04-12-2018, 01:19 PM
(04-12-2018, 10:13 AM)PDub80 Wrote: Great post, question, and thread....
Lots of mocks have the Bengals going G in the first. I, personally, I feel that this is a smoke screen and that, NO, the Bengals do not need a guard. I think their current roster actually leaves them G rich and relatively young.
Guards/Tweeners on current roster: Westerman, Redmond, Fischer, Ogb, Hopkins
In general, guard is NOT a premium line position and is pretty much a plug and play spot. Joe Thuney, for example, was a 3rd round pick for NE and is a stud. Lots of mid/late round interior line picks turn out to be outstanding players. I cannot see the Bengals going G with their current roster makeup. Westerman had a very good grade on him and played really well last season when given a chance. There's zero reason to go guard with a high pick, especially with higher profile guys at impact position coming up for contract...
RT, DE, TE, C (I list C because, frankly the Bengals have only one career backup currently on the roster at that spot), S, are all spots where the Bengals could use some youth and depth to develop along with some expiring contracts.
This draft I could see them being very active trading for extra picks into the 2nd and 3rd rounds if possible. That's where the heart of this draft is. The Bengals are YOUNG at a lot of spots and all 11 draft picks will NOT make the team. I think they trade out of the 1st for extra 2nd and 3rds and really maneuver around. There are a lot of players that fit them perfectly and at the right positions in this draft. G is not going to be one of them.
Of the needed areas you mentioned above, Right Tackle and Center keep jumping to the forefront in my mind as being most Critical.
There are no guarantees that Jake Fisher will not have additional Heart problems or simply take a year to strengthen back up from his heart surgery. Andre Smith is gone.
Right now, I am for Mike McGlinchey in round 1 and Frank Ragnow in round 2. (Jake Fisher can then compete at Guard with the others)
I want an O-line Overhaul since it was the Achilles heal of the team last year, with Tackle and Center very early.
Gotta flat out fix it.
