04-12-2017, 05:18 PM
(04-12-2017, 03:47 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Very valid, but we all know the Bengals don't think like that, as that would mean essentially "demoting" Williams down to a nickel LB role. Iloka and Williams are the starters and Hooker would ride the pine until an injury happens.
The only scenario I can see for Hooker to get onto the field is a third-down nickel DB while Williams moved to nickel LB. That way, Williams gets to play all three downs and the pass defense improves overall. But Hooker would not be a three-down starter as a rookie if he were a Bengal.
What you said in your first sentence is right and part of why the Bengals never excel.
They tie up money in serviceable players and then don't want to tie more money up in a player that may be better than them.
(in this case Hooker)
Then if an Injury happens say to Shawn Williams we are forced to go to an even weaker player as his replacement.
No margin for error if injuries occur and they never try to make a Unit Elite.
They actually may be Passing up the Best Player Available in some cases because they don't want a PAID Starter to have Competition for his job.
