I really like the off-season moves that the Bengals have made and the acquisition of Trent Brown has really opened up the draft for this organization. Again, they have positioned themselves to take the best player available that fits what they are doing as an organization. With that in mind I believe this simulation is one that could pay big dividends for this franchise now and in the near future. Not only is it Good Friday but I believe this would be Damn Good Draft...


   

RD. 1 - 18:

Brock Bowers - TE - Georgia - 6'3" 243

Bowers is obviously the best player available on the boards and the best TE in the draft. He is being touted as a generational prospect at the TE position and compares very favorably to George Kittle in size and abilities. Bowers gives them a player that could immediately fill the void that the team will have with the loss of Tyler Boyd in the slot and as their to chain mover. What is not in question with Bowers is his ability as a receiver. He has outstanding acceleration and gets up to speed very quickly on the snap. He demonstrates outstanding footwork in and out of his breaks which allows him to gain separation from most defenders. Excellent hands and a producer of yards after the ball is in his hands. With the accuracy of Burrow and the hope that a consistent interior offensive line and upper echelon bookends at OT Bowers could prove to be a game changing weapon for this offense.

RD. 2 - 49:

T;Vondre Sweat - DT - Texas - 6'4.5" 366

Arguably the biggest hole that the Bengals need to fill is at the NT position with the loss of DJ Reader to the Lions. To fill the large hole the Bengals select a very large man. Again, Sweat is in the debate for BPA when the Bengals are selecting and like Bowers he fits in ideally with what this franchise needs at this point. Sweat was the '23 Outland Trophy winner and has drawn comparisons to Sam Adams and Vita Vea which is pretty damn good company to be in at the NT position. His specialty is stopping the run but as a pass defender he absolutely has the ability to disrupt the pocket and make QBs uncomfortable. Sweat consistently has drawn double teams and has shown the ability to take on and defeat these double teams. The attention that Sweat will draw from blockers should free up other defenders to make plays.

RD.3 - 80:

Kiran Amegadjie - OT - Yale - 6'5" 323

The signing of Trent Brown allows the Bengals to forego a 1st round selection at OT but in the 3rd they select one of the highest upside and most athletically gifted OTs in the draft. The smarts are obviously there being a Yale student but he also brings elite length and outstanding size and athleticism to the position. You expect to see a next level worthy prospect to dominate at the FCS level and that is exactly what Kiran did at times making his performance look virtually effortless. The signing of Brown allows them to bring Kiran in and give him a season to adjust to the jump in competition level and to acclimate himself to the speed and physicality of the pro game. Kiran already excels as a drive blocker in the running game and his length and athleticism should really help him in handling NFL edge rushers.

RD. 3 - 97:

Javon Baker - WR - UCF - 6'1" 202

Baker is just a very well rounded WR that brings NFL size, athleticism, and physicality to the position. While he may not have elite speed he does not lose speed when the pads go on and his play speed is consistently good. Baker is not an elite route runner but he is very good and has steadily improved in this aspect of his game and there is no indication that he should not continue to improve in this area as he grows into an NFL receiver. While he can have the occasional focus drop overall he has outstanding hands and is physical at the point of attack and in going after 50/50 balls. The game of Javon Baker translates to the NFL game and he is a guy that should immediately improve a WR room.

RD. 4 - 115:

Zak Zinter - OL - Michigan - 6'6" 309

Again, the Bengals capitalize on BPA with the selection of Zinter. Zinter played OG for Michigan but took extensive practice snaps at center in his tenure with the Wolverines and many believe he could be a very good NFL center. With Karras being a free agent in '25 this could be very important for the Bengals. What immediately jumps out when you watch tape on Zinter is that he is a technician that really just does not get beat. He brings outstanding technique and toughness to the interior of a line. The important thing for Zinter will be how his medicals check out in his recovery from a broken tibia and fibia that he suffered in November of '23. Zak should be an outstanding depth piece for the interior of this line with the possibility of future starter at C or guard.

