04-12-2018, 01:13 PM
(04-12-2018, 10:13 AM)PDub80 Wrote: Great post, question, and thread....
Lots of mocks have the Bengals going G in the first. I, personally, I feel that this is a smoke screen and that, NO, the Bengals do not need a guard. I think their current roster actually leaves them G rich and relatively young.
Guards/Tweeners on current roster: Westerman, Redmond, Fischer, Ogb, Hopkins
In general, guard is NOT a premium line position and is pretty much a plug and play spot. Joe Thuney, for example, was a 3rd round pick for NE and is a stud. Lots of mid/late round interior line picks turn out to be outstanding players. I cannot see the Bengals going G with their current roster makeup. Westerman had a very good grade on him and played really well last season when given a chance. There's zero reason to go guard with a high pick, especially with higher profile guys at impact position coming up for contract...
RT, DE, TE, C (I list C because, frankly the Bengals have only one career backup currently on the roster at that spot), S, are all spots where the Bengals could use some youth and depth to develop along with some expiring contracts.
This draft I could see them being very active trading for extra picks into the 2nd and 3rd rounds if possible. That's where the heart of this draft is. The Bengals are YOUNG at a lot of spots and all 11 draft picks will NOT make the team. I think they trade out of the 1st for extra 2nd and 3rds and really maneuver around. There are a lot of players that fit them perfectly and at the right positions in this draft. G is not going to be one of them.
One problem.....Ogbuehi isn't fit to play waterboy....and Fisher hasn't shown much more. Ogbuehi doesn't have the mentality to play offensive line at this level, PERIOD.
Center has been the achilles heel of this team since Braham left. Arthur Blank finally conceded that center was a position of value....seemed to work well for him. I hope Mike Brown was watching.
"Better send those refunds..."