Cincy Bengals Talk - Top Defensive Players Bengals Could Target

[Whatever]

(04-10-2025, 09:57 AM)ochocincos Wrote: Let's play a hypothetical - Bengals do draft either Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron.
Which of CTB, Hill, or Turner either rides the bench or switches positions?
CTB and Hill both are in final year under contract.
Turner has 2 years left.

I would maybe lean Hill since we know he played a lot of SS in college and was really good at it (bump down Battle), or try to convert CTB to safety (which may be better suited to his skill set). Either way though, both players in final year under contract, so that's likely not enough time for them to adjust to new position and do well enough to earn a new contract.

Or does the 1st round CB play more of a reserve role this year while CTB and Hill play out their rookie contracts, then the 1st round CB shifts into starting role next year?

And does a new 1st round CB move the needle more for the defense than a safety, DL, or LB?

Johnson is worth the pick at #17, as he's a true 1st round talent.  The lessened immediate impact can be justified by expiring contracts and simply coming away with a better prospect than you get at a more immediate "need" position.  

Barron isn't a true 1st round talent, and it would be better to go with a similarly graded prospect at a position where they can make greater impact.