passing downs. As for running, willing blockers at TE will make them average blockers at TE. Jordan Reed didn't come out as much of a blocker but you make sacrifices for the talent they bring. I am not drafting a guy two rounds earlier with a top 10 pick because he gives you a little more in run blocking. We already have Eiffert and Kroft TE is a luxury pick at this point and to me that luxury could be had in the third.

Obviously this is just my opinion, but the infatuation with Howard is interesting. The last 7 or so years of 1st round TE's has been pretty miss compared to 2nd-3rd round picks.

That's fair. But then who really is better for the #9 pick?

The league is continuing to deemphasize the RB position to the point you can spend a mid-late round pick and get good production. Plus, LF might not dominate given the poor quality of run blocking the OL has done recently.
DE is debatable because while Barnett had great production in college, he is limited athletically.
WR could make sense, but I think it made more sense if the Bengals didn't re-sign LaFell. Now I think they wait until the middle rounds to get another WR to groom. A WR in the first will likely get just as much or less offensive snaps than Howard.
I hope no CB because the Bengals have enough depth at CB.
I could maybe see safety if Adams or Hooker is available, but how often would they get used? Would the Bengals be willing to push Shawn Williams to nickel LB to get a first round safety on the field?

I think Howard makes the most sense because he would fit this offense well, would provide a great red zone weapon, and would provide good insurance for if/when Eifert gets injured and potentially leave in FA next year. Some might say, "Well, if a deal can't be worked out, just tag Eifert." Given the tag amount is just short of $10 million, that seems unlikely the Bengals would use the Franchise Tag. It's very feasible the Bengals take the "luxury" TE for this year and only have to dedicate about $3 million for the #9 overall pick (2016 #9 overall only only counted $2.8 mill toward the cap), then they only approach $5 million by the end of the fourth year. So it makes sense from a Bengals financial perspective.

As a rookie, I see Howard being able to contribute both as a blocker and receiving weapon (especially in the red zone). Then take over as TE1 after Eifert leaves in FA in 2018.