02-10-2017, 11:07 PM
Is the front office signing players that don't fit the coaches scheme or are the coaches not utilizing the players strengths? That's what I meant by disconnect.
Ah. I would say in my couple years on the beat, the guys they’ve drafted and signed (LaFell/Dansby/Hawk) have fit the roles they were brought in for (regardless of success). So while I don’t think they’ve hit on some draft picks or veteran free agents of late, I would say they haven’t made the Harrison-type mistake of a square peg in a round hole of late.
As for Bryant – yeah, I think there was a total breakdown there. As far as day one of camp – if any money was guaranteed on that date it was part of the contract he signed. The team will also often set bonuses around certain dates (like many teams) so if money was owed him that day it was likely negotiated in. You’re right in that the main thing about practicing on day one is it did take away the option of PUP (that was before the ‘IR designated to return,’ right?). I think Bryant can just be chalked up to a mistake on a lot of levels. I was in Chicago when the Bears forgot to check a box on Warrick Holdman’s contract and he became an unrestricted free agent and left and the White Sox traded for the wrong minor leaguer who had the same name of the guy they wanted. It’s just a breakdown of things that happen, I think, because I can’t think of that happening since….
I see a lot of mock drafts that have the Bengals linked to Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster. Which of these two players do you think the Bengals are more likely to go after if available come draft time? I am also a big Mike Williams fan but can't see them using the #9 pick on a Wide Receiver when the last couple of years it seems they really want to add a speed Wide Receiver opposite of AJ. Thoughts on Williams or have any potential speed guys for the mid-rounds you think they could target?
Yes, LB makes too much sense for the Bengals at No. 9 if a premier defensive end pass rusher is no longer there. That’s why you see that. And, people generally view Foster as a top 10 talent. Honestly, it’s hard to say right now. But I do believe they want that impact, rushing defensive end first. After that … could depend on grade. If they feel that top end, speedy receiver is there and he grades out better than the LB on their board, I think they could go that way too. You’re right – they desperately need that Marvin Jones-type speed threat opposite Green. No doubt.
For the rest of the draft – too early for me on that one
The question I would most like to hear is how he feels or reacts to the idea that both teams in last Sunday's game gave so many opportunities to young players in the biggest spots?
Yeah, he’s vague on purpose. I’ll ask him in Indy. That’s when we see him next. Good one.
is our offense/defense THAT more intricate than what Bill Belichick/Josh McDaniels/Matt Patricia/Dan Quinn and Kyle Shannahan run? So much so that guys the same age as the players above couldn't possibly handle it here?
Without having the playbooks in front of me, my best guess of an answer to this is no. In my couple years here, that isn’t a criticism I’ve heard of the young guys to be honest. They tend to not play for other reasons.
Would this have any effect on drafting decisions?
Yes. They have said since I’ve been here they don’t want dumb players. There is something to that.
does he sense the frustration from the fanbase about seeing highly drafted players not play, when it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue for any other team around the league, even ones who have just as "stacked" a roster/ are more successful than our team?
Short answer? No. And you could definitely imagine that scenario with Maualuga and Foster and not be far off from it happening – only that with a No. 9 pick, that guy has to be ready to play from the first day of camp. So if, let’s say they draft Foster, and he can’t start for three downs, then it’s a miss. In the 20s, I think they felt comfortable drafting depth and potential.
Ah. I would say in my couple years on the beat, the guys they’ve drafted and signed (LaFell/Dansby/Hawk) have fit the roles they were brought in for (regardless of success). So while I don’t think they’ve hit on some draft picks or veteran free agents of late, I would say they haven’t made the Harrison-type mistake of a square peg in a round hole of late.
As for Bryant – yeah, I think there was a total breakdown there. As far as day one of camp – if any money was guaranteed on that date it was part of the contract he signed. The team will also often set bonuses around certain dates (like many teams) so if money was owed him that day it was likely negotiated in. You’re right in that the main thing about practicing on day one is it did take away the option of PUP (that was before the ‘IR designated to return,’ right?). I think Bryant can just be chalked up to a mistake on a lot of levels. I was in Chicago when the Bears forgot to check a box on Warrick Holdman’s contract and he became an unrestricted free agent and left and the White Sox traded for the wrong minor leaguer who had the same name of the guy they wanted. It’s just a breakdown of things that happen, I think, because I can’t think of that happening since….
I see a lot of mock drafts that have the Bengals linked to Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster. Which of these two players do you think the Bengals are more likely to go after if available come draft time? I am also a big Mike Williams fan but can't see them using the #9 pick on a Wide Receiver when the last couple of years it seems they really want to add a speed Wide Receiver opposite of AJ. Thoughts on Williams or have any potential speed guys for the mid-rounds you think they could target?
Yes, LB makes too much sense for the Bengals at No. 9 if a premier defensive end pass rusher is no longer there. That’s why you see that. And, people generally view Foster as a top 10 talent. Honestly, it’s hard to say right now. But I do believe they want that impact, rushing defensive end first. After that … could depend on grade. If they feel that top end, speedy receiver is there and he grades out better than the LB on their board, I think they could go that way too. You’re right – they desperately need that Marvin Jones-type speed threat opposite Green. No doubt.
For the rest of the draft – too early for me on that one
The question I would most like to hear is how he feels or reacts to the idea that both teams in last Sunday's game gave so many opportunities to young players in the biggest spots?
Yeah, he’s vague on purpose. I’ll ask him in Indy. That’s when we see him next. Good one.
is our offense/defense THAT more intricate than what Bill Belichick/Josh McDaniels/Matt Patricia/Dan Quinn and Kyle Shannahan run? So much so that guys the same age as the players above couldn't possibly handle it here?
Without having the playbooks in front of me, my best guess of an answer to this is no. In my couple years here, that isn’t a criticism I’ve heard of the young guys to be honest. They tend to not play for other reasons.
Would this have any effect on drafting decisions?
Yes. They have said since I’ve been here they don’t want dumb players. There is something to that.
does he sense the frustration from the fanbase about seeing highly drafted players not play, when it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue for any other team around the league, even ones who have just as "stacked" a roster/ are more successful than our team?
Short answer? No. And you could definitely imagine that scenario with Maualuga and Foster and not be far off from it happening – only that with a No. 9 pick, that guy has to be ready to play from the first day of camp. So if, let’s say they draft Foster, and he can’t start for three downs, then it’s a miss. In the 20s, I think they felt comfortable drafting depth and potential.
Beat writer for Cincinnati.com & The Enquirer. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Periscope.
