03-22-2025, 01:17 PM
(03-22-2025, 12:40 PM)XsandOs Wrote: The question is whether the Bengals feel the roster is almost set in terms of starters.
If that is the case, then we are looking at a 2022 type of draft, where the first three rounds are on picks to replace future departures. CTB started at week 8.
Also, I realize that it is difficult to find immediate starters outside of top 10-15, especially on OL and DL. I don't think Mims was supposed to start early, and Jenkins was thrown in due to immediate need.
There is so much to consider in terms of which position(s) is/are immediate need(s) and who is(are) available in the draft at our mid round picks.
First and Second round CB, S, LB - could start sometime this year. G and 3-tech could possibly do as well.
But to get starters at all those positions in this draft, maybe wishful thinking.
You are absolutely correct. Too many holes to fill/upgrade possibilities and too little space and picks to realistically plug them all. LG, RG, DE2, TE1, SS, FS, CB1, LB2, WR3, plus a rotational DT pass rusher, OT3, RB3, and PK. That's 13 spots. 9 feasibly starters.
That ain't happening. We are gonna have to live with imperfect solutions at some spots, hope guys bounce back at others, hope guys improve at others, and hope the scheme/coaching helps others.
But which is which and who is who? 6 picks + 1-3 small/medium FA signings is certainly feasible now. More if Burrow restructures or we shed significant salary.
I think it is reasonable to try and get a starter on day 1 and a starter/rotational level guy on day 2. 4th round and below is rotational/depth. A starter is found money, and usually down the road.
So hope for:
FA: 1 more starter level
Draft: 1 starter + 2 starter/high rotational
Draft: 3 depth
So maybe 3-4 starter level solutions and living with the rest.
EDIT: The easiest to live with? For me.
1. PK: McPherson: hope he bounces back with full health.
2. WR3: Yoshi. Trust in his trajectory and we do have Gesicki/Hudson as easentially WR3-4 options. And maybe Chuck Sizzle can stay healthy or Burton gets his head on straight.
3. LB2: Pratt. Hope he bounces back. But don't have him out there 3 downs all the time.If he pitches a fit, start Burks or trade. That would at least free up some $$ and/or net a pick where we could draft some replacement LB depth.
Now we are down to: RG, LG, DE2, TE1, CB1, SS, FS, rotational DT pass rusher, OT3, RB3.
I think hoping the new system helps the secondary guys is not unreasonable. Living with CTB at CB1 and Turner/Dax were both pretty good before injury. That takes CB1 off the board unless Johnson falls to #17. Maybe a Hikton replacement later in, a lot of good slots in the draft.
And take 1 S off. One good one + Stone/Battle would give us 3 playable guys.
So: RG, LG, DE2, TE1, 1 S, rotational DT/pass rush, CB4, OT3, RB3.
Still a long list, but feels more doable. Probably gonna have to live with a substandard starter somewhere (Ossai, D. Sample, Battle/Stone, Patrick).
But a Burrow restructure, a cut or two (Moss?), a trade back, and/or some good value FA signings and it really becomes possible to get close.
1 of Hernandez/Scherff/Colon/Risner
1 of best bargain FA defense: Smith (DE), Gillmore (CB), Simmons/Blackmon (S)
1 of best bargain FA: OT3 (Tyron Smith?)/RB3.
If we even get 2 of those, I'd be thrilled.
