PAT ELFLEIN is an upgrade.

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-14-2017, 12:26 AM)muskiesfan Wrote: As much as I would love an NFL quality C, I just don't see it happening. Alexander the Great handpicked Bodine and our HC said the OLine is not an issue. I expect a Bodine extension to eat away at the ginormous amount of unused cap space that the Browns keep pretending they don't have.

I thought the same thing, but have emphasized to them that this (drafting Elflein) would make much more sense than the plan they had in drafting the turnstile.  If Ced failed at OT, he wasn't the type that could kick inside and be successful.  All your chips were on one number, and it busted.

Elflein could be drafted this year to push Bodine in his contract year.  If the light suddenly goes on for Bodine (doubt it) and he earns a second contract, then Elflein could be our RG.  If Elflein offers an upgrade at Center, bye-bye Jethro.

Elflein has that flexibility in his game.  

Another quick point:  Someone mentioned Moton in the 3rd and I actually have him as the #1 guard in the draft.  I don't think he can play tackle but if you watch him even against Ohio State's defensive line, he moves people like they are made of styrofoam.  He  may not have the agility to play OT, but he has done it and could likely play RT in a pinch. 

A lot of folks have been calling for Andre Smith to come back, but his injury history and work ethic really give me pause for a long-term solution.

If the Bengals slide a bit in Rd 1, draft Ross at WR, and draft Moton and Elflein in the second (one is the additional pick from sliding in Rd 1), then the Bengals are dramatically better on offense and set for many years to come at two key positions.  

Plus, maybe Bodine not being re-signed will net a weak-ass 7th round compensatory pick (Bengal Management Bait)