02-23-2022, 11:44 AM
(02-22-2022, 06:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.
While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot
Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.
2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.
3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.
4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.
5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.
6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.
7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.
7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.
I like the idea of CB early and even think we could see a 2nd CB being taken this year. Been reading that there are lots of potential future starters at TE in the middle rounds so I like what you did there.
Can't get behind the Boyd thing (this year). Next year in the last year of his deal would be great to get him to restructure/extend at a lower rate. He just comes across as such a team first guy that I want a veteran like that around to keep Chase & Higgins grounded. Plus, he's a 1,000 guy if either Chase or Higgins has an extended injury, he's great insurance to have. All that said, with them using high picks (and hitting) on WR the last two drafts, I don't think we see them using another high pick on the position even if Boyd is gone. I do think we see a WR taken this year in the middle to late rounds.
I know you said DL will be taken care of in free agency. I don't see them signing both Hill & Ogunjobi so there is an opening at back up 3T. I would like to a high upside pick there in the top half of the draft.
I'd have to see who the OL signings are to see if I'd want OL drafted earlier than the 3rd, but there are only so many picks available. At the top of the draft, I think OL, CB, DT would be my ideal positions for a BPA pick.
