2023 LB Draft Prospects Group Assessments

[NATI BENGALS]

(04-02-2023, 03:07 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: This position analysis needed updating after the first wave of FA. Pratt and Bachie both re-signed. Johnston remains unsigned. We carried 6 last year.

Wilson is eligible for his extension, but I would think Burrow's would be first, then Higgins'. 

Position Group #7: Linebacker


I.  2023 Roster Status:

A. Signed = 6. Cap Hit: Dead Cap; FA Year/Type

1. L. Wilson (LB#1): $3,031,199; $289,199; 2024 UFA 
2. G. Pratt (LB#2): $5,403,908; $7,000,000; 2026 UFA
3. A. Davis-Gaither (LB#3): $1,214,378; $204,378; 2024 UFA
4. M. Bailey (LB#4): $1,038,424; $28,424; 2024 UFA 
5. J. Bachie (LB#5): $1,160,000; $75,000; 2024 UFA
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6. K. Jones (PS): $870,000; $0; FA

B. Unsigned = 1. 2022 Cap Hit; FA Type

1. C. Johnston (LB#5-6): $825,000; UFA
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Wow. We got Pratt re-signed but still have 4 LBs that will be UFAs in 2024. I didn't realize that. I was thinking we would be cool not drafting a LB. But damn.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(04-03-2023, 05:18 AM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: Wow. We got Pratt re-signed but still have 4 LBs that will be UFAs in 2024. I didn't realize that. I was thinking we would be cool not drafting a LB. But damn.

We drafted Wilson, ADG, and Bailey together. I am hoping ADG, Bailey, & Bachie will be easy to retain as backup guys. ADG is borderline, there could be a team out there who could tempt him with more PT. 

Wilson is the big one, though.  

Still, for this year, I think LB is the keast likely position to use a pick on. On D, CB & pass rush help leap out right away. Safety seems unlikely but Thomas is long in the tooth. The other 3 guys don't have a lot of starting experience. Scott the inly one with any.