Dax Hill

[*ochocincos*]

(01-19-2024, 10:01 PM)J24 Wrote: 1.) Hilton can't cover in man to man anymore which limits what Lou can call on defense. Replacing him with Hill gives the defense more flexability in what Lou can call. Also I think you could trade Hilton to another team for a mid rd pick or a player. 

1b.) That 6.4 million could be used for two DTs. Like A Maurice Hurst and Joseph Day combination.

2.) We will have to draft his replacement at Nickle anyways this season(or draft a safety if Hill is innfact the replacement).Considering that in all likelihood we won't resign him next off season and the Bengals like to draft players replacements a year in advance. 

2b.)Why can't we draft a Safety early? We were the 31st ranked defense for yards allowed, gave up the most yards per a pass, and yards per a play. How is any positon(except for Hendrickson) not on the chopping block this off season?

3.) Or let's  use one of our best players at his best position. Hill is a dynamic player that can cover in man to man, play elite run defense, and blitz at a high level. Let's use him properly instead of playing him deep!

Bengals have already invested a 1st, two 2nds, and a 3rd round pick into DB the past 2 drafts.
That's quite a lot of early round investment to put into one position group.
Gotta let the guys see if they can turn into something before trying to add yet another replacement.

Other positions the Bengals have to worry about:
WR2 (unless they get a deal done with Higgins. Just a tag doesn't cut it)
RT
NT
UT (Hill entering final year on deal and Carter has shown far less to take that spot compared to what Hill showed at DB)
TE
RB
IOL (Scharping and Ford hitting FA plus Karras entering final year under contract)
LB (all backups are hitting FA, doubt all will be retained)

Yes, the Bengals can address some of these positions in FA, but not all will be (at least not with "good" players).
Some of these will have to be addressed with early-round picks.
If you invest an early round pick into DB, you're now bumping one of those other positions later in the draft.

My personal opinion is give these young safeties one more year to see what they can do and invest most of the draft picks toward offense and DT.
If Hill and/or Battle still not doing well by next offseason, look at getting a new safety then. You can always get a slot CB on Day 2 of the draft and have them be an immediate contributor.