05-31-2021, 08:18 PM
Bengals have done a pretty good job filling many of the holes left on the team but there are still a couple of areas of concern left as well as a couple of upgrades.
Holes:
Back -up OT-- Neither Adeniji nor Fred Johnson showed enough to be locked in as first tackle of the bench. Both are late round picks so don't even have the pedigree to have garnered much trust. Smith is young. Would hate to see a starting tackle go down with an injury even short term that could derail the protection schemes. Would also not be helpful to developing Carman if they need to move him right away. Okung, Moses or another quality veteran who may become available is needed to secure O-Line depth
LB - Bengals have a few promising LB's who need time on the field to grow but there is something to be gained by having to win the job too. Adding a veteran LB who could push the youngsters to perform or at least bring experience to the film sessions would be helpful. Adding KJ Wright or someone similar would make a great addition and still allow for the young guys to get experience.
Upgrades:
DT - Mike Daniels is a decent back up and Ogunjobi is an okay starter but there are better players available who may be cheap given the number of teams maxed out of cap space. Sheldon Richardson or Jurrell Casey would cost more than Daniels but would definitely be upgrades and maybe even starters. Bengals have the cap space to look to improve roster still
TE- I wouldn't trade for Ertz but if he becomes available I would definitely go after him. His next contract will be less than what CJ will make this year and Ertz would be a significant upgrade. With the attention to WR's, Ertz could really capitalize. CJ is a good back-up TE but not an ideal starter. Sample is a back-up as well and could be the primary TE in run sets while Ertz could shine in pass sets.
I think the other positions are pretty well set. DB's look much deeper this year and DE's have some young guys who show promise. There are some solid vet pass rushers left but I think the Bengals need to ensure that the young guys get a chance
Holes:
Back -up OT-- Neither Adeniji nor Fred Johnson showed enough to be locked in as first tackle of the bench. Both are late round picks so don't even have the pedigree to have garnered much trust. Smith is young. Would hate to see a starting tackle go down with an injury even short term that could derail the protection schemes. Would also not be helpful to developing Carman if they need to move him right away. Okung, Moses or another quality veteran who may become available is needed to secure O-Line depth
LB - Bengals have a few promising LB's who need time on the field to grow but there is something to be gained by having to win the job too. Adding a veteran LB who could push the youngsters to perform or at least bring experience to the film sessions would be helpful. Adding KJ Wright or someone similar would make a great addition and still allow for the young guys to get experience.
Upgrades:
DT - Mike Daniels is a decent back up and Ogunjobi is an okay starter but there are better players available who may be cheap given the number of teams maxed out of cap space. Sheldon Richardson or Jurrell Casey would cost more than Daniels but would definitely be upgrades and maybe even starters. Bengals have the cap space to look to improve roster still
TE- I wouldn't trade for Ertz but if he becomes available I would definitely go after him. His next contract will be less than what CJ will make this year and Ertz would be a significant upgrade. With the attention to WR's, Ertz could really capitalize. CJ is a good back-up TE but not an ideal starter. Sample is a back-up as well and could be the primary TE in run sets while Ertz could shine in pass sets.
I think the other positions are pretty well set. DB's look much deeper this year and DE's have some young guys who show promise. There are some solid vet pass rushers left but I think the Bengals need to ensure that the young guys get a chance
