05-02-2016, 06:02 PM
So is it too early to speculate on the 2017 draft? Of course it is, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to do it anyway.
A few things. First, the Bengals should get the maximum of 4 compensation picks and I'm expecting them all to be in the 3rd and 4th rounds. And they can now be traded. Second, we obviously don't know what players will be available and what prospect rankings and draft boards will look like so I'm not going to mention any specific players. Finally the team might look to get some compensation -- probably a 3rd or 4th round pick -- for McCarron as he's almost certain to hit the free agent market after 2017.
Basically I think day 1 needs to see the Bengals draft a rush defensive end to rotate in with a soon-to-be aging Dunlap. They should try to trade up in the draft to make that happen. Day 2 should see the Bengals take a slot corner to groom to take over the majority of duties from Adam Jones, a running back to replace either Gio if he walks or Hill if he isn't expected to sign a long-term deal, and an edge setting defensive end to groom behind Johnson. Day 3 should see the Bengals draft for depth at LB, QB, DT, and OL. They can ignore TE (Eifert's almost certain to re-sign or be franchise tagged), FS, SS, and wide CB. If Gio re-signs and Hill improves after his sophomore slump, RB might be able to be ignored as well. Also at WR, the team has a lot of unknowns going into the 2016 season; great if they all pan out, but if not then perhaps a slot receiver will be in order.
Last thing...while I'll be pulling for the Bengals all season to win and become Super Bowl champs, there's a small part of me that hopes things go tits up for the team in 2016. The 2017 draft is supposed to be loaded, so having lots of high picks would be great for the team going forward.
A few things. First, the Bengals should get the maximum of 4 compensation picks and I'm expecting them all to be in the 3rd and 4th rounds. And they can now be traded. Second, we obviously don't know what players will be available and what prospect rankings and draft boards will look like so I'm not going to mention any specific players. Finally the team might look to get some compensation -- probably a 3rd or 4th round pick -- for McCarron as he's almost certain to hit the free agent market after 2017.
Basically I think day 1 needs to see the Bengals draft a rush defensive end to rotate in with a soon-to-be aging Dunlap. They should try to trade up in the draft to make that happen. Day 2 should see the Bengals take a slot corner to groom to take over the majority of duties from Adam Jones, a running back to replace either Gio if he walks or Hill if he isn't expected to sign a long-term deal, and an edge setting defensive end to groom behind Johnson. Day 3 should see the Bengals draft for depth at LB, QB, DT, and OL. They can ignore TE (Eifert's almost certain to re-sign or be franchise tagged), FS, SS, and wide CB. If Gio re-signs and Hill improves after his sophomore slump, RB might be able to be ignored as well. Also at WR, the team has a lot of unknowns going into the 2016 season; great if they all pan out, but if not then perhaps a slot receiver will be in order.
Last thing...while I'll be pulling for the Bengals all season to win and become Super Bowl champs, there's a small part of me that hopes things go tits up for the team in 2016. The 2017 draft is supposed to be loaded, so having lots of high picks would be great for the team going forward.
