03-28-2025, 03:32 PM
(03-23-2025, 05:54 PM)kevin Wrote: It s a needs area. Bengals D was awful, and we are losing Top D Linemen. So can any of you name D Lineman worth early picks or mid to late round picks.
Scouts rank that George Defensive End pretty high, plus Georgia played the big guy inside and outside. But the ball is in your court. As Fans, You fix this Defense
Not really interested in what other teams need. Stay on Bengals Draft. Who do you got to Draft on D Line, because the awful defense needs a rebuild.
Went in a different direction, looking at day three options, as I think the Bengals need a rotational edge rusher to spell Trey, as it sounds like Golden may be happy to sit pat with Ossai opposite Trey this season. Plus there will likely be added pressure coming from the viper role, which I think will be selected in the first two days, but that is for another thread.
Here is some cut and paste on the day three guys,
[*]Gabe Jacas (Illinois)
- Profile: 6’3”, 275 pounds, 4.75 40-yard dash (projected). In 2024, he notched 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
- Why a Sleeper: Jacas transitioned from linebacker to edge at Illinois, showing raw power and a relentless motor. His 88.6 PFF run-defense grade stands out—he’s stout at the point of attack, ideal for a Bengals 4-3 scheme. Lacks elite bend but wins with hustle and hand usage.
- Projection: Round 4-5. A combine showing could push him up; he’s a high-floor guy who fits as a rotational run-stopper with pass-rush upside.
[*]Bradyn Swinson (LSU)
- Profile: 6’4”, 255 pounds, 4.62 40 (Combine-tested). Recorded 43 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024.
- Why a Sleeper: Swinson’s late bloom (first full starting year) and Senior Bowl buzz make him a riser. His quick first step and active hands (16.8% pass-rush win rate, per PFF) scream potential, though he’s inconsistent against the run. The 33rd Team calls him “underrated” for his twitch.
- Projection: Round 4-6. Could sneak into Day 2 if teams buy the athletic ceiling; otherwise, a steal for a pass-rush specialist role.
[*]Ashton Gillotte (Louisville)
- Profile: 6’3”, 270 pounds, 4.70 40 (projected). Tallied 49 tackles, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2024.
- Why a Sleeper: Gillotte’s a power end with a thick frame, excelling at converting speed to power (89.1 PFF pass-rush grade). He’s solid against the run but lacks elite length or bend, keeping him off Day 2 radars. NFL Draft Buzz sees him as a “high-floor” sleeper.
- Projection: Round 5-6. Perfect for a team like Cincinnati needing a rugged edge-setter who can grow into a starter.
[*]Mike Green (Marshall)
- Profile: 6’4”, 245 pounds, 4.65 40 (projected). Posted 84 tackles, 17 sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2024.
- Why a Sleeper: Green led Power Four edges in sacks, per Bucky Brooks (NFL.com), with a polished dip-and-rip move. He’s lighter, so run defense (79.2 PFF grade) is a question, but his motor and production scream upside. A small-school gem with big potential.
- Projection: Round 5-7. If he bulks up and tests well, he’s a Day 3 steal who could rotate early and develop.
[*]Tyler Baron (Miami)
- Profile: 6’5”, 258 pounds, 4.62 40 (projected). Had 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 2024 after transferring from Tennessee.
- Why a Sleeper: Baron’s size and quickness off the edge shine, but inconsistent production (six sacks in 2023 at Tennessee) keeps him under the radar. WalterFootball notes his “solid starting potential” if he refines his run defense (82.3 PFF grade).
- Projection: Round 4-6. A Bengals fit as a developmental edge who can set the edge and grow into a bigger role.
[*]R.J. Oben (Notre Dame)
- Profile: 6’3”, 262 pounds, 4.68 40 (projected). Recorded 37 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2024 after Duke.
- Why a Sleeper: Oben’s a high-IQ player with active hands and a sturdy anchor (86.4 PFF run-defense grade). Windy City Gridiron calls him a “high-floor rotational” talent. Lacks elite burst, but his technique and motor make him a sleeper hit.
- Projection: Round 6-7. A late-round grab who could stick as a reliable backup with run-stopping chops.
