Bengals needs after FA Frenzy

[Luvnit2]

I found this to be spot on for our needs the rest of FA and also the draft.

They say we may need to go all defense in the 2025 draft and maybe great advice. Thoughts?

https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-draft-order-for-round-1-top-five-needs-for-all-32-teams-following-free-agency-frenzy

Pick
17
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
9-8 · .478
Biggest needs: Edge, S, LB, OL, CB

We might be looking at an all-defense draft by the Bengals, who made big investments to keep their star wide receivers in place. Even if the team is able to work things out with Trey Hendrickson, finding him a pass-rushing complement has to be a top priority. That said, the second and third levels of the defense should not be ignored, either.

[Essex Johnson]

Since 2000, we went two drafts not picking a OL or DL, so no doubt we will be picking 2 OL and 1 DL ( if we sign Tre) on each side i think this draft, with a CB, S, LB and

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-20-2025, 02:53 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I found this to be spot on for our needs the rest of FA and also the draft.

They say we may need to go all defense in teh 2025 draft and maybe great advice. Thoughts?

https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-draft-order-for-round-1-top-five-needs-for-all-32-teams-following-free-agency-frenzy

Pick
17
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
9-8 · .478
Biggest needs: Edge, S, LB, OL, CB

We might be looking at an all-defense draft by the Bengals, who made big investments to keep their star wide receivers in place. Even if the team is able to work things out with Trey Hendrickson, finding him a pass-rushing complement has to be a top priority. That said, the second and third levels of the defense should not be ignored, either.

Yeah, I am expecting it to be a Defense heavy Draft myself. But I could see a Guard taken somewhat early and a talent at RB or TE late.

[BenZoo2]

I have generally felt better about my mocks when they look like edge and iol in rounds 1 and 2. They tend to look like db in 3, and then hitting other depth spots after. Lb, more iol or db, dl. I don’t see them taking rb or te, thos3 will be college free agents imho. I could see a late wr depending on what they with Burton

[TJHoushmandzadeh's Shiny Shoes]

3T is a massive need.

There’s no inside pass rush at all.

At least Edge (and I’m not against edge at 17) has Hendrickson, Ossai and a recent first round pick in Murphy.

LB and S is based on the expectation that Stone and Pratt will be cut. But that’s more a want than a need. You don’t have to force a pick at either.

TE is a possible need given All being out and a late round RB would make sense.

I think OT in R2 is a very real possibility. They could have them play at G and then replace Orlando Brown further down the line.


Does anyone have a list of who they’ve met with so far?

[Luvnit2]

(03-20-2025, 04:59 PM)TJHoushmandzadeh Wrote: I think OT in R2 is a very real possibility. They could have them play at G and then replace Orlando Brown further down the line.

I can see the Bengals drafting an OT like Conerly from Oregon who could slide into guard for a year or 2 and also be a swing tackle backup for Brown and Mims.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4685326/josh-conerly-jr

[Sled21]

I don't really follow much leading up to the draft, but if Jim Miller and Pat Kirwin called it right, they said expect the 1st round to be mostly pass rushers, and OG's and DB's going late 2nd to 3rd round. They added a lot of the OT's this year will be projected as guards instead of tackles. Bottom line, 1st round is defensive line.

[Luvnit2]

(03-20-2025, 05:14 PM)Sled21 Wrote: I don't really follow much leading up to the draft, but if Jim Miller and Pat Kirwin called it right, they said expect the 1st round to be mostly pass rushers, and OG's and DB's going late 2nd to 3rd round. They added a lot of the OT's this year will be projected as guards instead of tackles. Bottom line, 1st round is defensive line.

I would be happy with Green, Nolan, Walker, Grant or safety Nick Emmanwori would all be good choices in my opinion. It would be nice to see Murphy and or Ossai develop in to a 10 sack player in 2025 to team with Trey.

As much as we need a plug and play guard, I think the earliest we can grab one in the draft is round 2 unless we add to our defense in. the next 30+ days prior to the draft.

[Joelist]

Even if they sign Patrick they still need another Guard who can come in and start to add to a higher round pick.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-20-2025, 04:59 PM)TJHoushmandzadeh Wrote: 3T is a massive need.

There’s no inside pass rush at all.

At least Edge (and I’m not against edge at 17) has Hendrickson, Ossai and a recent first round pick in Murphy.

