Ask Jim Owczarski

[*ochocincos*]

(02-28-2017, 10:17 PM)jowczarski Wrote: If a players option is declined like the case with Okung from Denver does he count as a regular free agent or a player that is cut?

I think he’s a regular free agent because he, technically, wasn’t under contract for the upcoming season.


If Leonard Fournette and Mike Williams are both sitting in front of the Bengals at #9 which of the 2 do you think the Bengals would lean towards if they were taking one?

Which skill position do you think they are more content with at the moment RB or WR?

Great question. Personal opinion? If those two are the top two on their board at that moment, they’d go with the wideout. But that’s my opinion.

There is a lot of mystery in how the Bengals' war room operates. Any insight on how the Bengals staff works as a unit to narrow the field down to who they want to target, how much input does everyone get, who has the final say, and what happens when there is a difference of opinion?  Do they look to address certain needs or do they rank 'em and take BPA in most cases? They rarely trade up or down during the draft, when might they consider it?

Great question. It’s one they won’t really want to get in, to, either. I can say the coaches have a big say and “standing on the table” does work. See Paul Alexander and Bodine, Ogbuehi. But it has to match up with their grades and value. I know one person really wanted Billings in the third. They went Vigil. Final say is a good one. I know it’s a group effort and there is consensus building. Mike Brown is still pretty involved in this area, less so with the rest of the football operations (i.e. free agent recruiting, final roster decisions, etc.). Duke Tobin wield significant influence here, and Marvin Lewis also has a say. But I do know when it comes to the draft, Tobin and his staff hold more of the cards.

I don't think there is ever a true severe difference of opinion, but in my brief history with the club they truly go BPA. See, all the corners in the first round and Fisher in the second.

Right on about the trading up/down. The last trade up was Bodine. Say what you want about him, he walked in and has started from day one. I think they would do that again if they felt that immediate starter was there to fill a need. Could that happen this year with a guard? Maybe.

Your opinion: What order do you have Davis, Ross, and Williams in regards to best fit for Bengals to improve their offense?