(01-27-2017, 02:52 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: When I say realistic, I'm taking into account how the Bengals do things. I'm not going to forecast them signing Bell and Berry in free agency.

1 ) We draft 2 starters in the draft. (Typically we don't draft any Day 1 starters so this is a big improvement.) I'll say we add Rueben Foster and a starting C that is an upgrade to Bodine.

2 ) We keep Zeitler and Whitworth and leave Kirkpatrick leave. The salary cap keeps rising and Whitworth will only be here 1 or 2 more years so it's doable. (Offensive line is Whitworth, Boling, Zeitler, Drafted C, Boling, Fisher.)

3 ) Maualuga is waived.

4 ) Jackson and Vigil become starters. Billings becomes a solid rotation player at DT. (Linebackers are Vigil, Foster, and Burfict.)

5 ) We add a guy in the 2nd Round with the pick obtained at #7 that can pass rush from the DE spot. He's not a starter Year 1, but a situational rusher.

6 ) Sign Stephon Gilmore or Prince Amakumara to be a starting CB. (Amakumara signed a 1 year $5.5 million deal with the Jaguars. We paid Kirkpatrick around $7.5 million...so it's doable.) I like Ross Cockrell from the Steelers also.

7 ) Trade McCarron for a 2nd and 4th Round pick.

8 ) Retain Lafell and Burkhead. Rely on Boyd and Core to continue development at WR. Let Burkhead, Hill, and Bernard compete for snaps. Ideally the offensive line is improved with a Center.

9 ) Draft a QB that you can develop somewhere in the 3rd to 5th Round.

10 ) Draft a kicker. Hold a competition in camp to see who can win the job.

11 ) Sign Nick Fairley. He has signed back to back 1 year deals...and has played well. Offer him a 2-3 year deal. We'd then pair Fairley with Atkins with Billings, Thompson, and Sims as the backups.

12 ) Bring in a veteran TE like Vernon Davis. I feel like our offense needs more experience at backup at that position.

13 ) Bring in a coverage safety like DJ Swearinger to compete with Williams at S. On some downs, move Williams down like a LB to add speed to the defense.

(01-27-2017, 04:07 PM)Wyche Wrote: I like all of that, but I've seen enough from Hill. Time to move on.

(01-27-2017, 04:07 PM)Wyche Wrote: I like all of that, but I've seen enough from Hill. Time to move on.

(01-27-2017, 04:23 PM)Bengalbug Wrote: If there is ever a year to not cut someone it's their contract year coming off the rookie wage scale.

I wouldn't resign him after this year but I definitely am interested to see if he plays harder to get Paid.

(01-27-2017, 04:48 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: I'm tempted to draft Fournette or Cook...but I think Foster gives us the most bang for the buck.

I think with the offensive line fixed in my scenario that Hill, Burkhead, Bernard could all do fine.

(01-27-2017, 05:06 PM)Wyche Wrote: Oh yeah, I get the logic there, but still......


I'm for axing him even if we get Foster.  He has been trash for two years, compounded by losing the playoff game by forgetting a valuable pee wee league lesson. 

(01-27-2017, 05:22 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: The puzzling thing with Hill is how he was so good as a rookie and then regressed. That's why I think its more the line than him.

I'd be ok with waiving him though.

We may go RB in the 2nd Round IF we trade McCarron. Hills a free agent next year. Bernard is coming off of a major injury.

(01-27-2017, 04:48 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: I'm tempted to draft Fournette or Cook...but I think Foster gives us the most bang for the buck.

I think with the offensive line fixed in my scenario that Hill, Burkhead, Bernard could all do fine.

(01-27-2017, 07:45 PM)bengalsturntup926 Wrote: Love your free agent signings but lol I think well be damn lucky just to get one of them guys.

I was looking at all the past draft classes, I seen that Reggie Nelson was a first rounder.  How the heck did we end up with him at a good age even. We never do that and it benefited us. Only if they'd look at that and try some more on good free agents. We possibly could turn the corner.

(01-27-2017, 09:47 PM)BengalsRocker Wrote: I think they should do everything in their power to retain Zeitler, Whit, and DreK.

They have the means to do so.  They're in the building...  so keep realistic signable FA's in the fold.

All others should just be sorted out.

They could afford to lose both Rex and Lafell in my opinion if it happens.

Not saying they shouldn't try.  These are the players you shouldn't overpay.

Mid level FAs or draft picks could replace them.

Peko, Maualuga, Pacman, and perhaps Hill(depending on Burkhead's status)should definitely be on the chopping block.

(01-27-2017, 07:17 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: To OP, you definitely know what you're talking about.  However, I have on question.  How often do the Bengals keep 5 DTs on the 53?  Isn't it usually 4 DT, 4 DE and a "tweener"?

(01-27-2017, 07:20 PM)Jpoore Wrote: Would much rather sign Kirkpatrick and bouye.

(01-27-2017, 07:45 PM)bengalsturntup926 Wrote: Love your free agent signings but lol I think well be damn lucky just to get one of them guys.

I was looking at all the past draft classes, I seen that Reggie Nelson was a first rounder.  How the heck did we end up with him at a good age even. We never do that and it benefited us. Only if they'd look at that and try some more on good free agents. We possibly could turn the corner.