LB and S is based on the expectation that Stone and Pratt will be cut. But that’s more a want than a need. You don’t have to force a pick at either.

TE is a possible need given All being out and a late round RB would make sense.

I think OT in R2 is a very real possibility. They could have them play at G and then replace Orlando Brown further down the line.


Does anyone have a list of who they’ve met with so far?

I have a feeling they consider their DT starters (possibly entire DL starters) set with Hill and Slaton (and Hendrickson and Ossai for DEs).
I feel like with Hendrickson and Ossai both set to hit FA next year whereas Hill, Jenkins, and Jackson are signed through 2027 and Slaton signed through 2026, they'll prioritize DE over DT in the draft.

They also have Geno Stone in final year under contract, and they have a big wide opening at RG plus Volson hitting FA after this season.

We know Mike Brown and Duke Tobin feel starting guards can come after Rd 1, so I don't think Rd 1 HAS to be an OL even if they don't address RG in FA.
So I lean toward Rd 1 being DE or S, a G taken on Day 2, and a pass rushing 3T taken somewhere in the Rd 3-5 range.

[TJHoushmandzadeh's Shiny Shoes]

(03-20-2025, 05:12 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I can see the Bengals drafting an OT like Conerly from Oregon who could slide into guard for a year or 2 and also be a swing tackle backup for Brown and Mims.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4685326/josh-conerly-jr

Yep, they’ve met with him.

(03-20-2025, 07:38 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I have a feeling they consider their DT starters (possibly entire DL starters) set with Hill and Slaton (and Hendrickson and Ossai for DEs).
I feel like with Hendrickson and Ossai both set to hit FA next year whereas Hill, Jenkins, and Jackson are signed through 2027 and Slaton signed through 2026, they'll prioritize DE over DT in the draft.

They also have Geno Stone in final year under contract, and they have a big wide opening at RG plus Volson hitting FA after this season.

We know Mike Brown and Duke Tobin feel starting guards can come after Rd 1, so I don't think Rd 1 HAS to be an OL even if they don't address RG in FA.
So I lean toward Rd 1 being DE or S, a G taken on Day 2, and a pass rushing 3T taken somewhere in the Rd 3-5 range.

Yes, I think the way they attacked FA they’re now likely looking at a midround pass-rushing DT who will be more of a role player at least at first. Rylie Mills in R4 or 5 might be one to look out for here given the Al Golden connection. Waiting until R5 to address that scares me though. Maybe they’ll have a trade back in R1 or 2 to pick up another 3 or 4 so they can go Edge, G, S, LB (in that order?) before 119.

I really wish they’d have plugged the holes better in FA so they could be more BPA. I suppose that’s what Patrick is. He’s someone who could play half a season whilst a R4 G got up to speed.

[BoomerFan]

(03-20-2025, 04:59 PM)TJHoushmandzadeh Wrote: 3T is a massive need.

There’s no inside pass rush at all.

At least Edge (and I’m not against edge at 17) has Hendrickson, Ossai and a recent first round pick in Murphy.

LB and S is based on the expectation that Stone and Pratt will be cut. But that’s more a want than a need. You don’t have to force a pick at either.

Yep. We're thinking the same thing. And while this draft may have a lot of talented Safeties, I'd list our needs right now as: OG, EDGE, 3T DT, CB, Backup Swing OT.

[THE PISTONS]

(03-20-2025, 04:59 PM)TJHoushmandzadeh Wrote: 3T is a massive need.

There’s no inside pass rush at all.

At least Edge (and I’m not against edge at 17) has Hendrickson, Ossai and a recent first round pick in Murphy.

LB and S is based on the expectation that Stone and Pratt will be cut. But that’s more a want than a need. You don’t have to force a pick at either.

TE is a possible need given All being out and a late round RB would make sense.

I think OT in R2 is a very real possibility. They could have them play at G and then replace Orlando Brown further down the line.


Does anyone have a list of who they’ve met with so far?

Bell is a fa at safety. Who starts next to Stone?

[*Synric*]

Bengals are doing alot of homework on this Linebacker class. It's probably a larger priority than Safety.

