The Bengals have a slightly worse roster than last season

[Luvnit2]

(03-12-2025, 12:35 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I agree.

As of right now...
Guard is not improved, possibly worse than last season.
DE is not improved, possibly worse than last season.
DBs unknown because we haven't seen who will take over for Hilton at slot.
DL pass rush is not improved.

About the only thing that may be improved is run defense with Slaton added.

I do think if push comes to shove, they can get impactful contributors at DE and DT plus a competent starter at OG in Days 1 and 2 of the draft who can contribute right away. But I'd like 1-2 more additions in FA so as to not REQUIRE that they all hit.

Hubbard was not good in 2024 and had lost his job to Murphy before he was hurt. DB's had 2 starters hurt and lost for the year. DB room due to injury alone and how Newton and others played is a huge increase in talent.
Guard sucked with Cappas and Volson, in the end it will be a lot better (we will sign a vet and add a rookie (possibly plug and play G in the draft).

I do agree, our pass rush has not improved yet.

Do you feel missing 2 starting CB's hurt our defense in 2024? Did it hurt losing Rankins for the year?

Yes, all teams have injuries, but no team can have enough backups to be as good as starters if they lose 2 or 3 for year or during long stretches.