01-02-2017, 04:37 AM
They have to change their ways and have a good FA RT. Yes my signature looks like a joke, but I truly believe they need to spend top line money on a Free Agent Right Tackle for many reasons.
-I'll cut to the chase in response to those that claim "take the best tackle" from the draft thread. It very well may be that tackle is not the BPA at the 9 slot. Even if you rate a guy like Cam Robinson as the BPA, you're right back to starting a rookie at an important position. I'd rather spend the money needed to solidify the BIGGEST hole on the roster. Yes, RT is a bigger hole than C as the asset you'd have to use to gain a top RT is higher, no matter if it's a pick or money. Then if for instance Robinson is hands down the BPA, maybe they still take him if one of their OL leave. I despise any scenario where Cincy goes into the draft with a hole at either tackle spot. More likely, BPA will be a defender and if he's a DE then it's a perfect fit.
-Sadly, the OL was supposed to be a strength, but instead Andy was running for his life all year. I really think he was the MVP of the team and could have had almost an MVP season if given a better line. You can debate Andy and AJ's value (AJ extends the field, the QB being worth more, etc...) like the chicken and the egg, but both get ran over while crossing the road while this OL is on the lookout.
-The group as a whole is in flux, and stability at RT fixes a lot of the scenarios that may play out. Whit is a leader they can't afford to lose, he has to return. Let's not kid ourselves, they're going to try and get something out of Ogbuehi, and it won't be at RT. Right or wrong, they may toy with him at LG and moving Boling to RG if Zeitler leaves. I'd love to have Zeitler back, as it's hard to look good with two weak links beside of you...but he may be the top player at his position and the Bengals historically don't pay guards. Even if you keep Whit and Zeitler, I don't know how you can fill the hole at RT with what is currently on the roster. If Piano Man goes somehow, maybe Bodine does too. Then you have to look at a lesser asset (mid round pick or fringe starter/good vet backup) to compete with Westerman. I'd be fine with a big money center and therefore fringe vet RT, but they'd have actually pay a center and I already think I'm pressing my luck with an outside quality FA in the first place. I'd also rule out FA LT, if they lose Whit they'll let the young tackles compete.
So there are a handful of guys like Ricky Wagner and Riley Reiff that the Bengals can make a push for and JUST ONCE make a big push for him. Fly him in first class, refrain from kicking his tires, pay him the guaranteed money it will take to actually land an offensive lineman in their prime. Think about it, if Zeitler leaves....we don't have one.
-I'll cut to the chase in response to those that claim "take the best tackle" from the draft thread. It very well may be that tackle is not the BPA at the 9 slot. Even if you rate a guy like Cam Robinson as the BPA, you're right back to starting a rookie at an important position. I'd rather spend the money needed to solidify the BIGGEST hole on the roster. Yes, RT is a bigger hole than C as the asset you'd have to use to gain a top RT is higher, no matter if it's a pick or money. Then if for instance Robinson is hands down the BPA, maybe they still take him if one of their OL leave. I despise any scenario where Cincy goes into the draft with a hole at either tackle spot. More likely, BPA will be a defender and if he's a DE then it's a perfect fit.
-Sadly, the OL was supposed to be a strength, but instead Andy was running for his life all year. I really think he was the MVP of the team and could have had almost an MVP season if given a better line. You can debate Andy and AJ's value (AJ extends the field, the QB being worth more, etc...) like the chicken and the egg, but both get ran over while crossing the road while this OL is on the lookout.
-The group as a whole is in flux, and stability at RT fixes a lot of the scenarios that may play out. Whit is a leader they can't afford to lose, he has to return. Let's not kid ourselves, they're going to try and get something out of Ogbuehi, and it won't be at RT. Right or wrong, they may toy with him at LG and moving Boling to RG if Zeitler leaves. I'd love to have Zeitler back, as it's hard to look good with two weak links beside of you...but he may be the top player at his position and the Bengals historically don't pay guards. Even if you keep Whit and Zeitler, I don't know how you can fill the hole at RT with what is currently on the roster. If Piano Man goes somehow, maybe Bodine does too. Then you have to look at a lesser asset (mid round pick or fringe starter/good vet backup) to compete with Westerman. I'd be fine with a big money center and therefore fringe vet RT, but they'd have actually pay a center and I already think I'm pressing my luck with an outside quality FA in the first place. I'd also rule out FA LT, if they lose Whit they'll let the young tackles compete.
So there are a handful of guys like Ricky Wagner and Riley Reiff that the Bengals can make a push for and JUST ONCE make a big push for him. Fly him in first class, refrain from kicking his tires, pay him the guaranteed money it will take to actually land an offensive lineman in their prime. Think about it, if Zeitler leaves....we don't have one.
