01-05-2017, 06:11 PM
Corner (along with OL) is a hot topic position for the Bengals this offseason. On the face of it, we have a lot of talent on the team, but - for one reason or another - are we going to see another high drafted CB when draft time comes around?
On the roster at the moment:
1. Adam "Pacman" Jones, 10 year vet
Jones is an established corner, one year removed from a career season at the position. While he has taken a step back this year, there is no reason to believe he couldn't continue to play a strong role for the team for the rest of his contract. However, disciplinary problems - on and off the field - may be his downfall. If the charges against him are proven, could the Bengals be forced to cut him (or lose him to suspension for a significant period)?
2. Dre Kirkpatrick, 1st round pick, FA this year
Dre has battled through an injury ravaged first couple of seasons to make the CB2 position his own. While he, too, has discipline issues on the field, his play has shown significant improvement and he will be a sought after player in free agency. Will his asking price be too much for the team to bear?
3. Darqueze Dennard, 1st round pick
Dennard also struggled with injuries in his early seasons. Unlike Dre, however, he has not been able to hold down a starting role. Indeed, he has been beaten out to the slot corner role by Josh Shaw and does not appear to have the coverage skills to play outside. With a decision to be made on his 5th Year Option in May, could this be Dennard's final season in the Jungle?
4. William Jackson III, 1st round pick
Last year's first rounder, Jackson missed the entire season on IR due to a torn pectoral muscle. Who knows whether he will turn out to be Dre, Darqueze, or something else entirely?
5. Josh Shaw, 4th round pick
Calling Shaw a fourth rounder has always seemed a little silly. Like Burfict, Shaw's draft stock fell due to concerns around character - concerns that have not surfaced in his career with the team so far. Shaw has had a capable season as slot corner and should continue to develop next year.
6. Keivarae Russell, 3rd round pick (KC)
Russell was liked enough by Kansas City to be taken in the 3rd round, but was then a victim of a late cut during the early weeks of the season and claimed by Cincy on waivers. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise - while he has only made the field for one snap, that resulted in an athletic interception on the sidelines that basically ended the game against the Ravens. Like WJ3, this could be a great pickup or he could be a backup for a few years. Who knows!
So there you have it. We have a pretty loaded CB group at the moment with 6 decent options. However, 2 may not be here come training camp and another might be in his last year. Do we draft high or not? It will all depend upon Free Agency. For me, I think we should take a mid-rounder (maybe with one of our 4ths) to keep the infusion of youth and increase the odds of getting a good one.
What say you?
On the roster at the moment:
1. Adam "Pacman" Jones, 10 year vet
Jones is an established corner, one year removed from a career season at the position. While he has taken a step back this year, there is no reason to believe he couldn't continue to play a strong role for the team for the rest of his contract. However, disciplinary problems - on and off the field - may be his downfall. If the charges against him are proven, could the Bengals be forced to cut him (or lose him to suspension for a significant period)?
2. Dre Kirkpatrick, 1st round pick, FA this year
Dre has battled through an injury ravaged first couple of seasons to make the CB2 position his own. While he, too, has discipline issues on the field, his play has shown significant improvement and he will be a sought after player in free agency. Will his asking price be too much for the team to bear?
3. Darqueze Dennard, 1st round pick
Dennard also struggled with injuries in his early seasons. Unlike Dre, however, he has not been able to hold down a starting role. Indeed, he has been beaten out to the slot corner role by Josh Shaw and does not appear to have the coverage skills to play outside. With a decision to be made on his 5th Year Option in May, could this be Dennard's final season in the Jungle?
4. William Jackson III, 1st round pick
Last year's first rounder, Jackson missed the entire season on IR due to a torn pectoral muscle. Who knows whether he will turn out to be Dre, Darqueze, or something else entirely?
5. Josh Shaw, 4th round pick
Calling Shaw a fourth rounder has always seemed a little silly. Like Burfict, Shaw's draft stock fell due to concerns around character - concerns that have not surfaced in his career with the team so far. Shaw has had a capable season as slot corner and should continue to develop next year.
6. Keivarae Russell, 3rd round pick (KC)
Russell was liked enough by Kansas City to be taken in the 3rd round, but was then a victim of a late cut during the early weeks of the season and claimed by Cincy on waivers. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise - while he has only made the field for one snap, that resulted in an athletic interception on the sidelines that basically ended the game against the Ravens. Like WJ3, this could be a great pickup or he could be a backup for a few years. Who knows!
So there you have it. We have a pretty loaded CB group at the moment with 6 decent options. However, 2 may not be here come training camp and another might be in his last year. Do we draft high or not? It will all depend upon Free Agency. For me, I think we should take a mid-rounder (maybe with one of our 4ths) to keep the infusion of youth and increase the odds of getting a good one.
What say you?
