04-30-2019, 03:54 PM
(04-30-2019, 02:03 PM)fredtoast Wrote: When people first mentioned how we could get Lee for 5th round pick I figure he would not be worth anything, but after some research he actually reminds me of Thomas Howard and Manny Lawson. Both of those guys were drafted in the first round based a lot on their athleticism. Both of them started quite a bit before becoming free agents. But both were considered underachievers so we were able to sign both of them to reasonable contracts.
Lee is a bit more of a "bust" than Howard or Lawson because it looks like he will be released instead of playing out his contract, but last year he had 74 tackles and 3 ints in just 12 games. It appears he may just be mis-cast as a 3-4 ILB. And like Lawson and Thomas he absolutely blew up at the combine. Among LBs at the '16 event he was number one in the 40 (4.47) and long jump (11'1"), 3rd in the short shuttle (4.20), and 5th in vertical (35.5),
Best thing is that he is still on a rookie contract and will just make $1.8 million next year.
So I have gone from "No thanks" to "Yes please".
Lee may be better suited for a 4-3 scheme than the 3-4 he played for Jets. Mosely made him expendable. My issue of waiting for cuts would be if he had to go through the waiver process, if so others could jump us. Give up a 6th or 7th if Jets are cutting him.
I am so ready for 2024 season. I love pro football and hoping for a great Bengals year. Regardless, always remember it is a game and entertainment.