03-29-2021, 02:58 PM
(03-28-2021, 11:50 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I have compiled a short list of WRs that could be available when the Bengals select in Rd 2. Feel free to add anyone that you like at that spot.
In no particular order:
Rashod Bateman- With him just reportedly running a 4.39 in his Pro Day, there is a very good chance the versatile Bateman would be selected in the first round. If he is there in Rd 2, I really like him. Great size (6'2" and 215 lbs) and an excellent route runner.
Kadarius Toney- Likely a slot WR, and not a huge catch radius, Toney will have his fans because of his incredible speed and change-of-direction ability. He's only 5'10 (if that) but a solid 195 lbs. Many have him as a first rounder, but I do not. However, with Rodale Moore measuring in at just 5'7", he could move up on someone's boards that was previously in love with Moore.
Anthony Schwardz- Another blazer, but a bit taller than Toney at 6'0". Crazy speed, but didn't get to showcase a full route tree at Auburn with Gus's high school offense. A solid hands-catcher, better than Toney, IMHO. He's ony about 185 lbs, but has been pretty healthy in his career in the SEC. I view him a bit like Moore and Toney...but I like him the best of the three. I wish he would have played at the Senior Bowl. I think if he would have demonstrated the ability to run all the routes and have excellent adaptation of what is required, it could have vaulted him up draft boards.
Terrace Marshall- LSU was so loaded at WR that is is amazing that he was able to compile 23 TDs in the last two seasons. He is a long strider with really good long speed. Could play X or slot, but was used a lot in the slot at LSU. (Note: People said the same thing about Jefferson and he did incredibly well playing outside in Minnesota). Fits the mold of a Bengal's 2nd round WR as he has great upside and isn't a finished product. They also tend to like bigger WRs and the failure of Ross is only likely to further entrench them in the camp of a player like Marshall or Bateman.
Nico Collins- Hampered production from horrible QB play, when he did get his hands on the ball it was typically a big play. A big, strong WR at 6'4" and 220 lbs, his main weapon is his physicality. Contested catches are his forte. That being said, he ran a 4.43 and had a surprising 6.71 in the three cone drill. I didn't see that coming as I felt like his change of direction was a weakness, not a strength. More of that Michigan stupid offense? I feel for this guy because had he played at a team like Ohio State (not trying to homer here) or a team with even a decent QB, he would have been a first round pick. Big WRs like him are not common and some team that has a need for a guaranteed chain mover will be all over him. I am not certain how much he fits the Bengals, as I would really still prefer a Marshall or Bateman over him, but I don't see the difference being tremendous and any of those three would be strong options in Rd 2 should they be there for the Bengals.
D'Wayne Eskridge- I know, I know...it is the wacky- MAC in me, but what this guy showed at the Senior Bowl has to put him on this list. No, I don't see him as a great fit for the Bengals...he is another Moore, Toney, etc-type that has crazy change of direction ability and he's got a chip on his shoulder toughness that I love about him. If somehow he slips to the 4th round, I am all over him, even though we already have Tyler Boyd in the slot. He's only 5'9" but he's a solid 190 lbs and tough as nails. I will be pissed if this guy ends up in that state to the east. He has run a 4.33 before, and ran a 4.38 on his pro day in cold weather. He feels he is a 4.29 guy. His team needed help at CB so he split time at WR and still had a whopping 784 yards on just 34 receptions. He returns and covers kicks as well. A real Swiss-Army Knife. I love this kid and I generally don't like shorter WRs, but he is like Adam Jones without the issues but for offense. Love him.
My wish is still to go with Chase and get a developmental tackle like Carman or Leatherwood in Rd 2 to start at RG and try to develop as an OT down the road, if I had to choose a WR to pair with the first round selection of Sewell, I would go Marshall, Bateman, and Collins in that order. The reason I like Marshall is he did it against the best defenses and in just 7 games in 2020 with a tremendous drop-off in QB talent compared to 2019, he still hauled in 48 receptions for 731 yards and 10 TDs.
Thoughts? Additions?
It might be high for some but I'd be fine with Tylan Wallace in the 2nd.
