Donovan Jackson in rd1.

[*ochocincos*]

(01-22-2025, 02:50 PM)Whatever Wrote: G is a very different position when talking about this philosophy.

If you're spending a 1st on a G, they need to be a cornerstone of your OL for 10+ years just due to the position having very little impact compared to other positions.  Name a G that's transformed a team into a playoff contender.  I can't think of one.  The reason you would go for one is to have long term stability.  Just drafting one to "fill a hole" isn't logical, especially when you consider OL have a steep learning curve coming into the NFL.  It may take a year or two for the guy to start playing at above replacement level starter capacity.

The Bengals don't have a single OL who has been with the team 10+ years.
Boling only made it 8 years, which is just 1 more year than a 1st round pick + 2 tags would be.

Whitworth is about the only Bengals OL worth a damn to have played with the franchise 10+ years in the past 20 years.
Andre Smith was technically with the Bengals 10 seasons, but his last few seasons were basically as a backup/filler.

And knowing the current regime's apprehension to sign players who are/will be 30+ years old, 7-8 years might be the sweet spot for what they look for in terms of longevity for anyone but QB.

I would damn near guarantee the Bengals aren't making a decision on their 1st round draft picks based on who they think they could end up signing to a veteran contract down the road. They are very, very likely thinking in terms of who can become a good contributor for the team over the next 5-7 years.

EDIT - Also, a G SHOULD have good impact on the team, but maybe the Bengals FO is still outdated in their thinking. A good G can help stifle good interior pass rush and open holes in the run game, something the Bengals have struggled against for years. So the value of a good G is known, at least to us fans.