PAT ELFLEIN is an upgrade.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-14-2017, 07:22 PM)Whatever Wrote: C has an extremely steep learning curve, and it's gotten steeper in recent years with the spread offense taking over the college ranks.  Guys who can step into that position and play at a high level, like Mack, Mangold, and Pouncey, invariably go in the 1st.  There isn't anybody like that this year, and teams are loathe to spend a 2nd or 3rd on a guy who will need 2-3 years of development.  

If the Bengals can play a 4th rounder as the starter in his rookie season, I think a 2nd/3rd rounder could come in and do the same, but be an improvement.

Btw, Cody Whitehair did pretty darn good with the Bears as a rookie at C, even though he played LT in college. He was taken in the late 2nd. It doesn't have to be first round or bust, but it does likely have to be Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft.