NYE Mock

[Essex Johnson]

(12-31-2024, 05:15 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Cut:
- Sheldon Rankins - Only $2 mill dead cap, frees up $10.5 mill.
- Alex Cappa - Only $2.25 mill dead cap, frees up $8 mill.
- Geno Stone - Only $1.5 mill in dead cap, frees up $6.5 mill.

With these cuts, that adds another $25 mill in cap for Bengals to work with, bringing their estimated 2025 cap to $84 mill.

Re-sign:
- Mike Gesicki - Dude has done about as well as you'd hope for in this offense as the 3rd option in the passing game. Gesicki also shouldn't command a bunch more $$ even though he did have more production. He's worth keeping around for an extra year or two at no more than $7 mill APY.

Free Agency:
- Chase Young, DE NO - Despite already being on his 3rd team in 5 years, Young has 22 sacks through 59 games, averaging 6.3 sacks in a full season. He's only 25 years old still, and he should come at somewhat of a bargain, so Mike Brown takes the gamble of him reaching his potential.

- Milton Williams, DT PHI - Those who wanted MW back in the 2021 draft could finally get their wish. Williams, like Young, is 25 years old, and he's having his best season as a rotational DT, putting up 5.0 sacks with 1 game left to go. Williams should come at a reasonable price and between him and Young should bolster the pass rush with quality veterans.

- Dalton Risner, OG MIN - Long tenured, proven OG who has vast starting experience at both LG and RG. While technically he would replace Cappa on the roster, he may potentially move to LG depending on what they would do in the draft (see below).

- Darius Slayton, WR NYG - While I would love Higgins back, I'm not sure it happens. If they can't work out a deal with Higgins, I decide to go with a much cheaper veteran WR who I think could put up 800+ yards in CIN's offense in Darius Slayton, who has put up 700+ yards 4 out of 6 years in NYG's crappy offense with terrible QB play.

- Josh Jones, OT BAL - Swing tackle to back up OBJ and Mims. Replaces Trent Brown on the roster.

- CB - There are plenty of solid FA CBs to add if Hilton is not re-signed. Mike Hughes, Adoree Jackson, or Shaquill Griffin come to mind as someone to bring in who should be more budget-friendly.

Draft:
1) Malaki Starks, FS Georgia - Currently the top-ranked safety in the draft and will likely go somewhere in the teens or early 20's. Starks shows the skill set, speed, and athleticism to be a difference maker at FS. Whether Bengals choose to cut Stone or keep him on his last year of his contract in case they don't want to force Starks into starting role immediately, Starks is a great add and should set up the Bengals for 4-5 years at FS.

2) Tate Ratledge, OG Georgia - This dude seems exactly like the kind of OL that Pollack falls in love with. A glass eater who has a championship pedigree. Ratledge is versatile enough to play both LG and RG. He and Risner could really upgrade this IOL.

3) DeMonte Capehart, DT Clemson - Versatile DT who can play both DT spots. Strong run stopper who also showcases athleticism and power. With better coaching to teach him some more techniques rushing the passer, he could become a 3-down DT who can affect the pass like he does the run. At minimum, he should be a good run defender and help bolster the NT position with McKinnley Jackson.

4) Jack Nelson, OL Wisconsin - Versatile, big OL who has played plenty of reps at RT and OG. He also has played in zone schemes, so he could be a great fit in Bengals scheme. With Risner and Ratledge added, Nelson adds versatile depth and future starter potential. Replaces Ford.

5) Riley Mills, DL Notre Dame - Versatile DL who primarily aligns at 3T but can also play base end. He is pretty athletic for his size, and he's been getting better every season. There is some coaching he needs to better develop pass rush plan and technique, but the motor and athleticism are there, which are core foundational things needed and a big reason why he has done well at ND.

6) Jonah Coleman, RB Washington - Hoss of a RB who can pound the rock and catch passes out of the backfield. He has good speed for his size (5'9", 230 lbs), but he's not a blazer. One thing the Bengals struggle with is being able to get the tough yards on the ground, and Coleman can help bring that.

Thanks for the in depth post, but I just cant see  till 5th round to address a weak area and no known future with Tre.... Im looking 1/2 round for DE, DT and WR areas.. still very questionable about signing Tee and if we do, that pretty much ends keeping Tre for more than 1 maybe 2 years now.