03-07-2023, 10:17 PM
To begin there are several free agents that the Bengals need to get back in the fold as well as a few extensions that really need to get done. There is an unfortunate business side to professional football so to get players back you sometimes must trim the roster. To begin with I will look at the cuts that I would make to help enable the Bengals to get free agents back on the team.
Joe Mixon - I am a Mixon fan but unfortunately he is a sizable cap hit in a position that I believe they can tailor a bit more to their offense. Cutting Mixon would say the team near 10 million.
La'el Collins - Collins did not meet the hype that came with his signing. He ended the season on IR and more than likely is not going to ready to start the '23 season. Cutting Collins could save the Bengals somewhere between 6-8 million depending on when he was cut as well as injury settlement.
Free Agent Re-signings:
Vonn Bell
Hayden Hurst
Germaine Pratt
Samaje Perine
Max Scharping
Trent Taylor
Trayvon Williams
Mitchell Wilcox
Contract Extensions:
Joe Burrow
Tee Higgins
Logan Wilson
In looking at free agents and positions of need I do not see the Bengals being big time players. The OTs that are out there just really would not be a major upgrade over what the Bengals currently have and/or can get in the draft.
So on to the simulation...
I personally feel that if there was ever a year for the Bengals to trade down this would be the year. However, trading down would have to be very strategic and add great value at other points of the draft. Indy presented a deal that I felt met the criteria that would be required to trade down in this draft.
RD. 1 - 28th Overall
Trade with Indy receiving 2-35, 3-79, 4-106, 7-223, and 7-238
RD. 2 - 35th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlhi_zr22oTSSgB_YRA2s...w&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlhi_zr22oTSSgB_YRA2sLdQtpUlijK_zUMw&usqp=CAU)
Darnell Wright - OT - Tennessee - 6'5" 333
The more film I watch on Wright the more I like him as a long term answer at RT for the Bengals. Just a naturally powerful man that blocks with bad intentions in the run game. Wright showed marked improvement in his game from '21 to '22 and solidified himself as one of the top RT prospects in this draft. Wright moves well for his size and his power can be an evenator for occasional lapses in technique. I believe Wright steps in day 1 at RT and the Bengals do not look back.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 2 - 60th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2BkJ7Dgi5aw2bQBPuvne...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2BkJ7Dgi5aw2bQBPuvneeFKa1fRMlFRlnQA&usqp=CAU)
DJ Turner II - CB - Michigan - 5'11" 178
I really like this selection and I think he will immediately push for playing time. Turner brings elite speed, elite technique, and elite ball skills to the position. While he is not the tallest, longest, or heaviest CB in the draft he plays with absolutely flawless technique to make up for any deficiencies. Turner is a sticky corner that remains right in the hip pocket of the receiver and his coverage displays outstanding football IQ. Will be a great addition to the trio of Awuzie, Taylor-Britt, and Hilton.
Received a B grade for this selection
RD. 3 - 79th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUexgtATRckLkFs-fDHlz...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUexgtATRckLkFs-fDHlz4rZvsHOGErfyvrA&usqp=CAU)
Jordan Battle - S - Bama - 6'1" 209
Bama continually puts out outstanding safety prospects and Battle carries on this tradition. Battle is just a solid all around safety. He brings good size and speed for the position and has displayed good ability in man coverage of the slot and TEs. Battle has 6 INTs at Bama and he returned 3 of those for scores. While he is not a big time hitter he is a very good tackler and does not show any real weaknesses in his game. This selection gives the Bengals an outstanding group of young safeties and bringing Bell back gives them a great veteran presence and leadership.
Received a B grade for this selection.
RD. 3 - 92nd Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIWbA-5ILvbdxSuZEZE5K...w&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIWbA-5ILvbdxSuZEZE5KaUCVa0bmVnST91w&usqp=CAU)
Tyjae Spears - RB - Tulane - 5'10" 201
The absolute playmaker this offense has been missing at RB. A legit threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Many will look at his size and try to place him as a scat back or change of pace but they would be wrong. If you watch film on this kid you will see that he is extremely strong for his size and routinely runs through arm tackles. If you give Spears a slight crease he has the ability to make big things happen. A good receiver who is a real weapon in the screen game. Spears gives the Bengals the dynamic threat that they have been looking for in the backfield.