[reuben.ahmed]

(03-20-2025, 05:14 PM)Sled21 Wrote: I don't really follow much leading up to the draft, but if Jim Miller and Pat Kirwin called it right, they said expect the 1st round to be mostly pass rushers, and OG's and DB's going late 2nd to 3rd round. They added a lot of the OT's this year will be projected as guards instead of tackles. Bottom line, 1st round is defensive line.

sound good to me

[TJHoushmandzadeh's Shiny Shoes]

(Yesterday, 09:05 AM)BoomerFan Wrote: Yep. We're thinking the same thing. And while this draft may have a lot of talented Safeties, I'd list our needs right now as: OG, EDGE, 3T DT, CB, Backup Swing OT.

The signings of Oren Burks and Lucas Patrick look a lot like the front office signing Trent Brown last year. Signing players who won’t block a high draft pick but could also hold the fort if a draft pick wasn’t ready until after the bye.

But then you’ve got Edge and 3T where they haven’t made a single addition but have lost Hubbard and Rankins respectively (and CB with Hilton?).

It does feel like there are still some moves to be made - is that a trade back or another low end FA signing?

They seem to have the cap space for some more small moves.

(Yesterday, 09:31 AM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Bell is a fa at safety. Who starts next to Stone?

Battle, same as the last six games.

[Soonerpeace]

(Yesterday, 10:20 AM)TJHoushmandzadeh Wrote: The signings of Oren Burks and Lucas Patrick look a lot like the front office signing Trent Brown last year. Signing players who won’t block a high draft pick but could also hold the fort if a draft pick wasn’t ready until after the bye.

But then you’ve got Edge and 3T where they haven’t made a single addition  but have lost Hubbard and Rankins respectively (and CB with Hilton?).

It does feel like there are still some moves to be made - is that a trade back or another low end FA signing?

They seem to have the cap space for some more small moves.


Battle, same as the last  six games.

You forgot about Slaton 

[Soonerpeace]

(Yesterday, 09:36 AM)Synric Wrote: Bengals are doing alot of homework on this Linebacker class. It's probably a larger priority than Safety.

They are looking at guard and LB early 

[Clark W Griswold]

I also think the Bengals don’t see DL as an absolute must draft in the first round. I just think they see Trey/Ossai/Murphy and probably feel like a first round edge only makes sense if he the highest player left on their board.

You can’t commit to a certain position by round because if you draft only for need then you end up reaching or passing on really good players.
If a guy like Tyler Warren falls to 17 and they have him rated as a top ten player then they have to pick him. Doesn’t matter that TE isn’t a position of need - take the guy if you think he’s a future pro bowler. They will definitely address G/DL in the draft they just don’t have to take them in any particular order.

I am leaning towards a safety in the first if one or both of those guys are available. That position is still pretty weak and a guy like Emmanwori can help vs run and the pass. But it all depends on who is available.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

With a new DC, new OL coach, and some other coaching changes, it is hard to get a read on the existing pecking order, and hiw the FO feels about the guys we have. Not to mention schene changes. A Vyper, more LBs, less nickel, etc.

Big picture, other than QB, punter, and long snapper, and maybe C, I think we could use help/upgrades at every single position group. It is just a matter of how one prioritizes things.

OTC has Higgins at $24.1 mil cap hit this year, and Chase at $23.57. Early days, Tee's numbers have fluctuated already. But that is roghly a $2+ mill decrease for Tee and a $2 mil increase for Chase. Net wash. $24 mil in space without Patrick. Call it $21.9 with. 

Paying Trey will take up some, the PS will take $3-4 mil, Rd1 pick net is around $2, and so is paying 53 instead of 51. And guys on IR (All). That is $8-$9 less, $13-$14 mil, minus Trey. Plus you know we keep a cushion for injuries (All won't be the only guy on IR). 

Now, if we waived Moss (+3.3) and/or Volson (+$3.56) that nets $7 mil. Plus Burrow coukd restructure for +$19 mil. Moss getting waived seems likely, the others? Bottom line, there is not a ton there atm. Some. If we get a restructure, or Pratt/Stone moves, then more.

1. Guard.

Signed: Patrick (G/C), Volson, Karras (starting C + G), Ford (T/G), Lee (C/G), Kirkland (G/T), Stueber.

We have bodies. It is just that the best of them are best suited as backups (Patrick, Volson), already starting at center (Karras), primarily play/played another spot first/better (Ford, Lee, Kirkland), or have virtually no NFL experience (Kirkland, Lee, Stueber).

Drafting a short armed college OT and converting them to G with an eye on LT in the future and OT3 at present (also a need), is a viable strategy. A C pick could allow Karras to play G, but given his poor run block grades, I am not a huge fan of that.

