PFF Simulation - No OT in the 1st

[OSUfan]

Let me start by saying I don't believe this will happen but I would like to see this mentality from the franchise. I believe that they have achieved the point of retaining a very strong core and that being more aggressive in using draft capital to continue to build the future core would serve them well. While I have been an advocate of a first round OT there is also the reality that the Bengals do seem committed at this point to Jonah Williams and La'el Collins and here is to hoping that health will raise their level of play from last season.

FA Re-signings:

1) Vonn Bell
2) Hayden Hurst
3) Germaine Pratt
4) Mitchell Wilcox
5) Tre Flowers
6) Trent Taylor
7) Max Sharping

Pre-Season Extensions:

1) Joe Burrow
2) Tee Higgins

Onto the draft -

RD. 1 - 28th Overall

The way the draft fell I was relatively confident that I could draft a target player while acquiring another high round draft selection. There were several offers on the table and I decided that a trade with Houston offered the team the best value. Houston used the 28th selection to draft T. Stevenson CB Miami. Then Bengals received the 33rd and 73rd overall selections.

Rd. 2 - 33rd Overall



Deonte Banks - CB - Maryland - 6'2" 205

Quote:“He’s one of my favorite cornerbacks I’ve studied. He’s going to be a really good pro.”

This was a quote from an area NFL scout. Banks has elite size and length for the position and is experienced in both man and zone coverage and has shown to excel in either. Has outstanding feet and hips and transitions from the backpedal seamlessly. This is not to say there are not aspects of the game he does not need to work on but he shows the attributes to be a high level NFL corner with a very high ceiling. I will be shocked if he is here for the Bengals but if he is then it is a steal.

Rd. 2 - 60th Overall

Again, the Bengals were in a position to have many trade options on the table as well as to be sitting in a position to draft targeted players that fit needs while acquiring selections that could help to add future core players high in the draft.  I opted to trade with KC giving them the 60th overall selection in return for the 63rd overall selection as well as receiving the 123rd overall in the 4th.

RD. 2 - 63rd Overall



Matthew Bergeron - OT - Syracuse - 6'5" 323

I had not been too high on Bergeron until I really started watching film on him and started to really dissect the tape. In the majority of bad snaps you see from Bergeron comes down to hand placement. Bergeron is a brutally strong tackle and when he gets his hands inside and latches onto the defender then he is in complete control of them and will move them wherever he wishes. He is a bulldozer in the run game and really moves well getting to the second level and picking up blocks. Hand placement is a coachable issue and I believe this is something Pollack can fix. Bergeron has been compared to Bitonio and could be an asset inside as well with his brute strength. I feel he a OT first but as well could have a high ceiling inside as well depending on the need of the team.

RD. 3 - 73rd Overall



Sydney Brown - S - Illinois - 6'0" 200

I do not see Brown being here as I feel he could be the best overall safety in this draft but has not had the hype of some others. If he is here then it is a no brainer selection. Adding Brown gives the Bengals the best young safety room in the NFL with Hill, Brown, and Andersen. Brown is strong in all facets of the game but his best attributes are football IQ and ball skills. Brown brings versatility and is not tied to a single scheme or position. He can play the outfield or support the run and is not a liability in man coverage. I really like this selection.

RD. 3 - 92nd Overall Selection



Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson - CB - TCU - 5'9" 177

The size of Tomlinson I believe has to do with his stock falling a bit lately but this works out very well for the Bengals who have the chance to add a playmaker in the defensive backfield. Tomlinson was the winner of the Thorpe Award despite his stature. The coverage skills of Tomlinson are elite and he is the ultimate competitor and is an extremely physical defender given his size. He will push for time immediately and lockdown slot corner could be his future so why not learn from the best in the business...Mike Hilton.

Rd. 4 - 123rd Overall



Israel Abanikanda - RB - Pitt - 6'0" 215

The best RB in the draft that you have never heard of. If you don't like this kid it is because you have not watched film on him. He has all the makings of a future back in the NFL and he will not turn 21 until October of this year. Has the power to break tackles, shows good vision, and will flat run away from defenders in the open field. Keeps legs moving in traffic and does a good job of setting up and following blocks. I would not be shocked to eventually see this kid be the best back to come out of this draft class.

Watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2Yu_-67Z2I

RD. 4 - 131st Overall



Cam Jones - LB - Indiana - 6'3" 225

Jones brings high football IQ and leadership to the field and was a three time captain at IU. Jones is a former DB so he has understanding of coverage and brings an ideal frame to play LB at the NFL level. His game has improved every season but '22 was his true coming out party but it was unfortunately cut short with a foot injury. He is a strong tackler and brings real physicality in the box. Will be a great young addition to the LB room and will have two great backers to learn from in Wilson and Pratt.

Rd. 5 - 165th Overall



Durell Nchami - Edge - Maryland - 6'4" 255

Durell has struggled with injuries in his career at Maryland which is why he falls in this draft. When healthy he is a difference maker on the edge for a defense and the Michigan games is a good example. Michigan had their majority of offensive success on the downs that Durell was not on the field. Durell can put his hand on the ground or rush from the up position as well as is not a liability dropping in coverage. If he can stay healthy he is a game changer for a defense and will be in a great room with Hendrickson, Hubbard, and Ossai.

RD. 6 - 206th Overall



Jake Bobo - WR - UCLA - 6'5" 215

Bobo brings outstanding size and length to the position. Started his career at Duke before transferring to UCLA and coaching staffs point to his football IQ as a reason for his success. He has displayed great hands and body control and high points the ball in contested situations. While he is not a burner he is not slow either but is a strider. Watching film on him reminds me of Auden Tate with a bit more long speed. Will be a real threat in the red zone.

Rd. 7 - 248th Overall



Hunter Luepke - FB/RB - N. Dakota St. - 6'1" 236

Hunter will fill the void left by Perine in joining his former teammate Cordell Volson. Luepke was a Swiss Army knife for ND and does a bit of everything. He can lead block, pick up the blitz, catch out of the backfield, and run the ball. Again, a player with a high football IQ that should be a real asset in the RB room. I could see him playing a TE/H-back role in an emergency with his skillset.

53 man roster to follow: