"Sweating " bullets

[SunsetBengal]

(04-04-2024, 11:04 AM)CJD Wrote: I think T'Vondre Sweat is the only Nose Tackle prospect in this class that projects to be a good pass rusher as well. That's why he's highly valued in this draft class with so much talent at WR, OT and QB.

If we miss out on him, most of the remaining nose tackles in this draft are strictly run stoppers, and those DTs are often not drafted too highly. Even DJ Reader was a 5th round pick. Michael Pierce was undrafted, DaQuan Jones was a 4th rounder, Andrew Billings was a 4th rounder (despite him being considered a 1st rounder by most media outlets leading up to the draft), Travis Jones and Montravius Adams were 3rd rounders.

Basically, I wouldn't worry about losing out on McKinnley Jackson. If we miss on Sweat, I'd be bummed, but he has a variety of red flags associated with him. It may be best to look towards WR or CB in the 2nd round, and then draft Jackson at either 80 or 97. And, if for some reason he is taken before we can pick him, there are other options later in the draft like Khristian Boyd, Jordan Jefferson, Evan Anderson, and Justin Rogers (Who the Bengals brought in for a top 30 visit).

I agree that Sweat and Jackson look like the prototypical NT you want when facing strong rushing attacks like those in the AFCN.

I'm also willing to bet on Maason Smith growing into that 6'6" frame and really getting some good push anywhere along the front 4. He might need a year or two to fully develop, but I see him as having huge upside in his career.