Whitworth Gone Next Season.

[*SHRacerX*]

(08-02-2015, 12:10 AM)whodey4life84 Wrote: I didn't feel like going through this whole thread just to read arguing between each other about this and that. IMO, I don't see how people don't see the writing on the wall. We drafted 2 tackles with our first 2 picks. Whitworth is getting very old and will be an expensive option if we were to resign him. If we resign anyone, IMO it should be Smith as he is the younger option with way more tread left on the tires. People let their love for a player get in the way of reality. Whits little offseason rant whether it was him or his wife is a very telling sign, along with the Bengals first 2 picks and the fact that Whit has given up his leadership role. The writing is on the wall. Whit is on his way out, unless he decides to take a very large pay cut next season. If the Patriots did this, they would be called genius for letting players go before they decline. With the Bengals we have a bunch of fans who clearly always know more about football than the people making decisions in the FO.

But where has he declined?  He was one of the most effective LTs in the game last year?  I think it was wise to prepare for a potential decline and/or have quality depth in case of injury.  Andre Smith seems less likely to sign another contract, and selecting his potential replacement is a good decision as well.  My whole argument was simply that they waited until the 7th round to address WR depth and that I wasn't overly impressed with Denarious Moore.  After last year's lack of depth was exposed and the fact that Marvin Jones is coming off two injuries (ditto Eifert) that a good vertical threat would make a good selection. 

As far as keeping Andre over Whit, I could see the argument based on age alone, but maturity, preparation, and leadership all tilt the scale in Whit's direction.  I don't think Andre could be the LT that Whit can for the next few years.  I also wouldn't be opposed to moving Whit inside and having the Ogbehi and Fischer as the OTs if they develop well over the course of this season.  Having Zeitler as RT isn't out of the question, either.

As it stands, I will wait and see how Ogbehi and Fischer develop over the course of the season.