04-30-2018, 01:55 PM
(04-28-2018, 11:29 AM)fredtoast Wrote: Kind of funny that people assume a third round pick is a guaranteed to get us moving toward a dominate line. Most third round picks don't even become regular starters.
I have just as much hope and confidence in Westerman and/or Fisher than any O-lineman we would get in the third round.
(04-28-2018, 11:34 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I agree Fred. I think some forget just because we have guys who did not start or play a lot does not mean they are not capable of growing. Most have given up on Cedric and Fisher, I have not yet. I want to see if either is coached up n 2018.
We need our 1st round pick to start in 2018, it would be nice if others emerge to contribute as well, but not likely we get multiple 3 down players on offense or defense after round 2.
The Bengals chose to take DE Sam Hubbard and LB Malik Jefferson in round 3.
I like the potential of both 3rd round choices, however, I am still concerned about the right side of our O-line. Should Fisher falter or have resurfacing health issues then it becomes former 7th round pick Bobby Hart's show at right tackle. Totally dismissing the 3rd round offensive line options that were available in this draft may turn out to be unwise.
The combination of potential tackles/guards that were taken in round 3 include: Brandon Parker 65th overall to Oakland, Geron Christian 74th overall to Washington, Martinas Rankin 80th overall to Houston, Orlando Brown Jr 83rd overall to the Ravens, Joseph Noteboom 89th overall to the Rams, Chukwuma Okorafor 92nd overall to the Steelers, Alex Cappa 94th overall to the Bucs, Mason Cole 97th overall to Arizona.
Assuming 3rd round offensive lineman cannot become productive while also concluding that both of the players taken by the Bengals in round 3 (Hubbard/Jefferson) will no doubt be better options than any of those O-lineman that could have been taken in round 3 seems closed minded to me.
Especially when you are pinning your backup hopes in a 7th rounder Bobby Hart should Fisher fail or get hurt; while also pinning your hopes in Westerman a 5th rounder.
There are no guarantees with any pick and a risk/reward decision is being made each time a pick is made. The Bengals chose not to choose any of the offensive lineman named above over Hubbard and Jefferson. The reward is more depth and competition at the DE and linebacker positions. The risk is the loss of potential depth and competition on the right side of our offensive line.
If 5th rounder Westerman and 2nd rounder Fisher perform well and lock down the right side of our O-line then all will be well. Should one of Westerman or Fisher fail, it may become the 7th rounder Bobby Hart show at right tackle or some other later round pick may have to take Westerman's spot mid season.
One of those 3rd round offensive lineman may be showing good developmental signs on another team right around the time we realize mid season that we could have used him on our team. Hence the risk of not adding O-line competition.
On the other hand next season, both Hubbard and Jefferson could be shining (or maybe not) and our O-line could be functioning well (or maybe not).
The Bengals have chosen not to challenge Westerman, Fisher or even Hart with any additional drafted talent from round 3.
Hope it works out and it may. If it does we get a shot at Hubbard and/or Jefferson possibly panning out versus the 3rd round O-lineman we may have taken possibly panning out. If Westerman or Fisher or both struggle, it could be another long season with all of us having a ticket to the Bobby Hart Show.
Risk/reward
I am hoping it all works out because the Bengals appear to be all in on this Plan.
