Camp Battles

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(07-19-2017, 11:17 AM)Synric Wrote: Everyone knows that Hill and Mixon are going to competing for snaps this season. Here are a couple other battles that I THINK will be happening during camp.

John Ross vs Tyler Boyd - First I have nothing against Boyd he is a good slot guy with good hands, but a guy like John Ross is gonna be hard to keep off the field. I feel Boyd is gonna have problems seeing the field this season because Lafell is a physical guy that is a good blocker not in just the run game but on those rubs and screens. Between Green, Lafell, and Ross the Bengals have the opportunity to move everyone into different spots and create mismatches. In 4 receiver sets Boyd has to beat out Tyler Eifert as the 4th receiver.

Second one is a little more of a stretch but its something to watch when the preseason starts.

Nick Vigil vs Carl Lawson. Lawson will get his share of snaps at SAM linebacker in the preseason. It'll be the first time hes ever played as a LB in a 2 gap system (as far as we know lol), but he could be alot more than just a situational passrusher. Can he catch on quickly to become a Dont'a Hightower? He could be a terror against the run while adequate in coverage, but also on the field to be able to recognize and rush the passer on play action and tear through linemen to get to RBs on screens. He has alot to learn but also has alot of talent. Vigil will be in his second year but hes also moving to a new position. He will know the playbook but he played if not all damn near all his snaps as the MIKE and WILL last season.

I think Ross will likely focus on the X spot, previously held by LaFell, on a rotational basis with Cody Core.  He can go in motion for a number of slants and crossing routes as well.  LaFell seems like the odd man out, but I think he will likely rotate in the slot with Boyd.  If Boyd doesn't start hot, Lafell will earn more and more snaps.  I think they really like Boyd, but he has to be all-in every snap.  He disappeared at times last season.

I think it will be interesting to see Vigil and Lawson.  Lawson could start at base and become a pass rushing end on passing downs when they go to nickel, whereas I don't see Vigil lining up at end at all...he will likely be the starting nickel backer.  I am excited about Lawson, almost as much as Willis, but I feel he will get the typical "ease in to it" rookie playing time early on, while Vigil will be out there a great deal.  

I think Uzomah might pass Kroft on the depth chart.  He has worked a great deal on his blocking and appears to be a significantly better receiver.  Kroft has been a huge disappointment thus far, and I hope he proves me wrong this year when he is 100% healthy.  The 2 TE and 2 WR with single back formation that goes:  Uzomah and Eifert, Ross and Green, with Mixon or Gio in the backfield has me salivating.   I'm sure after working so much with Hill, Lafell (who is a solid guy but doesn't get much separation), no healthy TEs to speak of, and a rookie 6th rounder in Core (who showed in week 17 what he is capable of), that Dalton is pretty excited as well. 

Other big battles for snaps:  MJ and Willis.  MJ has not had the impact needed by a RDE, although he is at least solid against the run.  The improved LB corps should only make the run defense better.  I can't wait to see Willis and Lawson off the edge.  With Dunlap on one side, Geno and Billings in the middle, the RDE should have some real opportunities.  I also hope Willis gets to spell Dunlap from time to time to keep him fresh....Willis played almost his entire senior season at LDE and generated some serious numbers from that side.  

Fej vs. Williams.  Marv appears pretty high on my guy Fej.  It could be an attempt to get more concentration and film study out of Williams, but Fej is getting some snaps at nickel backer and in very limited action last year, showed he can make an impact.  Derron Smith feels like the forgotten man, and he appears to me to be a better "center fielder" than Williams.  Maybe not as physicial, but a ball-hawk.  Regardless, with these four, I feel that safety might be our deepest position group next to WR.  

Andre Smith vs. Alex Redmond and Christian Westerman.  If Andre shows up fat and out of shape, pulls a hammy the first time he bends over, I think he will become a backup pretty quickly.  The Bengals are very high on both of these guys and that should push Andre to come in at his best.