04-07-2023, 09:19 PM
(04-07-2023, 03:13 PM)Bengalstripes9 Wrote: To me a running back is more valuable than a tight end and we could have our pick at the bottom of the 1st.
Tight ends tend to take a while to develop.
Running backs are good to go right away.
Running backs are used on at least 1/3 of our plays.
Tight ends get 3 catches per game, but do block as well.
All this makes me lean towards running back in the 1st and tight end on day 2.
Add to this how attractive it is to get a 5th year option with an explosive back (making the salary cap work paying WR1,2 and QB1.
I much prefer a rookie running back to a veteran running back. Running backs fall off a cliff quick with injuries.
I would like to thorw out a rebuttal....
Here's why... NFL has 20 years at this point of proven track records that the O line is more responsible for the running game than the actual running back. The O line has a HUGE impact on avg yard per carry over the actual ball carrier. And RBs go down a lot any more. The Bengals need blockers and a scheme that works with interchangeable pieces.
- This really started to become an apparent trend when those early 2000s Broncos teams would go down to their 3rd or 4th RB and STILL be able to move chains and threaten. Now we see RBs go down all the time and teams with good lines be able to still run just fine. Look how Perine faired when Mixon left. I actually think the run game got BETTER. If not anything but more consistent at what the Bengals needed out of the position.
- A strong TE, on the other hand, will force the safeties to stay inside instead of playing high and wide on the hash marks. A TE who's a threat on mid to deep out, seam, and post routes would force singles on at least 1 of the WRs (Chase or Higgins). The Bengals were KILLED last year without any threats over the middle of the field.
A great TE would allow the Bengals to move pieces around and STILL hit the entire route tree due to how the defenses have to react and move pieces around to cover (for example) Chase in the slot.
I will say this on TEs.... There are maybe 3 or 4 great ones who are siginifiicant difference makers in the entire league - and they can block. If the Bengals can find one of those in this draft... odds are strong there is at least 1 because the TE class this year is WILDLY strong... it will open up a TON of possibilities. Sam Laporta would be interesting. Hell, they should take 2 TEs in this draft it is so talented. I think it is 7 or 8 guys deep with at least 3rd round grades on them. That is IMPRESSIVE!
- RB wise I actually really like the kid from Minnesota, Ibrahim as a mid to late rounder. The Bengals issue will be that they have NO blocking RB on the roster. If they can cut Mixon and sign Elliot who can be short yardage/blocking duties while drafting an every down speed/hands guy it would be a home run. I also love the RB from UCLA, but that would require at least a 2nd rounder and I hate that.
