Pre-Combine Mock

[*ochocincos*]

(03-02-2022, 11:40 AM)JungleRock85 Wrote: I like Elam and with other CB's rising like McDuffie, Gordon, and Booth I could see Elam still being available at 31 which we wouldn't have thought prior to this season when he seemed like a top 10 guy. I don't really like the Robinson pick feels like a reach as far as position and player. The rest of this mock is solid. Ferguson is underrated to me a bit but that is okay because then he slides to the 4th like you have and that is great value. Who Dey

I can see that stance, but I don't think he'll be there at end of 3.
I was ok with taking him at 63 because I do think he'll be a very good slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways.
I don't think he's a WR1 kinda guy though, but he'd have Higgins and Chase to pull coverage.
The Combine this week could really impact Robinson, so we'll see how he does.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-22-2022, 06:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: The Combine always results in players moving around prospect rankings, as teams see things in their Combine workouts/interviews they don't see on game film.

While I'm not going to outline the entire FA period, I'll just point out the following:
- Safety is covered in FA
- DL is covered in FA
- Backup QB covered in FA
- Starting OL is covered in FA
- I have the team moving on from Boyd in order to put more money toward other starting positions, but a cheaper WR3/4 is added in FA with plans to also draft a WR3/4
- Waynes is released, but a stopgap vet VA is in place for CB2, with plan for draft pick to compete for that spot

Draft:
1) Kaiir Elam, CB Florida (6'2", 193 lb) - A CB I've liked since I started looking at 2022 prospects back in the Summer. He plays with the physicality of a safety, which reminds me of his uncle, former Ravens safety Matt Elam. He has good ball skills and length, which really show when he's in zone coverage. I like Elam to come in and compete for the starting CB2 spot.

2) Wan'Dale Robinson, WR UK (5'11", 185 lb) - A slot receiver who can be used in a variety of ways. Had 104 receptions for 1334 yards and 7 TDs at UK this past year, plus he was used as a hybrid pass catcher and rusher at Nebraska the two years prior. Robinson is a guy Taylor could use as a chess piece in all sorts of ways. I love him as a WR3/4.

3) Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St (6'6", 312 lb) - Walker comes in as the new swing OT while he continues to work on some things and build strength. He has good measurables, athleticism, feet, and technique. With just a bit more development, he could become a starter within a couple years.

4) Jake Ferguson, TE Wisconsin (6'5", 244 lb) - Well-rounded TE who can block but also underrated as a pass catcher. Across 4 seasons in Wisconsin's run-heavy scheme, Ferguson put up 1618 yards and 13 TDs on 145 receptions (11.2 YPR). Had the most receiving yards of any player at the Senior Bowl, putting up 62 (1 TD) on just 3 receptions. Ferguson has the potential to emerge as a starting TE too one day, but I see him taking over as TE2 after Sample's contract ends next season.

5) D'Marco Jackson, LB App St (6'1", 235 lb) - Jackson is a LB who has the speed to chase down ball carriers and should be good on ST. Might be better in coverage than some think, but he should be a good 2-down guy at minimum. Won Sun Belt DPOY. Also played with ADG for two seasons, so they have that connection already. Replaces Jordan Evans.

6) Max Borghi, RB Washington St (5'9", 211 lb) - A late-round RB that is a tremendous pass catcher with good speed and shiftiness to thrive in outside runs. Very willing as a blocker, which is what you want. He's added some bulk to give him more "umph" when running inside and pass blocking. Kinda reminds me of a young Bernard.

7-NYG) Nick Ford, OL Utah (6'5", 315 lb) - I forgot that not only did the Bengals get Hill in the Price trade, but also a conditional 7th! With this pick, the Bengals decide to select an extremely versatile OL who has played every single position in college in Nick Ford. Ford was voted All-Pac-12 twice. I've seen multiple draft sites say his best position in the NFL will probably be center. He needs to be kept at one position and groomed there. I think he's a perfect candidate to take a gamble on late and see if he can turn into something if put at one position. Ford would make the perfect PS candidate if not making the last OL spot on the 53-person roster.

7) Velus Jones Jr, WR/RS Tennessee (6'0", 190 lb) - New backup slot receiver and return specialist to replace Trent Taylor. Saw some compare him to Ray-Ray McCloud.

(02-23-2022, 11:50 AM)ochocincos Wrote: LG - Andrew Norwell
C - Brian Allen (would cut Hopkins to help cover his cost)
RG - James Daniels
RT - Morgan Moses

DTs I had either Ogunjobi or Hill returning, with Sheldon Richardson added as a rotational DL.

