Future of the Defensive Line.

[Luvnit2]

(01-31-2025, 05:51 PM)CJD Wrote: It's frustrating that we spend a 2nd and 3rd round pick on DT in 2024 after spending a 3rd round pick in 2022, and the defensive interior is still a massive problem that will require at least one major free agent addition and draft pick.

I hope Jenkins and Jackson have phenomenal sophomore campaigns, but right now we can't expect either of them to be a quality starter in 2025.

That's just a bad use of draft picks.

Is it a bad use of draft picks or a lesson to learn unless a can't miss DT prospect is available, it will take 2 to 3 years for them to fully develop. a 20- or 21-year-old has not fully developed versus a 25- to 30-year-old OL. 

Neither guy we drafted was a top DT, not even close, yet we are going to expect them to be great year 1. The Bengals had 2 starting DT's, both hurt for stretches at the same time and one played very little all year.

Our use of FA has to be better. If we sign Reader, we most likely do not draft Jenkins and go for a different need like OG.

Once and for all FO loyalty needs to be given to those who earned their contracts. If they do, we cut at least 5 guys or at a minimum give them chance to take a severe pay cut. If they decline after they played poorly or could not get and stay on field all year, it is fair to ask them to take less.

Let's hope we do not make a similar mistake in 2025 by trusting anyone drafted to be a great plug and play option. The rookies need to beat out vets and not be given anything.