Building the trenches

[J24]

(09-27-2024, 11:52 AM)BoomerFan Wrote: OK so what if we lean into that and spend even more on our lines?

Notion I am kicking around: Our draft picks are highly valuable at this moment. Our 2025 3rd round pick is essentially a late 2nd rounder if the season ended today. So can we leverage that to trade for 1-2 players who might energize the interior or exterior of our defensive line? I realize we only have $8-$9 million in cap left but maybe you could find a player on their first contract? With so many teams ranked ahead of us as far as run stopping goes there has to be some who would part with some depth for a mid to late rounder. A true nose tackle, defensive end who can get pressure, or even a DT (given how injured we are at the position) would help.

Look I know it isn't the Bengals style but I would hope they are at least looking around and proposing some deals with value/upside for us. There are probably some 1-2 teams (Patriots, Broncos, Bears, Colts, Falcons, Cardinals) who wouldn't say no to a 5 rounder for some redundant guy on their roster. Even a team with a better record might still do a deal like that if they thought it would help them build on this year for the future.

I wouldn't trade a third Rd pick at this point; unless I was confident I could resign said player to a contract extension. 

I might dangle BJ Hill and Hilton in deals though. Considering both are going to be free agents this season.

For example the Eagles need a Nickleback and are deep at DT; so maybe they would do a Hilton for Milton Williams kinda deal?

(09-27-2024, 12:20 PM)reuben.ahmed Wrote: Do we think Duke Tobin is doing any of that thinking right now or taking it easy and collecting his significantly larger paycheck than us?

In Dukes defense; What team is in selling mode right now? Whoever you make a deal with right now is going to be asking for a haul.

(09-27-2024, 01:57 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Two points on that notion. First off I can't really see the Bengals sacrificing any draft picks, it's just not their style. Secondly, the Bengals don't need any more redundant guys on the team, they need a difference maker. Difference makers are typically significantly more expensive than a 5th round pick, and then you have to pay him. I'm not trying to rain all over your idea, but it just seems so highly unlikely for the Bengals to make any sort of impactful, midseason trade deal.

Kinda agree with this sentiment.

(09-28-2024, 03:00 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Cam Sample is a good run stopper, that is how. So is Hubbard when he is healthy, too bad he isn't right now and neither are Rankins, 
BJ Hill, Kris Jenkins (club) or McKinnley Jackson. It is a bare room. We are talking about the trenches, not just the DT's.

I remember us being the worst run stopping Defense at one point last year, sorry about that. It was explosive plays we were the worst
at giving up. I am worried about the Division opponents myself and running the ball all over us. We are going to have to stack the box
sounds like.

Sample has nice inside out capabilities. I thought he was going to have a 5 to 7 sack season  this year and create havoc as an interior rusher.

The injuries play a part in the disaster against the Commanders but it was also malpractice to go into the season without one established nose tackle on the roster. Probably needed two too be honest with ya. 
This should have always been a redshirt year for McKinnley Jackson and Jenkins.