WR in FA is of course my guy Josh Reynolds. Reynolds should be cheap ($2 mill or so). Between him and Robinson, who was added in Rd 2, WR3 and WR4 are covered.

Between your FA and the Draft I think this would go a long way in helping us return to the SB and winning it.

Well done. Love all the picks and I understand the trading of Boyd for cap reasons unlike Hammerstripes who absolutely 
hates the idea lol

I think I watched Borghi play last year in a game and he really stood out to me, has huge legs and great balance if I am 
not correct. Nick Ford in the 7th would be a major steal in my opinion. Ferguson is the TE I want the most in this draft 
besides Jelani Woods the giant who just made a lot of money yesterday with his 40.

[Hammerstripes]

(03-01-2022, 10:40 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Is it not obvious?

The clear reason is to free up more cap to cover the OL, DL, and DB upgrades.
And I personally feel it's going to be easier to find a WR3 in the draft who can contribute well as a rookie compared to most other positions (especially DL or OL).

Bengals have had pretty good track record of getting good production from early-drafted WRs, so why not do it again and put the saved $7.1 mill toward another position?

If the Bengals can sign all their starting spots on OL, DL, CB, and S with quality FAs and stay under the cap, I'm fine keeping Boyd.
I just have my reservations they're going to be able to do that successfully without restructuring some contracts.

Also, let's not treat Boyd like he's a truly elite WR.
I like him, but he's dropped in production the past two years with the additions of Higgins and Chase.

Regular season - 828 yards, 5 TDs (lowest since before 2018).

Here was his production during the playoffs:
Raiders - 4rec for 26 yards
Titans - 2 rec for 17 yards
Chiefs - 4 rec for 19 yards
Rams - 5 rec for 48 yards

You're don't think the Bengals are good enough talent evaluators at WR to find one on Day 2 that could put up around those numbers?
I do.

No, it's not obvious, in fact it's stupid.  I can guarantee you that nobody in the front office, coaching staff or players thinks it's a great idea to move on from one of, if not the best, slot WR in the game.  And, please, if you're going to start posting stats of Higgins and Chase, you need to realize that some of those stats are possible because of the presence of Boyd.

There is nothing that makes sense about cutting loose a starter and hoping/praying that you can replace the guy.  And no, I don't trust the Bengals to draft a guy that can step in and start from DAY 1 and replace his impact and security that he provides to the offense.  You can upgrade the offense and defense without moving on from him.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-04-2022, 05:45 PM)Hammerstripes Wrote: No, it's not obvious, in fact it's stupid.  I can guarantee you that nobody in the front office, coaching staff or players thinks it's a great idea to move on from one of, if not the best, slot WR in the game.  And, please, if you're going to start posting stats of Higgins and Chase, you need to realize that some of those stats are possible because of the presence of Boyd.

There is nothing that makes sense about cutting loose a starter and hoping/praying that you can replace the guy.  And no, I don't trust the Bengals to draft a guy that can step in and start from DAY 1 and replace his impact and security that he provides to the offense.  You can upgrade the offense and defense without moving on from him.

I guess I have more faith in the Bengals drafting WRs than you do.

Higgins rookie year:
67 rec, 908 yards, 6 TDs

Chase:
81 rec, 1455 yards, 13 TDs

If there's one position I trust them the most, it's WR.

I sure as hell trust them more with drafting quality immediate contributors there than I do at OL.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-04-2022, 06:24 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I guess I have more faith in the Bengals drafting WRs than you do.

Higgins rookie year:
67 rec, 908 yards, 6 TDs

Chase:
81 rec, 1455 yards, 13 TDs

If there's one position I trust them the most, it's WR.

I sure as hell trust them more with drafting quality immediate contributors there than I do at OL.

That is why you get those proven dudes for the OL instead...

[oncemoreuntothejimbreech]

Boyd played 75% of the offensive snaps while Higgins played 65%. I don’t know if that is due to injury or not. But, the WR3 in Zac’s offense is pretty valuable. Kinda like a nickel CB if the defense spends more snaps in nickel than in their base. Although I understand is contract is like #24 for WRs.

If Higgins is out with injury, who is coming in to replace him? I’m not sure with how the roster is this point of the NFL calendar.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-04-2022, 07:45 PM)oncemoreuntothejimbreech Wrote: Boyd played 75% of the offensive snaps while Higgins played 65%. I don’t know if that is due to injury or not. But, the WR3 in Zac’s offense is pretty valuable. Kinda like a nickel CB if the defense spends more snaps in nickel than in their base. Although I understand is contract is like #24 for WRs.