RD. 5 - 149:

Elijah Jones - CB - Boston College - 6'1.5" 185

The Bengals will be looking to add depth to the CB room with the loss of Awuzie in free agency and the uncertain availability of Ivey after his devastating injury. Again, the needs of the Bengals benefit from the BPA available argument. Jones is a long athletic corner that brings excellent speed and ball skills to the field. He has displayed the abilities and traits to win in man coverage but he truly excels in off coverage where he can use his speed, reaction, and excellent ball skills to break on throws. I really like this addition to the Bengals secondary and believe Jones will be a great fit with the piece already in place.

RD. 6 - 194:

Isaac Guerendo - RB - Louisville - 6'0" 221

The Bengals added Chase Brown with a great value selection in the '23 draft and added Moss in FA but at this point Guerendo who is the BPA adds a bit more of a physical back than they have right now and as well brings really good ability in protection and squaring up and effectively taking on blitzers or free runners. Isaac put his outstanding speed on display at the combine by posting a 4.33 as a very strong 40 time. Isaac also displayed natural hands as a receiver and the ability to adjust to off target throws. In Guerendo I see a guy that is an NFL feature back with a bit more seasoning.

RD. 6 - 214:

Kristian Boyd - DT - N. Iowa - 6'2" 329

Boyd is a FCS prospect that showed up at the Shrine Bowl and dominated against FBS competition. Boyd gets off the ball very well and generates impressive power and anchor. He is a player that has the potential to play NT at the NFL level especially early on passing downs as he generates outstanding pressure from the power he generates. On early downs he could find time as a big 3 technique. Boyd will have to prove that he can make the jump in competition to the pro game but if his performance at the Shrine Bowl is any indication then it is a jump that he should be able to make and do more than just survive on and NFL roster.

RD. 7 - 224:

Kamal Hadden - CB - Tenn. - 6'1" 196

The Bengals add more depth to their CB room by adding Hadden who is a big physical corner that has played in some big time match ups with some of the best athletes in college football on a regular basis and has shown himself well on this stage. Hadden has displayed good ball skills and man coverage skills but will have some technique issues to clean up but overall brings good talent and ability. Should be a good depth piece for the Bengals early on and a guy that should excel on special teams.

RD. 7 - 237:

Tyrice Knight - LB - UTEP - 6'0" 233

Knight is a tackling machine. He was a bit of a freelancer at the collegiate level which helped him to rack up big tackle numbers but will need to learn to play within the scheme at the NFL level. He brings good speed and physicality to the position and has shown good ability in coverage as well. Knight brings a skillset that could allow him to become a NFL special teams standout while bringing the athletic ability and overall skill to see some defensive downs. If he can learn to discipline his game he could end up being a good depth piece in the LB room.

The following are undrafted free agents from this simulation that I believe that Cincy should make a priority:


Walter Rouse - OT - Oklahoma - 6'6" 313:
Rouse is a very experienced starting tackle that brings excellent size, length, football IQ, and athleticism to the position. Where Rouse needs to really improve it in his overall play strength. This is something that can be developed in an NFL strength and training program. He has only played LT at Oklahoma and it would certainly help his cause in making an NFL roster to get stronger and show that he can play both sides as a swing tackle. He checks many boxes of a starting caliber OT.


Bub Means - WR - Pitt - 6'1" 212:
Means has had a bit of journey thru college football before landing at Pitt. However, once he did land there he began to show that there is a good bit of ability to work with at the WR position. He brings a solid build and good speed to the field to go along with really good ball skills. He continued to show improvement over the course of the '23 season and if this is development that he can continue then he could be a very solid contributor on a NFL roster.


Caedan Wallace - OL - Penn St. - 6'5" 314:
I was shocked to see Wallace go undrafted but if he would I believe he should be an immediate phone call. Wallace played RT at Penn State and while someone believe he has hit his ceiling at OT he seems to be a prime candidate to move inside and excel as an outstanding guard at the NFL level. He plays with good anchor and movement and is very effective getting out to the second level and locating and making blocks. When you watch film on him you will identify quickly that this kid plays with great motor and effort always looking to pick someone up when not engaged. I would not be surprised if this kid became a pro bowl caliber interior player.


