Looking ahead to 2017 draft

[JungleRock85]

(05-03-2016, 12:37 PM)JungleRock85 Wrote: I am with you on Defensive End for 2017. That is far and away the position I think we need to look to add talent to for that draft class. Even if Hunt or Clarke so some progression this year I still think we have to look toward the future at that position. Dunlap is great but isn't getting any younger while Michael Johnson really hasn't ever been the upcoming FA Michael Johnson from a few years back. I would rank the needs for 2017 a year out as likely being....

1. Defensive End - discussed above

2. Safety - This need could dissolve by this time next year if Shawn Williams has a good season and is re-signed or if Derron Smith shows promise and Josh Shaw starts becoming a Safety/Corner hybrid that I think he could be. But for now it still has some question marks so I list it as a big need.

3. Offensive Tackle - This is my sneaky need for next draft. Whitworth may be gone after this upcoming season and that leaves Ogbuehi and Fisher who are expected to do a lot for us but are unproven for now. Aside from them what will the Bengals have at the position??? Winston is likely to retire or need replaced after this season as well. I would expect us to use a mid round selection, especially with so many comp. picks expected to replenish our depth at this spot.

4. Cornerback - This should be another depth selection. Kirk is likely gone with WJ III drafted so that could leave Pac, Jackson, Dennard, Shaw on the roster which is still a lot of talent but they will need to fill out the last couple spots at this position.

5. Running Back - This depends on Hill bouncing back (think he will) and if we are able to sign Gio back. Even with both guys on the roster it may be a good idea to draft some depth in the event Burkhead or Peerman are gone.

Take Safety off the list of needs. As mentioned in my comments that need could disappear and it has happened sooner than I thought. Shawn Williams has been re-signed AND Shaw is getting snaps at Safety this offseason.