Donovan Jackson in rd1.

[Whatever]

(01-22-2025, 03:34 PM)ochocincos Wrote: 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EDIT - Also, a G SHOULD have good impact on the team, but maybe the Bengals FO is still outdated in their thinking.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.

Quenton Nelson was drafted in the 1st and is signed through his 9th year.

David DeCastro played his entire 9 year career for the Steelers.  

Zeitler is still playing at a high level after 13 years in the league and was commonly looked at as a mistake to not re-up.  But he's the type of guy you would look at spending a 1st on and serving as an anchor on the OL for a decade plus.

10+ years may be overstating, but there is definitely an expectation that you will have them through their 2nd contract at least.

Bolling was a 4th round pick and not really anything more than a solid starter.  I don't see how he really applies.

It you don't think the Bengals are thinking about second contracts when they draft guys, then why are you arguing for Jackson?  After all, the team almost never spends a 1st on G's.  In fact, it's a rarity for anyone to.