Willie Drew - CB - Virginia St. - 6'0" 191:
Drew checks virtually every box for a NFL corner other than being a Division II prospect and competition level. However, what you expect from a NFL caliber talent at that level is to be completely dominant and that is what Drew was. He displayed outstanding ball skills and instincts before and after the snap. Can he make the jump in competition level? This is a zero risk proposition for a player with the tangible skills that this kid has put on display.


Trey Taylor - S - Air Force - 6'0" 206:
Physical, well-built, and heady safety with outstanding ball skills. Taylor brings elite character and effort to a locker room and the field of play. Was a team captain for Air Force and comes highly decorated by the program. Brings the skills and leadership ability that can raise the level of the secondary room. Does not have to meet a military deferment and is a cousin of the great Ravens safety Ed Reed.


Tory Taylor - P - Iowa - 6'4" 223:
To this point the Robbins experiment has failed horribly and he was the worst punter in the league in '23. Taylor has shown a powerful leg that is able to flip the field as well as the ability to put punts inside the 20 on a consistent basis. Anything would be an improvement and Taylor has shown the ability to be a major upgrade as a punt specialist.


John Rhys Plumlee - QB - UCF - 6'0" 200:
Can Plumlee be a NFL caliber QB? What he is is a NFL caliber athlete. Plumlee is an outstanding athlete and has a career completion % of over 61%. Plumlee could be that player that gives a defense something additional to plan for in their game plan if he is active on game day and could do several things for an offense. While he has little chance of replacing a Joe Burrow he does bring some interesting qualities to the game day roster that could compliment what Burrow does.


Eyabi Okie-Anoma - DE - Charlotte - 6'4.5" 260:
NFL talent is not the question with Eyabi rather the question is NFL maturity. He has outstanding physical talent and traits but does he have the work ethic and character to be a NFL player. Normally, I would shy away from a player such as this but if there is ever a room that can teach him character and what it takes to be a pro it is a room that has Hendrickson, Hubbard, Murphy, Rankins, and Hill. They will weed him out quickly if he is at all a disruption.

1. Love the Bowers pick, obviously, and I'm still praying that he falls to us or we trade up to get him.

How do you cover him, Chase, and whoever our #2 receiver is?

2. Been a huge fan of Sweat and I think he's been in all of my mocks. We need to upgrade the interior d line and he's perfect.

3. Love the Kiran pick. I don't trust Pollack to develop anyone (or even to coach a first round pick and not ruin their potential), but I trust that a Yale guy is smart enough to help improve himself. I think he'd fit well in our zone blocking scheme.

3b. I think Burrow would like Baker a lot and help ease the loss of Higgins (assuming we trade him, which I'm still holding out hope). With defensive backfields paying attention to Chase, I think Burrow could sneak past defenders and I also think he understands how to get open.

4. I think giving Zinter a year to get completely healthy before Karras leaves would be very beneficial and help get the most value out of him. Struggles in space but is good against bull rushers and, at center, he won't be in space much, especially against nose tackles of the division.

5. Jones negatives seem to be his short-area speed and moves, but I'm not too concerned about that if he's playing on the outside because what I think is more valuable out there, is speed, which he has. I also like how tall he is.

6. I think Guerendo could be a sleeper that never really got the opportunity that he deserved in college. I think he could be a great compliment to Brown with receiving out of the backfield and ability to make big plays in the run game.

6b. I love how Boyd is powerful and can cause disruption. I don't think he'll last this long but it's a no-brainer if he does.

7. If Hadden falls this far because of his injury, it's a miracle and a gift.

7b. Don't know much about Knight but seems like he could be a nice piece to add.

Don't know a whole lot about the UDFAs, but I do love Drew since I played DB and they always caught my eye. He's a fast dude who is willing to play anywhere in the defensive backfield. I love the versatility and willingness and I also think he has a lot of potential to improve and expand his game.

I don't know if those picks can happen, but I'd be pretty happy if it went down that way!

(03-30-2024, 03:14 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: 1. Love the Bowers pick, obviously, and I'm still praying that he falls to us or we trade up to get him.

