I'm ok with letting him go rather put the money towards resigning Geno. Smith isn't an every down DE not worth the money. I like Lawson as a pass rush specialist think if he played every down at 6'2 260 pounds he might get worn down an be less effective at rushing the passer. MJ is at the end of his career and Dunlap is a free agent next year. I liked Willis coming out of the draft, my hope is Dunlap gets resigned along with Geno and Willis can replace MJ, with Lawson coming in fresh to rush the passer. From what iv'e heard it's a bad draft for a 4-3 DE. I'd much rather us use are early picks on the O-line at linebacker or safety. Can possibly wait to address DE early in the draft next year if they don't resign Dunlap and if Willis doesn't show progress.

(03-13-2018, 08:24 PM)lone bengal Wrote: I'm ok with letting him go rather put the money towards resigning Geno.  Smith isn't an every down DE not worth the money.  I like Lawson as a pass rush specialist think if he played every down at 6'2 260 pounds he might get worn down an be less effective at rushing the passer. MJ is at the end of his career and Dunlap is a free agent next year. I liked Willis coming out of the draft, my hope is Dunlap gets resigned along with Geno and Willis can replace MJ, with Lawson coming in fresh to rush the passer.  From what iv'e heard it's a bad draft for a 4-3 DE.  I'd much rather us use are early picks on the O-line at linebacker or safety.  Can possibly wait to address DE early in the draft next year if they don't resign Dunlap and if Willis doesn't show progress.

I think this is a good plan. That is what Willis was drafted for, replacing MJ. We can grab some other backup DE as well if we
need to. Willis is a good run stopper and can also rush the passer. Lawson needs to work on stopping the run and in coverage
more before he can ever be a 3 down LB/DE anyways. He is just a great pass rusher, very special in this aspect.

With you though, need to keep Lawson fresh for him to be at his best and to stay healthy which was the one concern when we
drafted him and why he fell all the way to the 4th round.

(03-13-2018, 07:30 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Everyone claiming that the Browns overpaid Smith?  Whatevs.

I would much rather seen the Bengals cut MJ, and sign Smith for what the Browns gave him.

I think fans forget MJ is very good against the run. MJ is a 3 down player while Smith is a one trick pass rushing specialist horrible against the run and only good rushing the passer. I like MJ, not a stud, just a solid 3 down DE or DT depending on formation.

(03-13-2018, 09:07 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I think fans forget MJ is very good against the run. MJ is a 3 down player while Smith is a one trick pass rushing specialist horrible against the run and only good rushing the passer. I like MJ, not a start, just a solid 3 down DE or DT depending on formation.

Truth be told, I like MJ too.  However, I don't think his production lives up to his contract value.  We could easily draft another DE to replace what he brings, for much less money.

(03-13-2018, 09:13 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Truth be told, I like MJ too.  However, I don't think his production lives up to his contract value.  We could easily draft another DE to replace what he brings, for much less money.

We just drafted Willis and he could not beat him out. My point is he is better than given credit because he is not a big sack guy, but he is disruptive against the run and pass due to his height.

(03-13-2018, 09:20 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: We just drafted Willis and he could not beat him out. My point is he is better than given credit because he is not a big sack guy, but he is disruptive against the run and pass due to his height.

Dudes gonna hang for too long, just like Geathers.

(03-13-2018, 09:26 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Dudes gonna hang for too long, just like Geathers.

He will have to prove he can play in camp against some good competition, if Willis beats him out for the 3 down starting gig, then I agree cut MJ then, just not until someone beats him out.

(03-13-2018, 09:26 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Dudes gonna hang for too long, just like Geathers.

Yeah, gotta see the writing on the wall ahead of time for once.

It seems it always takes too long for this team to see a guy falling off.

Willis will come into his own as long as he is given a chance. MJ only looked good last year from the DT position.

He was not good at stopping the run last year and that is what he is praised for.