04-08-2022, 07:42 PM
(04-08-2022, 07:29 PM)phil413 Wrote: In in this late, lots of good points.
He is our guy, they need a contingency plan and my guess is there are two things going on here. Before that though we have to get past the bitterness of the past. They've changed A LOT of how they build a roster, so don't just assume they have penned in converted tackle with a back issue at LG. It's a competition they'd hope their high asset wins, but you have to have a contingency if you're wanting to win.
So, IMO there is still one piece coming. First, if you truly believe in taking a BPA that isn't a top need is worth taking if the value is enough...you can't write off the draft. They visited Salyer who could be a 3rd, and he is versatile. They've been bad recently developing young OL, but that doesn't preclude a pick.
Secondly, a vet FA that will have to settle for being part of a competition or backup is the better option on paper. Half the posts are bringing in Spain due to familiarity, let the market humble him, he understands that Carmen could start of it's close and he gets to be a versatile backup. No reason to worry about his attitude or how Jackson feels about it, they both have to see it's about winning. Not just Spain, but any FA. I had Michael Schofield as a G/T in my mock offseason for instance. I don't think we have a clear read on D'Ante Smith. He may be the competition or he may be being groomed as a tackle. I like him a lot, but they are still one body short. Most ideal for the roster may be a versatile G/C to push Carman or worst case Trey Hill. We can all day about "they like ______" but we are trying to win a ring. Get one more average body in there and I'm happy. Bottom line is Carman is their guy in pencil with a name beside it, we just don't know who that player is yet.
Great post and I mostly agree with you. To me it depends on who falls to 31 which is how I started my comments. If Green or Zion are there I think I take them. But that could be hard to do if a good CB falls. Just have to see.
But you are right this is not the same old Bengals. If we want to keep winning we need to have the best options up front for Joe. (And Joe) Carman is absolutely penciled in right now for me. I also feel like they are going to sign someone else that may make things more clear. Maybe that is another CB in FA. Maybe it is a G to push Carman or take over if he does not improve. And that could certainly also impact our decision. I know we like a lot of our younger guys like Smith but they have also not been very good when given the opportunity. We definitely should sign someone or bring someone in the draft to challenge Carman. And that does not have to be at 31 either. Lots of guys in later rounds we could grab. But if Green or Zion is there I have a hard time not running to the podium.
