02-08-2024, 05:40 PM
RD. 3 - 80th Selection:
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEu4XGQBKUgCxqNXp2By6...Q&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEu4XGQBKUgCxqNXp2By6tKpFWYQZHkapsLQ&usqp=CAU)
Jonathon Brooks - RB - Texas - 6'0" 207
Along with making changes in the trenches the Bengals have to get better in the running game. I have been a Mixon supporter but I believe it is time for the Bengals to upgrade at the RB position. I really like Benson in this draft but I believe that Benson and Brooks are RB 1a and 1b in this draft and it could be argued that Brooks could be a better back for their offense given his proven contributions as a receiver.
Brooks has displayed elite vision as a runner and a tremendous football IQ which is a key to the players I have looked to select and a box that Tobin and Taylor look to have checked by the prospects that they select. Brooks brings excellent acceleration and when he sees a crease he explodes thru it with great burst. There is not much dancing to his game. He sees the the hole with his elite vision and hits that hole. Once he clears the line he absolutely has homerun burst and speed to take it to the house. Maybe most importantly for contributing as a rookie and getting snaps in the offense, Brooks is not a liability in pass protection and blitz pickup.
Brooks would be an immediate upgrade to pair with Brown as the new look Bengals running game.
RD. 4 - 115th Selection:
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRm0voOdPv93SsLnMRHr2c...Q&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRm0voOdPv93SsLnMRHr2ca_eMydlZtPUDnGQ&usqp=CAU)
Cedric Gray - LB - N. Carolina - 6'3" 235
Gray fits ideally in the mold of Pratt and Wilson as a do it all type of backer. However, one of his biggest strengths may be coverage in the passing game. Over the last three seasons with the Tar Heels he has had 5 interceptions and broken up 12 passes. Again, you are looking at a prospect that has displayed on the field a high football IQ to pair with outstanding instincts as he deciphers routes and keys on the QB and their intent. Gray routinely processes an offense and attacks with immediate intent and discipline.
Gray will need to continue to add functional strength as he grows at the next level and continue to improve as a wrap up tackler but I realistically could see Gray going into the '24 season as LB3 on the roster.
Jonathon Brooks - RB - Texas - 6'0" 207
Along with making changes in the trenches the Bengals have to get better in the running game. I have been a Mixon supporter but I believe it is time for the Bengals to upgrade at the RB position. I really like Benson in this draft but I believe that Benson and Brooks are RB 1a and 1b in this draft and it could be argued that Brooks could be a better back for their offense given his proven contributions as a receiver.
Brooks has displayed elite vision as a runner and a tremendous football IQ which is a key to the players I have looked to select and a box that Tobin and Taylor look to have checked by the prospects that they select. Brooks brings excellent acceleration and when he sees a crease he explodes thru it with great burst. There is not much dancing to his game. He sees the the hole with his elite vision and hits that hole. Once he clears the line he absolutely has homerun burst and speed to take it to the house. Maybe most importantly for contributing as a rookie and getting snaps in the offense, Brooks is not a liability in pass protection and blitz pickup.
Brooks would be an immediate upgrade to pair with Brown as the new look Bengals running game.
RD. 4 - 115th Selection:
Cedric Gray - LB - N. Carolina - 6'3" 235
Gray fits ideally in the mold of Pratt and Wilson as a do it all type of backer. However, one of his biggest strengths may be coverage in the passing game. Over the last three seasons with the Tar Heels he has had 5 interceptions and broken up 12 passes. Again, you are looking at a prospect that has displayed on the field a high football IQ to pair with outstanding instincts as he deciphers routes and keys on the QB and their intent. Gray routinely processes an offense and attacks with immediate intent and discipline.
Gray will need to continue to add functional strength as he grows at the next level and continue to improve as a wrap up tackler but I realistically could see Gray going into the '24 season as LB3 on the roster.
