12-23-2024, 02:30 PM
(12-22-2024, 03:04 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I ran likely 20+ sims before the two mocks that I posted in the OP, about 50% of the time Warren wasn't there at pick #13. I know that the draft rankings are fluid and there will be some meteoric rises to the top as usual, but the Bengals also need another plan if Warren isn't there.
I mean the team may not even see Warren as worthy of their 1st round pick, I just really liked what I saw from the offense with an aggressive, dynamic TE on the field those few weeks that Eric All was in the lineup.
Agree on both counts.
I am one who prioritizes fixing the lines (IOL, DE, DT) above all else. But that TE1/WR3 spot is still troublesome as well.
Going into FA, this is what it will look like:
1. IOL:
Signed: Karras ($6.3), Cappa ($10.25), Volson ($1.26), Lee ($985k), Stueber ($980).
FA: Ford (OT/G).
We have bodies, just need upgrades. No one really 1st round worthy, but 2nd on a posdibility. Good FA class with RG & LG options, though some coming off injury (Danieks, Fries, Banks).
Cutting Cappa can save us around $8 mill.
2. DE
Signed: Hendrickson ($18.67), Hubbard ($11.6), Murphy ($3.43), C. Johnson ($995k).
FA: Ossai, C. Sample
Again, we have a decent amount of bodies, but we desperately need upgrades. Letting Hubbard go/renegotiating could save $$. Release nets over $9 mil. Draft has more high end OLB/Esge types high than true DEs. Scourton is about it in round 1, but more there in Rd 2-4 (Tuimoloau, Sawyer, Burch, etc.). No real big ticket game wrecker FA DEs out there.
I think we need 2 here between FA and draft. Johnson OK as the 5th guy. Hendrickson as 1st. We won't cut Murphy yet. But he is #4 at best. We need 2 starter level guys. I'd cut Hubbard.
3. DT/NT
Signed: Rankins ($11.5), Jenkins ($1.79), Jackson ($1.27).
FA: BJ Hill, Tufele
If we cut Rankins to save cap ($9.5 mil), we are down to two bodies. There are some OK-ish DTs out there, but no real stud guys who are dominant. BJ Hill is a top 5 DT FA. A couple DTs seem like good ideas and likely to be available mid teens (Grant, Nolen, Harmon). I don't like the DR depth as much, but there are some decent Rd2/3/4 guys: Walker, T. Williams, Robinson, Collins. With a couple project types like Noeman-Lott. Also Turner, Sanders, & Stackhouse.
I'd cut Rankins, which means we need 2-3 here between FA & draft.
4. WR
Signed: Chase ($21.8), Iosivas ($1.07), Burton ($1.3), C. Jones ($1.2), I. Williams ($960k).
FA: Higgins
Without Tee, WR starts to look like DE does now. With him locked up, we can either ride with what we have or maybe try to get a slot guy. Without him, we need a legit WR2 or high draft pick.
5. TE
Signed: D. Sample ($2.75), All ($1.16), McLachlan ($1.0)
FA: Gesicki, Hudson, Grandy
With All's injury history and McLachlan's inactive streak, that does not look promising to me. Need at least 2. With one being a two way guy. Gesicki/Hudson are pass catchers and Sample/Grandy blockers.
Our TE petsonnel gives away the play too often.
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To sum:
1) IOL = 2
2) DE = 2
3) DT = 2-3
4) WR = 1-2
5) TE = 1-2
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8-11 guys from our top end needs. Be it draft, bew FAs, or retaining our own FAs (Tee, BJ, Gesicki, etc).
And we have not even gotten to level 2 needs (CB, S, LB, PK, RB/OT depth). We could use some upgrades but the starters are either goid or passable-ish).
