08-19-2015, 05:50 PM
This thread speaks to a tendency to overrate our own players because we know them, because they're "ours," whereas if they were on another team they wouldn't be notable or getting such high marks. Let me explain. Zeitler and Iloka are really the only two "gems" in that. Kirkpatrick isn't a bust yet, but he's actually been pretty below average overall and hasn't lived up to his first round status yet. Marvin Jones had one good year (or should I say game) but has been perpetually injuried. When you factor in a total bust 2nd rounder whose claim to fame is a sick daughter, it's not looking nearly so rosy. Also, the Bengals have a tendency/necessity to keep their draft picks around a LOT longer/more often than other teams, since we're allergic to F.A. This could give the impression guys like Brandon Thompson are "good" even though they, too, have shown relatively squat.
Again, these players aren't really that much better than others around the league. Even the two "crown jewels" are just solid contributors and not Pro Bowlers, all pros or anything. Let's wait and see but as of now it only seems like your run-of-the-mill decent to good draft class at best. Of course Dre K. looks like a HOF'er in training camp practices, but we can't just go by projections.
Again, these players aren't really that much better than others around the league. Even the two "crown jewels" are just solid contributors and not Pro Bowlers, all pros or anything. Let's wait and see but as of now it only seems like your run-of-the-mill decent to good draft class at best. Of course Dre K. looks like a HOF'er in training camp practices, but we can't just go by projections.
The artist formerly known as Heretic