Received a B+ for this selection.
RD. 4 - 106th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQPc7GMxuEqqT59Hx5GJL7...Q&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQPc7GMxuEqqT59Hx5GJL7t22PTY0TvBENYGQ&usqp=CAU)
Joe Tippmann - C/G - Wisconsin - 6'6" 313
Tippman is lauded by the Wisconsin staff for his football IQ, intelligence, and his ability to communicate scheme and adjustments for the offense. Outside the mental aspects of the game Joe brings athleticism and power to the center position. He is taller than most center prospects but uses his size and power effectively. Tippmann will be a really good NFL center and is the future of the position for the Bengals. While he may not start in '23 he gives the Bengals the ability to slide Karras out to OG in case of injury.
Received an A+ grade for this selection.
RD. 4 - 131st Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_tGJ8u6HlDOSGeQ-FR6B...w&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_tGJ8u6HlDOSGeQ-FR6B_O0Udbvj7XxEKuw&usqp=CAU)
Luke Schoonmaker - TE - Michigan - 6'5" 251
Luke is a good all around TE prospect who brings good size, speed, and athleticism to the position. He has drawn comparison to Dalton Knox. Luke should benefit from an NFL strength training program and coaching at the next level. He is a good blocker and is smooth as a receiver. Will need to continue to develop as a receiver and learn to use his size to his benefit at the next level. Havin Hurst to mentor him in the position as a pro will be a great advantage for Luke.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 5 - 165th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2EgDaCApZOhSqSVzhKeB...Q&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2EgDaCApZOhSqSVzhKeBvJ_3SPcNqbSsR7Q&usqp=CAU)
Wanya Morris - OT - Oklahoma - 6'5" 307
Morris was a 5 star prospect who started his collegiate career at Tennessee and showed real promise as a freshman. With the arrival of other prospects such as Darnell Wright and a regression in his play Morris fell out of favor. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma where he began to find his form once again and took over the RT position. His combine stats compare very favorably with those of his former teammate Anton Harrison. If Pollack can help Morris to continue to find his 5 star abilities the Bengals could have the player to take over for Jonah at LT. At the least they end up with a very capable swing tackle that adds high quality depth if needed.
Received a B+ grade for this selection.
RD. 6 - 206th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgWuIY2FXIHXRj5cDo2TE...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgWuIY2FXIHXRj5cDo2TELPF54tSWG3x2dtA&usqp=CAU)
Habakkuk Baldonado - DE - Pitt - 6'4" 251
Baldonado is a raw DE prospect that has already shown some real flashes of ability. He has displayed the ability to se the edge in the run game and some natural ability as a pass rusher. Baldonado has many attributes that Hobby should be able to help develop and being in the room with players like Hendrickson, Hubbard, and Ossai should have nothing but positive affects on this young player. Baldonado could be a good candidate to develop on the practice squad or could possibly be a player that could push someone like Jeff Gunter off the active roster.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 223rd Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSc9mQJq3-fIoLS8VlPeG7...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSc9mQJq3-fIoLS8VlPeG7nEZp9wuL1F9ji0A&usqp=CAU)
Brodric Martin - DT - Western Kentucky - 6'5" 330
Martin is a big strong nose tackle that is known as a run stopper. He is a good candidate for the Bengals to develop on the practice squad and with the benefit of an NFL strength training program maybe could develop as a player that could generate push and pressure in the passing game. He has he size for the position that cannot be coached.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 238th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTeE-7X31G6O8gyUoTEBbK...g&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTeE-7X31G6O8gyUoTEBbKoY4xYCpDt6O-B7g&usqp=CAU)
Jake Bobo - WR - UCLA - 6'4" 206
When I watch film of Bobo I see a greatly underrated WR prospect. He is smooth as a receiver and has displayed good hands. While he is not a burner he is a strider with adequate speed. He is a natural pass catcher that attacks the ball at the high point. Should make for a good redzone threat. When I watch him I am reminded of an Auden Tate with a bit more speed and athleticism. I could see Bobo pushing someone off of the bottom of the active roster. Started his career at Duke so his intelligence is not in question.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 248th Overall
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdH5ewqxQrH4y_-6iS7zU...g&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdH5ewqxQrH4y_-6iS7zU7-Slis55DTEScGg&usqp=CAU)
Rejzohn Wright - CB - Oregon State - 6'2" 193
Wright has drawn comparisons to PJ Williams. He is a tall and long corner that has displayed good hips and feet. He will need to become more active in the run game and continue to develop his abilities in the zone scheme. Wright really is a talented young corner that checks the majority of boxes that are looked for at the NFL level. The key for Wright will be to take NFL coaching and continue to develop his game and improve overall as a player. If he can continue to develop he has a very high upside. With his natural ability I could see Wright making the 53 man roster.
