How Many Are Content With Bengals LBs As Is Going Into Draft

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(04-25-2017, 12:42 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: You raise some really good points and some stuff I disagree with.

1. The concussions were and I guess still are a concern...but I feel better about Burfict's health after last year, and it seems like concussions were only a problem for one year. Outside of that year, it has been a non-issue. I'm starting to think it was a blip on the radar there. I was also encouraged last year by Burfict toning down the dirty play. Tbh, I think the main issue for Burfict was hurting Steelers players. The league wouldn't stand for that. Other than 2015, the league has left Burfict alone. He just can't be taking out the 3 B's...clean hits or not.

2. I think Burfict's dirty reputation will help us with contract negotiations to an extent. Plus even though I do think Burfict is capable of staying healthy, I'm sure teams will look at how he missed 22 games over the last 3 seasons. At the very least, you have to admit that Burfict wasn't able to prove himself any further over that span. If anything, his stock has gone down a bit since he signed that very reasonable 4 year/19 million contract. Obviously he's not going to sign for that exact number again, but I think his next contract will be remain fair and make it easy for the Bengals to retain him. Plus the dude looks at Marv like a father figure. I think he loves being a Bengal.

3. You seem unimpressed by Vigil and Dawson (both 3rd round picks), but you want a 4th rounder for insurance? I just don't get that. Vigil and Dawson haven't had much opportunity to play yet with the guys ahead of them and how the Bengals use LB's...so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss those guys. Now do I want both of those guys in the starting lineup next year? Probably not, but I don't see how a 4th rounder will make you feel any safer about 2018. 

4. I'd like to see a slightly slimmer Burfict, but I think you're at least slightly overstating that problem. I don't think Burfict is going to eat his way out of the league. For all we know, that's the weight coaches wanted him at. Marv has always liked his LB's big for some reason. He's living in the past there, IMO.

The reasons I say we should roll with what we have are:

(a) It's more likely than not that we'll be able to retain both Burfict and Minter with reasonable offers.
(b) drafting a 1st round LB likely means we automatically let go of at least one of these guys. Maybe Burfict. No thanks.
[c) I'm okay with drafting a 4th rounder, but with our draft history with LB's, I see that as an inconsequential move.
(d) Even if by some nightmare scenario we lose both Burfict and Minter, this team has never been shy about signing a FA LB or 2. They're much cheaper than FA o-linemen.

TL/DR: I don't mind drafting a LB in the mid-rounds, but I don't think it's going to make losing Burfict and/or Minter sting any less...should that happen.

1. Did you forget the fact that he missed Week 16 & 17 with a concussion last year? Also agree with the Steelers being protected by the league. Can't huge Rog's best buds.

2. Maybe, but as for your last bit about Marvin, keep in mind he's in his contract year as of right now. If there is a God that exists, hopefully it will be his last year as HC. That does remove that element for Burfict. I just see some mediocre players getting huge contracts the last two offseasons as the cap raises. Ivory for 5yr/$32m, Sanu for 5yr/$32.5m, Olivier Vernon 5yr/$85m... heck, I liked Gresham, but he's certainly not worth the 4yr/$28m he just got.

3. Buy enough lottery tickets and eventually one of them will be a winner? Right? ....Right?  

4. Burfict and Maualuga were both held out of early on-field drills last offseason because they were out of shape. Then once Burfict came back from his suspension he was out of shape again. He looked bigger and way slower, took about 2-3 weeks after his suspension before he looked like himself again. The fact that he was held out of practice in the preseason due to weight/conditioning tells me it isn't the weight he was wanted at.


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I agree with your TL/DR. The 4th rounder is basically just my hope and a prayer that maybe they strike gold. Lord knows they are due after so much bad luck with Rivers, Maualuga, Moch, Dawson, etc.