Bengals draft thread rumors

[*SHRacerX*]

(04-27-2022, 09:04 PM)pulses Wrote: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/forum/other-sports/2022/04/130615/bengals-draft-threadrumors


The draft is a day away and to form the long term dynasty this is going to be a key draft for the Bengals. Mr.Mayo has done his final mock draft and I wanted this thread to be more focused on the rumors and then the actual draft. Jackson Carman was leaked last year, definitely reliable info out there. Here are some of the top rumors:

   The first round pick seems dedicated to two positions, corner and then IOL. The Bengals like Kyler Gordon, Kair Elam, and Andrew Booth and dont like Roger Mcreary. If those 3 are not available they would then look for Zion Johnson or Tyler Linderbaum. Pass rushers could be a consideration but the belief appears to be that there wont be any there that they want.
   Trey Mcbride is really interesting. Bengals seem to love him and so do the Buccaneers. He would be available in the 40s but if you cant trade back and dont want to trade up in the second then he could be the worst case scenario on their boards. Peter King said they are still in shock Uzomah chose the Jets when the contracts were basically the same and are hyper focused on the position.
   OL-They are happy with their depth and believe Carman could be fine and also believe Trey Hill can be fine. Hill is coming off 2 meniscus injuries and Carman was coming off of a back. Both could take big steps based on that. Because of this dont expect any late round OL picks. However if Tyler Linderbaum or Zion Johnson are available to make this the best OL in the league and fill LG/C they wont have problems moving on from Carman.
   DL-Similar to OL they are pretty happy with the depth they have built. Hendrickson/Hubbard/Ossai at EDGE, Hill/Reader at DT and then Cam Sample as backup 3T and Josh Tupou as back up NT. There isnt a lot of room for depth. However they really want to get a high end pass rusher to round out this room. They would prefer it be at DT but will take it however they can get it. They play a lot of 5 DL formations.
   DL names-Logan Hall is a hot rumor. Devonta Wyatt, George Karlaftis, and Arnold Ebitike have been connected.
   WR-The Bengals have gone balls to the wall bringing in receivers and really want to find cheap depth behind the big 3 and the eventual Tyler Boyd replacement. If somehow they can sign Chase and Higgins there will be no money for a third. Need him on a rookie deal. Interstingly Hobson did not rule out them using the first or second at the position. He suggested if one of the elite guys falls to them it may make sense to keep them on a cheap deal and trade Higgins.
   S-No secrets here, Bates and Bell are in contract years. Probably cant resign both. Need a long term starter and depth.
   CB-Apple is on a 1 year deal and at the very very best he will be average. CB is the priority this draft not only for a starter but also for future depth.
   TE-Hurst and Sample on 1 year deals, they are looking for a long term answer on a rookie deal.
   Visits-The Bengals have really targeted a few positions and ignored others. DL(specifically pass rushers) has been a massive focus, the entire secondary is a focus and they dont seem to be fans of the depth or long term outlook right now, TE is huge, and also receiver has been a group they have targeted.
   QB/RB/LB/OT are very low priority. Unless they feel like they are getting a steal those wont be touched.

The biggest theme of this draft will be finding starters down the road who can contribute on rookie deals. The Bengals are going to try to extend Burrow at the end of the season(not going to wait the extra 2 years.) While it may seem crazy to not go all in on his rookie deal they would be trying to get him to a long deal before the salary cap explodes.  S/CB/TE/WR all need future starters.

Burrow, Higgins, Jonah Williams, Logan Wilson, and Jessie Bates all need extensions soon. Free agency is over for Cincinnati for awhile. Time to find contributors later in the draft.

I think that the Bengals have DT (specifically 3T, not another NT) as a priority as big as CB and bigger than IOL.  That doesn't mean it will be there first round pick, but if Karlaftis is there, I could wager he will be the pick with no trade back.

If there is a glut of a safety like Cine and Hill, Linderbaum, Booth, Gordon, and Wyatt, I can almost guarantee they will trade back, even if just for an early fourth.  

However, if Karlaftis is there, I think they don't hesitate and draft him immediately.