Ben Baby's "Three things to watch for the Bengals this offseason"

[*rfaulk34*]

(02-11-2023, 08:39 PM)Synric Wrote: Hayden Hurst does a great job in those short and intermediate zones. He really doesn't have the speed to win consistently up the seam or in man coverage. He also doesnt have the speed and wiggle to be very dangerous after the catch.

Hurst is a solid option if he doesnt price himself out of Cincy he is choice one. Hurst and Burrow were really developing a connection and you can see how Burrow and a high quality Tight End could be a big time connection. Luke Musgrave is probably the most dynamic TE in this draft class and I wouldnt hate that pick at 28 because I know the offensive skill positions will be going through a turnover the next couple years and a dynamic TE can make that transition easier.

Up to this point, i still can't talk myself into taking a TE in the first. I was totally on board with adding weapons over blocking when we took Chase. Right now, it just seems superfluous to add another target on the offense when the most important thing they can do is get guys and guys and more guys for the offensive line. 

I think signing Hurst will be pretty easy and we go into next year with the same receiving skill group. I'm all for a Mixon restructure or cut and going cheaper RBBC. I just really really really think they need to focus on the Oline first. I think they shouldn't be thinking of any other position group until the Oline has been addressed and addressed again (speaking in terms of FA and draft). 

Losing Bates and potentially Pratt will be a ding, but they have a couple guys to step in who could fill the shoes admirably. The other guys they should bring back, none of them should break the bank and then they're running it back next year with mostly the same team, with a couple key upgrades.