02-12-2024, 11:29 AM
RD 1 - 31st Selection:
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTyMeOXVPbBY_N16dlzL8T...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTyMeOXVPbBY_N16dlzL8TxyRbujjsUTITbbA&usqp=CAU)
Graham Barton - OL - Duke - 6'5" 314:
Tobin and Taylor have not made it any secret that football IQ is high on their criteria list for their draft prospects and Barton absolutely checks that box. Barton has the versatility to play all five offensive line positions but having average length means he more than likely makes the move inside at the NFL level. For the Bengals I see Barton and his smarts, toughness, and explosion off the snap lining up at center where I feel he compares favorably to Creed Humphrey. I could see Barton being the center that the Bengals have been searching for since Rich Braham.
Barton generates outstanding power, possesses elite processing skills for diagnosing stunts and blitzes, as well as elite anchor. In the run game he brings the finishing attitude that is lacking with the Bengals current offensive line. He looks to put his man on the ground while moving to the second level to pick up the next block. Just a tenacious competitor. He will need to clean up some small technique issues but that could be said about any prospect in the draft.
The selection of Barton allows Karras to move to left guard which he has played in the NFL and should be an upgrade over Volson. This would allow Volson to compete for a swing tackle spot which he may be better suited for in the NFL.
RD. 2 - 49th Selection:
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT89gRDXIUZ-uyShXxe98b...Q&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT89gRDXIUZ-uyShXxe98biw0bnAn0My8Qz-Q&usqp=CAU)
T'Vondre Sweat - DT - Texas - 6'4" 346:
If the Bengals can work a 1 year deal with Reader then this is a great selection to take some meaningful snaps off Readers plate and help keep him fresh. If they cannot work out a deal with Reader then it is an even better selection.
Sweat is an immovable presence at the NT position who will consistently demand double teams. Violent hands and immense natural power to go along with outstanding quickness and burst for a man of this size. Stopping the run in the AFC North is a must and stopping the run is the specialty of Sweat. While he is not a pass rushing specialist that does not mean he cannot disrupt the pocket and make it difficult for the QB to operate. Sweat generates huge push while taking up blocks and freeing up other defenders to make plays. Sweat has not shown just that he demands double teams but has also shown that he can defeat double teams as well.
RD. 2 - 63rd Selection:
![[Image: images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_uq2MduKNLhC7oQ9t8Ij...A&usqp=CAU]](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_uq2MduKNLhC7oQ9t8IjDPzAgV7XnCBqlJA&usqp=CAU)
Leonard Taylor - DT - Miami (Fla.) - 6'3" 305:
I had no intention of going back to back on the D line but with Taylor sitting at the top of the board it was not a selection that could be passed on. The addition of Sweat and Taylor to go with Hendrickson and Hubbard arguably gives the Bengals one of the top defensive lines in the league.
Taylor possesses elite get off and snap timing to go along with a relentless motor. Plays with violent hands and understands the use of rips and swims to free himself of blockers. Taylor uses his elite athleticism to win at the point of attack and rushes with a plan and a counter. Continuing to add strength at the next level will aid in his continued development. Taylor has proven to be a disruptive force and rotating with Hill should put him in a great situation to learn and grow at the NFL level.
Graham Barton - OL - Duke - 6'5" 314:
Tobin and Taylor have not made it any secret that football IQ is high on their criteria list for their draft prospects and Barton absolutely checks that box. Barton has the versatility to play all five offensive line positions but having average length means he more than likely makes the move inside at the NFL level. For the Bengals I see Barton and his smarts, toughness, and explosion off the snap lining up at center where I feel he compares favorably to Creed Humphrey. I could see Barton being the center that the Bengals have been searching for since Rich Braham.
Barton generates outstanding power, possesses elite processing skills for diagnosing stunts and blitzes, as well as elite anchor. In the run game he brings the finishing attitude that is lacking with the Bengals current offensive line. He looks to put his man on the ground while moving to the second level to pick up the next block. Just a tenacious competitor. He will need to clean up some small technique issues but that could be said about any prospect in the draft.
The selection of Barton allows Karras to move to left guard which he has played in the NFL and should be an upgrade over Volson. This would allow Volson to compete for a swing tackle spot which he may be better suited for in the NFL.
RD. 2 - 49th Selection:
T'Vondre Sweat - DT - Texas - 6'4" 346:
If the Bengals can work a 1 year deal with Reader then this is a great selection to take some meaningful snaps off Readers plate and help keep him fresh. If they cannot work out a deal with Reader then it is an even better selection.
Sweat is an immovable presence at the NT position who will consistently demand double teams. Violent hands and immense natural power to go along with outstanding quickness and burst for a man of this size. Stopping the run in the AFC North is a must and stopping the run is the specialty of Sweat. While he is not a pass rushing specialist that does not mean he cannot disrupt the pocket and make it difficult for the QB to operate. Sweat generates huge push while taking up blocks and freeing up other defenders to make plays. Sweat has not shown just that he demands double teams but has also shown that he can defeat double teams as well.
RD. 2 - 63rd Selection:
Leonard Taylor - DT - Miami (Fla.) - 6'3" 305:
I had no intention of going back to back on the D line but with Taylor sitting at the top of the board it was not a selection that could be passed on. The addition of Sweat and Taylor to go with Hendrickson and Hubbard arguably gives the Bengals one of the top defensive lines in the league.
Taylor possesses elite get off and snap timing to go along with a relentless motor. Plays with violent hands and understands the use of rips and swims to free himself of blockers. Taylor uses his elite athleticism to win at the point of attack and rushes with a plan and a counter. Continuing to add strength at the next level will aid in his continued development. Taylor has proven to be a disruptive force and rotating with Hill should put him in a great situation to learn and grow at the NFL level.