Needs: At least one quality starter level, maybe 2.
Best method: 1 in FA + 1 in draft.
FAs: Scherff, Hernandez, Risner, Colon.
Draft: Jackson, Zabel, Ratledge, Fairchild, Gray, Kandra.
OT conversion: Campbell, Membou, Conerly, Savaiinaea, Grant, Mbow.  

#17 is unlikely unless Campbell or Membou fall in our laps. But a trade down would bring Jackson, Zabel, and Conerly into play. They and others certainly in play at #49. 
------------------------

2. Pass rush help, from anywhere/everywhere: DE, OLB/Edge, LB, DT/3T.

DE & DT are the most obvious spots. But Golden does play less nickel and more 4-3. There are a couple types of players that he may want that we don't have on roster. 

Lou liked true DE's not 3-4 outside OLB/Edge types. Prioritizing run stopping in our division (Hubbard, Murphy, Sample, etc). Though Trey & Ossai have some OLB in their pasts. 

Golden likes to play with a Vyper. An 3-4 stand up OLB/Edge or an An off-ball 4-3 OLB type who can pressure the passercoukd fill the bill nicely. And we don't really have either type on the roster. All our LBs are 4231 or 4-3 MLB types (though IDK in Burks) and our DE's are hand in the dirt not stand up OLB types.

IDK what the change will mean for the DE & LB position groups moving forward. Or how he views the guys we already have. DT could be impacted  too. If we go lighter in the esge with a Vyper instead of a DE, does that mean heavier at the other 3 spots? Less 5 man fronts? More? IDK.

But I do know we need more pass rush. From the edge, from the middle, and from LB. Be it from a true DE, DT/3T, OLB 3-4 edge, or 4-3 OLB. Or all of the above. 

DE (6): Hendrickson, Ossai; Murphy, C. Johnson, C. Sample, I. Thomas. 
DT/NT: (4): BJ Hill, Slaton; Jenkins, Jackson
LB (5): L. Wilson, Pratt; Burks, Njogmeta, Heyward

Trey is obviously a stud. Ossai came on late last year and was retained with a raise, though IDK if he is ready to be an every down DE2 and can hold up vs the run. Murphy got no sacks last year but was decent otherwise. Sample was a competent rotational edge whi coukd kick inside & a good run stopper prior to his injury. And I thought Johnson looked decent in linited snaps. 

If Sample can play, have have 5 guys who can play some. And IF Ossai can hold up at DE2. I could easily see a true DE (Stewart, Jackson, Scourton, JTT, Sawyer, Burch, Gillotte, etc) or an OLB/Edge type (Green, Pearce, etc) or both in the draft. It is a deep class with a lot of good pass rushers. And Smith as a FA option with 10 sacks last year, but he might be too expensive. 

Further  there are Rd1 guys like Walker & Campbell who are LB/pass rush guys who could work well for us as well as a Vyper type or 4-3 OLB. And our LB's are all MLB types. Aside from pass rush, some more sideline to sideline quickness at LB would also help. Though Burks could give us some of that, I am unfamiliar with him.

Whether one wants to label it a DE need or a LB need, there is a need for outside pass rush and dynacism at both spots. And given the depth at both spots, one of each isn't out of the question, despite only 6 picks.

We are short a body at DT/NT. We usually carry 5 (or even 6), and we only have 4 signed. And all are better run stoppers than pass rushers. And disruptor/pass rush guy for the DT rotation is needed, though Hill/Slaton are capable starters.
-----------

After that, I think I drop down a level. Safety upgrades or a do it all TE1 type (Warren, Ferguson, Evans) would be fantastic. As would a true CB1, or even 1 more proven CB so Fig isn't first up. 

Level 3 wouid be OT3 and RB depth. WR isn't too dynamic outide of Tee & Chase. You could argue Gesicki & Hudson are actually WR3 and WR4 and they are TEs. Though Yoshi did make progress and we aren't giving up on Burton (yet). Supposedly. A guy like Bech or Tez Johnson or Noel or Higgins or Savion Williams would be fun if we get an extra pick somehow. And McPherson was pretty damn shaky last year and we save $2.5 mil with a post June 1 cut. 

Musts: G, DT/3T, pass rush help (DE/OLB/Edge)
Nice: S upgrades, TE1, CB1, coverage LB
Cherry on top: OT3, RB3, WR3-4, PK.

Sorry for the length.