03-18-2022, 12:02 PM
(03-18-2022, 11:49 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: There was a lot of talk last year (not saying this is what you are saying) about they lost Lawson, but added Hendrickson, and most considered that a wash at best. Ditto losing WJIII and gaining Chido (actually many said less than a wash, but ended up being a massive steal). Ditto Mackenzie Alexander for Mike Hilton.
The Bengals also had massive question marks coming off significant injuries with Burrow, CJ, and Hopkins.
This year, the team is coming in MUCH healthier (my God...what is a year THREE with Burrow at one place???) and they have added talent where they were at their weakest. Jonah played almost the entire season and was very effective as well.
Perhaps the BIGGEST step up from a year ago has been the play of the LBs. Even the depth guys like Bailey and Bachie showed they were capable players. Wilson and Pratt had their best seasons yet, and the defense REALLY gelled by the end of the year.
Many teams are adding players, but what isn't often mentioned is the talent they lost. The Bengals have lost CJ and Ogunjobi from a year ago. Unless I am forgetting someone else, that is it. Oh, Riley Reiff....but the core is still there.
I think they are a Collins and another FA CB away from being their best, deepest roster ever. The draft will be CRAZY EXCITING with so few holes to fill and they can go after a pass rusher early from either the DT or DE position as that position has some real talent this year.
I wonder if the structure of Danielle Hunter's contract makes it doable for the Bengals. They could offer a 3rd round pick and the Vikes need a ton of cap space. He is crazy expensive this year (if I am reading it correctly), Like $26 million, but only costs $5 million next year and his cap hit is also only $5 million next year. That is basically $31 million for two years then he is an UFA, which could reward the Bengals a compensatory pick. I love the depth and rotation he could offer at DE.
If they get Collins it will be a huge free agency success story. I really don’t think the board in general realizes that being able to convert 3 and short or 4th and short will do much less a running game to combat the drop 8 teams will do this year. This offense will hit another gear. Heck just another year in the offense and continuity with Chase,Tee,and Boyd will pay huge dividends. The defense returning all its starters? Guys the continuity and so many returning starters is a huge deal plus getting Ossai back.
