08-11-2021, 07:35 PM
(08-11-2021, 09:19 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: It's such a tired argument, but I will give it one (probably not last) try:
Drafting Chase did not prevent the Bengals from drafting an elite offensive line prospect. That is what they see in Carman, and they were able to slide and get two additional 4th rounders (one of which seems to be pushing him for playing time already) to further help fill out the roster.
Carman's performance thus far seems largely attached to a lack of conditioning. I get why the coaches might be disgruntled there, but I remember that Carman wasn't able to show at the Clemson Pro Day because he had put off surgery to correct a herniated disc in his back and played through it the last four games of the season to try and win another title.
I'm sure he was given a clean bill of health early enough to get in shape, but maybe he had some remaining fatigue from his senior year. Whatever the issue, I have faith that it will be corrected and Carman will be performing on our line for a long time to come.
It is easy to forget that they also signed Riley Reiff, a former first rounder and a solid tackle prospect. Not to mention the re-signing of Spain, who helped stabilize the line last year and played at three different positions.
I also believe the Bengals are waiting to see what shakes free on cut day (or maybe a trade to the Saints, who just lost their kicker for Seibert?) to further enhance the offensive line.
The two are NOT mutually exclusive. Drafting Chase wasn't ignoring the offensive line.
I look at the bengals track history of evaluating offensive lineman and I worry when they go against the grain and grab a guy like Carman in the second when he’s got a 4th round grade. Couple that with out of shape for whatever reason maybe a injury is still reason to stay away the bengals were and are not in a position to grab a guy and develop him over time this oline needs help desperately now... and drafting chase first and then Carman in the second doesn’t help the oline at all right now. Yes bringing in Reiff was helpful but mainly cuz he replaced a back up tackle who was starting here. Reiff is on the wrong side of 30 hasn’t played at a high level for a year or so not saying he’s bad cuz sadly he’s the best tackle we have but Riley Reiff isn’t worrying a single defensive end that looks at us on the schedule. I like the resigning of Spain and I’m hopeful that he’s as good as he says he’s gonna be this year but regardless he still comes from that horrific oline last year. Everyone of our olineman comes with a big question mark. I don’t want familiar faces on the oline other than Jonah we need new good veteran blood and this line has question marks up n down the line still after an offseason to make it better for your dead franchise qb. The bengals have done a horrible job this offseason attacking the offensive line and now u have a 4th rounder challenging Carman for snaps.....at the back up position. Not starting snaps but back up snaps...yippie. Now if there was good news coming out of camp about Carman then a 4th rounder pressing him for snaps could be a good thing however Carman has looked terrible which is why the 4th rounder who’s had a few good reps here n there is challenging him. It’s pretty dubious across the board man. God bless burrow this year good lord
