12-11-2022, 01:16 PM
(12-05-2022, 07:31 PM)ochocincos Wrote: LT is traditionally the hardest position to actually upgrade given they have to go up against the best pass rushers typically, so I disagree with your comment about Jonah.
The past 3 games, Jonah has only allowed 3 total pressures, 0 of which were sacks.
If the OL continues to play like they have the past few weeks, there's no reason to find an upgrade anywhere for the immediate term.
Instead, focus on upgrading other areas, specifically the pass rush.
There are also some guys who are set to hit FA this coming offseason, so those spots might also need to get prioritized if the players are not re-signed.
Specifically looking at Pratt and Bell, as Awuzie should be back from injury, CTB has filled in quite decently and earning justification for starts next year, and Hill is the heir to Jessie Bates.
If you did want to look at a replacement for Jonah though, here are the notable LTs set to hit FA:
- Orlando Brown (Bengals won't spend that kind of $$ on him, but might be more realistic than trading for Laremy Tunsil)
- Kelvin Beachum (doing well with ARZ but playing RT since 2020, can he still hang at LT?)
- George Fant (played well in 2021 but that's about it. has already allowed 3 sacks and 15 total pressures in just 191 pass block snaps this year)
I think given the caliber of players the Bengals have for depth at OT (Smith and Adeniji), it's wiser to draft someone early to groom behind Williams and Collins for a year (or two) without the pressure of starting right away. That player should be an upgrade over what they currently have at swing tackle.
Good post. The other thing to consider is that our window is now, before Burrow & Higgins sign extensions. The OL starters are inked for multiple years, save for Jonah, and we already oicked up his option. He is here through next year.
After next year, some really tough decisions will need to be made. I can see justification for using our high picks on guys we think will help immediately.