Coming soon....53 man roster
Joe Mixon - I am a Mixon fan but unfortunately he is a sizable cap hit in a position that I believe they can tailor a bit more to their offense. Cutting Mixon would say the team near 10 million.
La'el Collins - Collins did not meet the hype that came with his signing. He ended the season on IR and more than likely is not going to ready to start the '23 season. Cutting Collins could save the Bengals somewhere between 6-8 million depending on when he was cut as well as injury settlement.
Free Agent Re-signings:
Vonn Bell
Hayden Hurst
Germaine Pratt
Samaje Perine
Max Scharping
Trent Taylor
Trayvon Williams
Mitchell Wilcox
Contract Extensions:
Joe Burrow
Tee Higgins
Logan Wilson
In looking at free agents and positions of need I do not see the Bengals being big time players. The OTs that are out there just really would not be a major upgrade over what the Bengals currently have and/or can get in the draft.
So on to the simulation...
I personally feel that if there was ever a year for the Bengals to trade down this would be the year. However, trading down would have to be very strategic and add great value at other points of the draft. Indy presented a deal that I felt met the criteria that would be required to trade down in this draft.
RD. 1 - 28th Overall
Trade with Indy receiving 2-35, 3-79, 4-106, 7-223, and 7-238
RD. 2 - 35th Overall
Darnell Wright - OT - Tennessee - 6'5" 333
The more film I watch on Wright the more I like him as a long term answer at RT for the Bengals. Just a naturally powerful man that blocks with bad intentions in the run game. Wright showed marked improvement in his game from '21 to '22 and solidified himself as one of the top RT prospects in this draft. Wright moves well for his size and his power can be an evenator for occasional lapses in technique. I believe Wright steps in day 1 at RT and the Bengals do not look back.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 2 - 60th Overall
DJ Turner II - CB - Michigan - 5'11" 178
I really like this selection and I think he will immediately push for playing time. Turner brings elite speed, elite technique, and elite ball skills to the position. While he is not the tallest, longest, or heaviest CB in the draft he plays with absolutely flawless technique to make up for any deficiencies. Turner is a sticky corner that remains right in the hip pocket of the receiver and his coverage displays outstanding football IQ. Will be a great addition to the trio of Awuzie, Taylor-Britt, and Hilton.
Received a B grade for this selection
RD. 3 - 79th Overall
Jordan Battle - S - Bama - 6'1" 209
Bama continually puts out outstanding safety prospects and Battle carries on this tradition. Battle is just a solid all around safety. He brings good size and speed for the position and has displayed good ability in man coverage of the slot and TEs. Battle has 6 INTs at Bama and he returned 3 of those for scores. While he is not a big time hitter he is a very good tackler and does not show any real weaknesses in his game. This selection gives the Bengals an outstanding group of young safeties and bringing Bell back gives them a great veteran presence and leadership.
Received a B grade for this selection.
