(01-10-2025, 02:09 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Think they go 6 DEs, 4 DTs or 5-5?

They usually go with a 5-5 split but sometimes they keep 11 and go light at LB or DB. Likely LB with Bachie and ADG free agents. 

Chase Young is a good but not great DE. He would be better than Hubbard, Murphy or Ossai. I wouldnt pay much money for him though. His contract last year was worth 13 million. If you could get him for 13 million per year on a 3 or 4 year deal that would be a good signing.

Ossai played better at the end of the year but I wouldnt let that fool me into thinking we could count on him as a starter next year. He would be a good rotational piece if we could re-sign him for a decent price

(01-10-2025, 07:33 PM)Synric Wrote: They usually go with a 5-5 split but sometimes they keep 11 and go light at LB or DB. Likely LB with Bachie and ADG free agents. 

We'll have to see what the new DC wants to do.
They may wanna run 3 LBs more frequently, especially in a division that runs so much.

(01-10-2025, 08:44 PM)007BengalsFan Wrote: Chase Young is a good but not great DE.  He would be better than Hubbard, Murphy or Ossai.   I wouldnt pay much money for him though.  His contract last year was worth 13 million.  If you could get him for 13 million per year on a 3 or 4 year deal that would be a good signing.

Ossai played better at the end of the year but I wouldnt let that fool me into thinking we could count on him as a starter next year.  He would be a good rotational piece if we could re-sign him for a decent price

I 100% agree on CY.
He's also still only 25 years old.

It's appalling how many resources have been spent on one if the worst position groups with one of the best one DE in the league.

No rookie should be expected to start and they're going to have no leverage in having to keep Hill and Ossai. Bare minimum you probably have to pay market value or above for a league average NT and then walk into the draft knowing you'll have to go DE in 1 or 2 instead of BPA. Anything above that would be greatly appreciated but unexpected from the FO.

(01-09-2025, 03:51 PM)ERIC1 Wrote: Bengals need...one interior defensive lineman...one defensive end...help in the secondary...linebaker..and interior offensive linemen....going to be an intersting offseason

Amen to this.  Speedy's wish list started with new defensive staff.  So far, so good.  Continues with BPA defensive player in first two rounds.  Doesn't matter what position, defense needs help at all 3 levels.  Address IOL and defense in free agency.  Oh yeah, extend Chase, re-sign Tee, and a raise for Trey.  Won't be easy but that's what it will take to keep Speedy happy.  And if Speedy ain't happy nobody's happy.

(Yesterday, 10:45 AM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: Amen to this.  Speedy's wish list started with new defensive staff.  So far, so good.  Continues with BPA defensive player in first two rounds.  Doesn't matter what position, defense needs help at all 3 levels.  Address IOL and defense in free agency.  Oh yeah, extend Chase, re-sign Tee, and a raise for Trey.  Won't be easy but that's what it will take to keep Speedy happy.  And if Speedy ain't happy nobody's happy.

Let's keep Speedy happy.

(Yesterday, 02:56 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Let's keep Speedy happy.

Appreciate that.  Now I need someone to talk to Mrs. Speedy.

(01-10-2025, 07:33 PM)Synric Wrote: They usually go with a 5-5 split but sometimes they keep 11 and go light at LB or DB. Likely LB with Bachie and ADG free agents. 

I expect a new DC will being a system change and we will be carrying more LB than under Lou.

(Yesterday, 09:08 PM)Joelist Wrote: I expect a new DC will being a system change and we will be carrying more LB than under Lou.

Really? Doesn't most of the league run some sort of Nickle as their main defensive scheme? I'd look for the Safety/LB "tweeners" to cover the short middle and run support.