{The Ultimate Bengals Offseason Extravaganza Thread}

[TJHoushmandzadeh's Shiny Shoes]

(03-20-2025, 08:29 AM)Bengalbug Wrote: I don’t even know where to start with this. The only thing I come back to, is that defense, and OL, has been the primary focus of improvement every year. It’s not where the picks are. It’s either bad scouting, bad coaching, or a combo of both.

The chiefs are drafting above average and all pro with their “tier up pool of players”. The bengals are getting below average production. It’s not apples to apples. I just wish for the days where we could solidify a position for 5+ years and not worry about it (Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Sam Hubbard, Peko). Forget all pro player, just consistent contribution.

Same goes for offense.

It is where the picks are. For years we struggled to draft LBers. All of a sudden we draft up a tier and we hit two years in a row with Pratt and Wilson.

For years we struggled to draft OL. All of a sudden we pick at 18 and we hit at OT.

For years we struggled at G and C. Then we invest in FA with Karras and Cappa instead of Su’afila or John Simpson and things improved.

What you invest matters.

Of course if you get someone who outperforms their draft position and be a star that can change the dynamic of your team. But chasing star WRs in the 3rd round gets you Burton.

When you draft up a tier you get players with more complete profiles instead of rolling the dice on someone with a major gap in their profile (this could be injury (Erick All), character (Burton), production (Murphy) or athleticism).

If you look at the Ravens’ defensive stars they are players like Kyle Hamilton (14th overall), Marlon Humphrey (16th overall), Roquan Smith (was drafted 8th overall, the Ravens traded for him in a blockbuster move). Three players drafted top 20. The Bengals have none on D. They have three on O. Guess which unit is elite?

The Steelers’ D is built around Minkah Fitzpatrick (11th overall, blockbuster trade), Cam Heyward and TJ Watt. Heyward and Watt were with hindsight misses from the League, like Higgins was. That can happen but it’s not a viable strategy to plan for and more a bonus if it happens.

At 17 they should be able to get a playmaker on D with a more complete profile and less risk. This is a pick they need to nail. If they get it right it’ll set up the D for years to come and elevate the players around him. The hope is we won’t be picking this high again for many years.