{The Ultimate Bengals Offseason Extravaganza Thread}

[phil413]

(03-22-2025, 01:17 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: 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. 

Two opportunities to maximize quantity is the right trade back offer (and scenario where a true BPA isn't there) and late free ageny bargains.  I know we hate that word but maybe Risner, Campbell, Smith or a vet DB settle for a deal pre draft or you get a post draft cut.  Other teams may cut a fringe starting guard or DE if they have a great draft at that position.

I know the simulators are mostly unrealistic, but in most trade backs you still land just about as good of a DE prospect at 17 as with 28.  You could realistically draft competition at DE, S, G and another BPA even.