pick 33 big board

[*Synric*]

(04-04-2020, 10:19 PM)willieFANderson Wrote: I think your assessment of other linebackers is too critical.

1.) We are transitioning to a hybrid 3-4 and need a Sam. Either Sam Hubbard or Dunlap will take the second DE (Reader - NT, Atkins - DE) - probably Dunlap. With Hubbard outside, we have Bynes and Pratt (Pratt will most likely be the hybrid backer considering he transitioned to LB from safety) at MLB, and nothing else unless you want to start Lawson in the base.
2.) In nickel packages, Lawson will most likely be taken off the field allowing Hubbard to blitz and Bynes and Pratt to play coverage.
3.) Lawson is supposedly a liability in the run, so why would he even be playing in the base.
4.) Bynes is supposedly good in the run but not good in coverage.
5.) So our weaknesses are MLB in coverage and OLB against the run.

I would be happy if the Bengals chose Dye, but I don't think his film is as good as you remember - he is athletic and looks like a decent MLB but he does allow players to get open in coverage. I would rather pick him in the third.

Bynes is old - Queen would probably be an upgrade in the long run but is not an immediate need.

Murray plays the same position as Pratt.

Baun would be a better pick considering he is tailor made for a 3-4 sam and looks decent enough to play coverage in the NFL to keep him in the nickel while taking Bynes out.  I see him as a more immediate need and I would not say we would be overreaching if he was still there whereas Dye would be a reach, imo. Queen shows more upside and would fit a need that will be an issue in one or two years. It might be smart to trade Lawson.

34 defense is a base alignment.

Let me ask you this... the most common alightment for a 34 defense is actually a 335 because offenses run 11 personnel over 60%(3WR 1 TE 1 RB). Which Linebacker stands up on the LoS Pratt Bynes or Baun? Which one is the coverage linebacker that lines up over the TE? 

Fact is Carlos Dunlap and Sam Hubbard both played the spot you are recommending Zack Baun and at a high level. The Bengals need a ILB that fits that profile are Dye, Queen, Gay, and Brooks.