RD. 3 - 92nd Overall
Tyjae Spears - RB - Tulane - 5'10" 201
The absolute playmaker this offense has been missing at RB. A legit threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Many will look at his size and try to place him as a scat back or change of pace but they would be wrong. If you watch film on this kid you will see that he is extremely strong for his size and routinely runs through arm tackles. If you give Spears a slight crease he has the ability to make big things happen. A good receiver who is a real weapon in the screen game. Spears gives the Bengals the dynamic threat that they have been looking for in the backfield.
Received a B+ for this selection.
RD. 4 - 106th Overall
Joe Tippmann - C/G - Wisconsin - 6'6" 313
Tippman is lauded by the Wisconsin staff for his football IQ, intelligence, and his ability to communicate scheme and adjustments for the offense. Outside the mental aspects of the game Joe brings athleticism and power to the center position. He is taller than most center prospects but uses his size and power effectively. Tippmann will be a really good NFL center and is the future of the position for the Bengals. While he may not start in '23 he gives the Bengals the ability to slide Karras out to OG in case of injury.
Received an A+ grade for this selection.
RD. 4 - 131st Overall
Luke Schoonmaker - TE - Michigan - 6'5" 251
Luke is a good all around TE prospect who brings good size, speed, and athleticism to the position. He has drawn comparison to Dalton Knox. Luke should benefit from an NFL strength training program and coaching at the next level. He is a good blocker and is smooth as a receiver. Will need to continue to develop as a receiver and learn to use his size to his benefit at the next level. Havin Hurst to mentor him in the position as a pro will be a great advantage for Luke.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 5 - 165th Overall
Wanya Morris - OT - Oklahoma - 6'5" 307
Morris was a 5 star prospect who started his collegiate career at Tennessee and showed real promise as a freshman. With the arrival of other prospects such as Darnell Wright and a regression in his play Morris fell out of favor. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma where he began to find his form once again and took over the RT position. His combine stats compare very favorably with those of his former teammate Anton Harrison. If Pollack can help Morris to continue to find his 5 star abilities the Bengals could have the player to take over for Jonah at LT. At the least they end up with a very capable swing tackle that adds high quality depth if needed.
Received a B+ grade for this selection.
RD. 6 - 206th Overall
Habakkuk Baldonado - DE - Pitt - 6'4" 251
Baldonado is a raw DE prospect that has already shown some real flashes of ability. He has displayed the ability to se the edge in the run game and some natural ability as a pass rusher. Baldonado has many attributes that Hobby should be able to help develop and being in the room with players like Hendrickson, Hubbard, and Ossai should have nothing but positive affects on this young player. Baldonado could be a good candidate to develop on the practice squad or could possibly be a player that could push someone like Jeff Gunter off the active roster.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 223rd Overall
Brodric Martin - DT - Western Kentucky - 6'5" 330
Martin is a big strong nose tackle that is known as a run stopper. He is a good candidate for the Bengals to develop on the practice squad and with the benefit of an NFL strength training program maybe could develop as a player that could generate push and pressure in the passing game. He has he size for the position that cannot be coached.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 238th Overall
Jake Bobo - WR - UCLA - 6'4" 206
When I watch film of Bobo I see a greatly underrated WR prospect. He is smooth as a receiver and has displayed good hands. While he is not a burner he is a strider with adequate speed. He is a natural pass catcher that attacks the ball at the high point. Should make for a good redzone threat. When I watch him I am reminded of an Auden Tate with a bit more speed and athleticism. I could see Bobo pushing someone off of the bottom of the active roster. Started his career at Duke so his intelligence is not in question.
Received an A grade for this selection.
RD. 7 - 248th Overall
Rejzohn Wright - CB - Oregon State - 6'2" 193
Wright has drawn comparisons to PJ Williams. He is a tall and long corner that has displayed good hips and feet. He will need to become more active in the run game and continue to develop his abilities in the zone scheme. Wright really is a talented young corner that checks the majority of boxes that are looked for at the NFL level. The key for Wright will be to take NFL coaching and continue to develop his game and improve overall as a player. If he can continue to develop he has a very high upside. With his natural ability I could see Wright making the 53 man roster.
Coming soon....53 man roster
