Grade the Stone Signing

[SunsetBengal]

(10-10-2024, 12:58 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Bengals haven't traditionally invested TOO much $$ toward safety, but they probably should invest more.
DT we've seen them spend $$ but I don't think they spent $$ on the right guy(s) - mainly Rankins.
I still like Hill as a solid DT who is most effective when he has someone to rotate with more often than he's doing now.
I don't see a slam dunk run stuffing NT though, but Bengals just drafted Jenkins and Jackson for that spot, so they may be ok long-term there.
Personally, I'd look to pivot Rankins to 3T next season (or cut Rankins and use that saved $$ to sign Hill to another 1-year deal) and be the incumbent starter there with an early draft pick to rotate with him.
I'd REALLY like to land Mason Graham if trying to upgrade DT.
Graham and Jenkins I feel could really hold down that DT group for years, especially as they have experience playing on same team at Michigan.

I agree, they have let several good Safety's walk in free agency over the years. They seriously undervalue the position and it's importance to sound defense. I'm with you on the Rankins signing. He was available that late in free agency for a reason. Honestly, I think that they thought that DJ Reader would sign here for next to nothing, and then were at a loss when he took the Lions' offer leaving them without a viable NT on the roster. Rankins isn't a NT, Jenkins could evolve into one, but will he lose athleticism by adding weight?

If Jenkins stays around 300#, I could see shifting BJ Hill over to NT until Jackson or another grow into the role.