How do you cover him, Chase, and whoever our #2 receiver is?

2. Been a huge fan of Sweat and I think he's been in all of my mocks. We need to upgrade the interior d line and he's perfect.

3. Love the Kiran pick. I don't trust Pollack to develop anyone (or even to coach a first round pick and not ruin their potential), but I trust that a Yale guy is smart enough to help improve himself. I think he'd fit well in our zone blocking scheme.

3b. I think Burrow would like Baker a lot and help ease the loss of Higgins (assuming we trade him, which I'm still holding out hope). With defensive backfields paying attention to Chase, I think Burrow could sneak past defenders and I also think he understands how to get open.

4. I think giving Zinter a year to get completely healthy before Karras leaves would be very beneficial and help get the most value out of him. Struggles in space but is good against bull rushers and, at center, he won't be in space much, especially against nose tackles of the division.

5. Jones negatives seem to be his short-area speed and moves, but I'm not too concerned about that if he's playing on the outside because what I think is more valuable out there, is speed, which he has. I also like how tall he is.

6. I think Guerendo could be a sleeper that never really got the opportunity that he deserved in college. I think he could be a great compliment to Brown with receiving out of the backfield and ability to make big plays in the run game.

6b. I love how Boyd is powerful and can cause disruption. I don't think he'll last this long but it's a no-brainer if he does.

7. If Hadden falls this far because of his injury, it's a miracle and a gift.

7b. Don't know much about Knight but seems like he could be a nice piece to add.

Don't know a whole lot about the UDFAs, but I do love Drew since I played DB and they always caught my eye. He's a fast dude who is willing to play anywhere in the defensive backfield. I love the versatility and willingness and I also think he has a lot of potential to improve and expand his game.

I don't know if those picks can happen, but I'd be pretty happy if it went down that way!

1) I know that in the past the TE has not been the focal point of the offense but I am hoping that a selection such as this would have Pitcher revamping things a bit to play to his strengths. I also hope that Pitcher plans to employee more under center and play action aspects like we saw utilized down the stretch with Browning. I believe these things could really capitalize on the weapons that this offense has and showcase the deadly accuracy of Burrow.


2) This draft is full of 3 technique DTs but really low on quality NTs. I really like Ruke Orhororo in the second but I believe Sweat is more what this defense needs at this point and like I said he was BPA at the point of selection. The signing of Rankins has given us a dangerous 3 that will benefit from the doubles that Sweat should draw.


3) Yes, I have to admit that I was excited that this team got Pollack to coach the O line but I also must admit that it has not yielded the results I and most others were hoping for. It is tough finding a lot of tape on Kiran but what I have seen shows an extremely talented OT prospect and while he played LT at Yale I feel like he is damn near a perfect fit to move to the right side at the NFL level. He has the ass and anchor needed to take the physicality on the right side as well as being a very strong run blocker.


3) It does not take much tape to really quickly become a fan of Baker. When I watch him I just see an extremely mature receiver that really understands the small nuances of the game and how to utilize the strengths that he has to his advantage. I really believe that Baker is a guy that could play early and make an impact. I think Higgins is going to be the #2 and on the roster this season unless someone is willing to ante up pretty largely on draft day to get him.


4) I have seen some of the concerns with Zinter playing in space and that would alarm me if he were playing OT but playing on the interior it does not concern me really at all. If you watch film on their offense what you will see is that in big play situations when they were successful that many times it was them running behind Zinter in some way and many times it was him pulling to lead and open the whole. Those big plays were often a result of him getting an initial block at the line and then finding a secondary target at the next level. He is just a very technically sound lineman with a nasty disposition which I think our line lacks a bit.


6) The more I learn about Boyd the more I really like this kid. He played the true NT position in the three man front at N. Iowa and was extremely disruptive in doing so. What I found really impressive was his showing at the Shrine Bowl where he literally manhandled Division 1 power 5 linemen like they were high school players. He is so strong and generates so much power off of the snap. Did you see he put up 38 reps at their pro day?