05-27-2021, 03:23 PM
(05-27-2021, 02:50 PM)ochocincos Wrote: My expectations for the starting defense:
Hendrickson - above average (in pass rush at least)
Hubbard - average (above avg in run defense, below avg in pass rush)
Ogunjobi - average (had a down year in CLE after playing NT)
Reader - above average (near elite in run defense, commanding double teams. if not, not worth the $$)
Pratt - below average
Wilson - below average
Waynes - at least average (if not, waste of $$)
Awuzie - decent as a CB2, will have ups and downs
Hilton - above average slot
Bates - elite
Bell - average to above average for SS expectations
To me, there are only a few guys below average, but a few guys above average, so it should kinda balance out to be an average defense.
If the Bengals end up in the 14-18 range, that's average.
That seems a decent summary. Not sure there's much difference between say 14th and 20th. I'd consider those to be within the margin of error, so to speak. An injury to a key player (eg Bates or Reader) probably knocks the D down into the 20s though.
