Whatever's Way Too Early Pan Me Mock Draft 2025

[*ochocincos*]

(11-18-2024, 02:54 PM)Whatever Wrote: Fair point regarding pass rush.  Both COULD develop, but definitely not a strong suit for either coming out.  

This would be my concern as well.

Bengals are 13th in rushing YPA allowed. Middle of the pack.
It's their lack of pass rush that seems to be more of a problem, and then teams are running on them after getting up to run out the clock.

For those folks who have played DL or coached defense before, is it easier to coach up how to stop the run or how to rush the passer?
I would think pass rush is harder to coach up because it typically requires more athleticism and skill than stopping the run, but that might be my ignorance.

I think as we're seeing especially this year, you're probably only getting decent contributions from 2 rookies.
Bengals need arguably two pass rushers (at least one DE, one DT), a DB (or two), a couple pass catchers, at least one swing tackle, and one backup IOL who could maybe push for starting reps in 2025.
Bengals aren't getting all of that in a single draft.

They'll need to assess the costs of quality veterans at different positions and invest $$ in FA to reduce the need for so many draft picks to contribute out of the gate.
Then in the draft, they should look to get significant contributions from two rookies and have 1-2 other rookies in some type of rotational role.
WR1's and good pass rushers are the most expensive, so I don't think Bengals spend in FA there.
If they spend on a WR to replace Higgins, it will be a more budget-friendly WR2.
TE and SAF are pretty cheap comparatively, so I think we may continue to see them go FA here.
OT I think it makes sense to get a quality backup as a swing tackle, as it's not realistic to expect a mid-round or late-round OT to have to step into a starting outside role as a rookie. There are usually quality swing tackle kinda guys available in FA who won't cost too much.
IOL I think is where we will want them to address in FA but I could see them drafting one early. However, I don't think that player will slot in as a starter initially, as they'll give Volson and Cappa every chance in the world to lose their spots. The likely plan will be to groom a draft pick for a year. See where that player is going into 2026 offseason before deciding to get a new vet starter or roll with the sophomore rookie.