Maualuga Released

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-26-2017, 12:56 PM)BonnieBengal Wrote: I get what you're saying.  I'm just very concerned about our O line. Ogbuehi doesn't impress me at all.   I would have kept Whitworth for two more years.  Maybe they will get somebody in the draft who can play LT right away, but that's asking a lot.   I also felt Whit deserved to never wear any other colors but orange and black.  

I totally get the emotion of losing Whit...he was my favorite Bengal for some time.  However, the offensive line (I'm bound to get destroyed for this) could be substantially improved this year, especially when it comes to the running game.

Here's why:

From right to left:

Fisher was solid at RT once he finally landed there (and where he probably should have been all along).  His second year at the position, and his third year in the NFL strength training program will only make him more valuable this year.  I also liked his attitude.  The offensive line didn't look bad at all after moving Ced out of there.  

RG:  A mystery, but at the very least a significantly better run blocker in Smith could pay real dividends here as he is otherwise facing probably being out of the league.  If he comes in and is good at RG, he could get another contract and extend his career.  Westerman and Johnson provide quality depth.  There will undoubtedly be a draft pick spent here as well.  Forrest Lamp, Dan Feeney, or even Pat Elfleing would be good choices here.

Center:  He won't be worse, and like it or not, he did show significant improvement vs. a year ago.  I could see them drafting Elflein in the second, especially if they get another pick by sliding in Rd 1.  Either way, Bodine will be solid or pushed out of a job.

LG:  Boling played most of last season injured and still held his own.  One of the more underrated players on the team.
Johnson and a draft pick will back up.

LT:  The big question mark:  Can Ced at least be solid?  Maybe, but I wouldn't risk it.  I trade back in to the first and try to get Cam Robinson.  The winner between those two gets LT.  If it is Ced, Robinson moves to RG and becomes an All-Pro.  I have to give the Bengals credit that they will do more than just hope Ced works out.