John Ross “healthy scratch” right? He posted this.

[*ochocincos*]

(12-19-2017, 01:11 PM)sandwedge Wrote: Excellent points!. My only point of contention with your post is this, I'm tired of getting "solid" LBers. For once in my existent Bengals Fandom, I would love to see a elite MLB! I think we were close with Thurman, but we all know were that went.... 

The reason I didn't say "elite" is because someone could have elite traits and still not pan out. I consider Smith, Jewell, and Jefferson to have elite traits at least in some areas.
When it comes to very good LBs in FA that maybe don't have "elite" traits but have produced very well for multiple years in the NFL and still in their prime, I think primarily of Preston Brown and Zach Brown.

EDIT - For example, I think many considered Paul Dawson to have some elite traits like play recognition and instincts, but he hasn't done a damn thing because of his attitude (supposedly).
EDIT #2 - On the flip side, look at JuJu Smith-Schuster when it comes to WR. He didn't really have any "elite" skill set but did come with proven production at USC and had many very good qualities. And he's showing he can succeed rather well in the NFL. For me, I'd rather get a solid, very good player in each round of the draft that may never be an all-pro rather than going for a guy who is much more potential with elite traits that has a lower floor. Whiffing on early-round picks is what can doom a franchise like the Bengals.