Whatever's Way Too Early Pan Me Mock Draft 2025

[Whatever]

(11-18-2024, 08:11 PM)ochocincos Wrote: 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.

The WR FA class is quite deep with a variety of good options.  I don't think they'll be at the top end with guys like Diggs and Godwin, but I can see them looking at a B tier guy like Dionte Johnson, Darius Slayton, Amari Cooper, or JuJu.  Not a particularly inspiring WR draft class, with 5 currently ranked in the Top 50.

With the Edge rusher FA class, honestly, some big names, but if we're paying a star edge rusher over 30, it needs to be Trey.  Josh Sweat and Michael Owenu are the only decent options under 30, and then you start getting into 1st round dissappointments like Chase Young and rotation players.  9 Edges currently in the Top 50 draft prospects, though.  

DT, honestly, BJ Hill might be the best of the bunch in FA.  There are 7 in the Top 50, but several are NT's that don't offer much pass rush.

The FA S is good this year, but the TE group doesn't inspire much confidence.  You're probably looking at another classic Bengals 1 year prove it and kick the can down the road unless you're going to address it in the draft.

T honestly, they can probably just bring back Ford, who isn't great, but he's only allowed one sack, so he's at least keeping Joe upright.  They still need a 4th T to groom, but they can grab one on Day 3 or earlier if the right value is there.  

G is a huge problem.  Fortunately, it's a very strong FA G class, headed up by Trey Smith and James Daniels at RG and Tevin Jenkins and Evan Brown at LG.  All four have an RAS over 9.0, and can help with the serious lack of athleticism on the OL.  Daniels had a 92 PFF grade before and Achilles injury in October, so could be had for less than market value may typically be.