If Higgins is out with injury, who is coming in to replace him? I’m not sure with how the roster is this point of the NFL calendar.

I'd 100% look to add Josh Reynolds as a WR4 who could fill in for any injuries or be WR3 for cheap.

[Au165]

(03-04-2022, 07:47 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I'd 100% look to add Josh Reynolds as a WR4 who could fill in for any injuries or be WR3 for cheap.

I think they will draft a guy with punt return ability and upside on early day 3 to be WR4 this year.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-04-2022, 07:50 PM)Au165 Wrote: I think they will draft a guy with punt return ability and upside on early day 3 to be WR4 this year.

Gimme Velus Jones for the PR role.

[Au165]

(03-04-2022, 07:51 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Gimme Velus Jones for the PR role.

I think it make sense, I prefer Calvin Austin because he’s an absolute freak but both similar mold.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-04-2022, 08:02 PM)Au165 Wrote: I think it make sense, I prefer Calvin Austin because he’s an absolute freak but both similar mold.

I like CA3 too, but I was thinking Jones would be available later than him.
I think with CA3 lighting up the Combine, he could go on Day 2.
I think Jones will ascend too, but still will be available Rd 4 or maybe Rd 5.

[pulses]

(03-05-2022, 05:38 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I like CA3 too, but I was thinking Jones would be available later than him.
I think with CA3 lighting up the Combine, he could go on Day 2.
I think Jones will ascend too, but still will be available Rd 4 or maybe Rd 5.

I want Marcus Jones but I have seen him in round 3 and before he was in 5/6.  He can be a slot WR he can KR and PR and eventually replace Hilton.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-05-2022, 08:27 PM)pulses Wrote: I want Marcus Jones but I have seen him in round 3 and before he was in 5/6.  He can be a slot WR he can KR and PR and eventually replace Hilton.

Replace Hilton? Hilton is slot CB.

[pulses]

(03-05-2022, 10:08 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Replace Hilton? Hilton is slot CB.

Marcus Jones is a CB right now. Houston played him as a Slot WR as well and he did KR's and PR's too.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-05-2022, 10:50 PM)pulses Wrote: Marcus Jones is a CB right now. Houston played him as a Slot WR as well and he did KR's and PR's too.

Yea but you said "He can be a slot WR he can KR and PR and eventually replace Hilton."


Are you saying he should start at WR and then convert to CB? I'm confused.

[pulses]

(03-06-2022, 03:34 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Yea but you said "He can be a slot WR he can KR and PR and eventually replace Hilton."


Are you saying he should start at WR and then convert to CB? I'm confused.

And YES he can. Nothing confusing or wrong with what I said. He won't be a starting slot WR but we could use him there some. Never hurts to get playmakers on the field as much as possible.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-06-2022, 03:39 PM)pulses Wrote: And YES he can. Nothing confusing or wrong with what I said. He won't be a starting slot WR but we could use him there some. Never hurts to get playmakers on the field as much as possible.

Yes there was. I had no idea he ever played WR before, so you saying he would play WR and then take over for Hilton didn't make sense.

But if the guy is going to play full-time CB down the road, it seems like a waste to have him be a WR to start out. Just have him as a depth CB and he can do PR and KR.

[pulses]

(03-06-2022, 07:47 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Yes there was. I had no idea he ever played WR before, so you saying he would play WR and then take over for Hilton didn't make sense.

But if the guy is going to play full-time CB down the road, it seems like a waste to have him be a WR to start out. Just have him as a depth CB and he can do PR and KR.

I agree with that but might not hurt to use him every once in a while in 4 WR sets if anything to trick the other defense.

[*ochocincos*]

(03-06-2022, 08:03 PM)pulses Wrote: I agree with that but might not hurt to use him every once in a while in 4 WR sets if anything to trick the other defense.

Disagree.
Just get an actual WR that's going to be a WR.
If you're drafting Marcus Jones to be a long-term CB, he needs his full focus to CB.
He can be an emergency WR, but that's about all I'd do with him in that regard.

[pulses]

(03-06-2022, 08:05 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Disagree.
Just get an actual WR that's going to be a WR.
If you're drafting Marcus Jones to be a long-term CB, he needs his full focus to CB.
He can be an emergency WR, but that's about all I'd do with him in that regard.

I hope we are able to get him I think he is going to be really good.