12-04-2017, 01:46 PM
(12-04-2017, 12:28 PM)PDub80 Wrote: 1st: I 100% agree with you that the offensive line needs majorly addressed. I just disagree with the drafting of Mixon in the 2nd as a bad choice during this past draft when O line was the weakest part of the entire class. the Bengals needed an impact player there and, Mixon - an outstanding talent, was there when outstanding O line talent wasn't.
Running Back being an issue....
After watching Jeremy Hill behind a good O Line avg. 3.6 (2015) & 3.8 (2016) ypc how can you not think that the running back wasn't getting things done? If Joe Mixon is averaging 3.2 behind this horrible line, he should be able to avg. much more with a good one. Hill regressed as a runner over a two year period. It was plain to see at training camp, and the runs Mixon makes vs. Hill... there's no comparing them.
Also, Mixon as a rookie might eclipse Jeremey Hill's CAREER receiving yards in one season. He's just a much better runner and play maker than Hill could have been. As I stated above, the talent of Mixon >>>>>>> any o linemen in the 2017 NFL draft.
Regarding interior O-Line money....
Look at the avg pay for a right guard and look at Zeitler at the top. Most team's do not pay a guard that much.
https://overthecap.com/position/right-guard/ Look at the guaranteed money compared to the other right guards. It's NUTS and not something the Bengals should have done. The browns did it because they have to to get players.
Same thing with left guard
https://overthecap.com/position/left-guard/
And Center
https://overthecap.com/position/center/
After the 4th or 5th highest contracts for all of those positions, the money drop off is HUGE. Really good linemen can and should be drafted and developed. That's how the Cowboys did it and their line was outstanding. But, guess what... they still took Zeke Eliot because a plain old plodder (Hill) isn't going to make special things happen.
I'm not directly saying that Mixon was a mistake...but drafting 3 2nd Round RB's in 5 years is a waste of picks. Now whether they don't draft Hill and go with a Guard or Center can be debated.
Who says our offensive line was good in 2016? Our line is regarded as below average last year by many on this board.
