2024 Bengals Free Agency/Roster Thread

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

OK, time for some adjustments with our first four draft selections added to the mix:


Round 1: #18: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia 
Round 2: #49: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan 
Round 3: #80: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
Round 3: #97: McKinley Jackson, NT, Texas A&M

A. Offense: (25)
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): Moss; C. Brown, T. Williams, Evans
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Burton; Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones
TE (3): D. Sample; Gesicki, Hudson
OT (6): O. Brown, T. Brown; Mims, Ford (OT/G), Carman, D. Smith
OG (2): Cappa, Volson; (Ford, T. Hill)
C (2): Karras; T. Hill (C/G)
----------------

B. Defense: (27)
DE (5): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Sample, Ossai
DT (7): BJ Hill, Rankins; M. Jackson, Jenkins; Carter, Tufele, Bell
LB (5): Wilson, Pratt; ADG, Bachie, Harper
CB (5): CTB, Turner, Hilton; Ivey (inj), J. Davis
S (5): Battle, Stone; Bell, D. Hill, Anderson (inj)
-------------

C. Special Teams: (3)
PK: McPherson
P: Robbins
LS: Adomitis
----------

D.  Future's (9) + Practice Squad (3) = 12

QB: Woodside
WR: S. Jackson, Lassitter, Pryor
OT: Cochran
OG: Gilliam, Kirkland
DE: Gunter
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell
LB: Heyward
CB: George
----------------

E.  Ins & Outs

1.  Ins: 21 Players + 2 picks

Signed (7): Rankins (2/$24.5, $11.9), Stone (2/$14, $6.025), T. Brown (1/$4.4),  Moss (2/$8, $2.972), Gesicki (1/$2.5), Bell (1/$1.21), Woodside (1 yr, $???).

Re-Signed (9): D. Sample (3/$10.5, $4.9), ADG (1/$2.54), Irwin (1/$1.472), Ford (1/$1.35), T. Williams (1/$1.1525), Hudson (1/$1.1525), Bachie (1 yr/$1.135k), Adomitis (1 yr/$985k), Browning (2 yr, $???).

Tagged (1): Higgins (1/$21.8).

Drafted (4): Mims (Rd1/#18), Jenkins (Rd2/#49), Burton (Rd3/#80), Jackson (Rd3/#97).

Draft Captlital (2): 6th (NFL comp), + 7th (Mixon trade)

2.  Outs (7)

Traded (1): Mixon (Hou, 3 yrs, $25.5 mil deal)

Waived/Cut (2): Scott (Carolina, 1 yr/$1.152.5 mil), McCarron (??/$??).

Signed Elsewhere (5 FAs + 2 post release = 7): Reader (2/$27, Det), Jonah Williams (2/$30, ARZ), Awuzie (3/$36, Tenn), I. Smith Jr. (KC, 1 yr/$1.1525 mil), Scott (Carolina, 1yr/$1.1525 mil), Morgan Jr (1/$985k, NO), McCarron (UFL, STL).

[wanga]

Vaguely posted something in another thread along the lines of how we’ve beefed up both sides of the ball in FA and the draft so far as well as picked up an explosive WR. It’s good.
TE up next and then some fillers in tomorrows draft will be nice.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

I.  Roster Tiers


A.  Roster Locks/Starters (23): Burrow, Moss, Chase, Higgins, D. Sample, O. Brown, Volson, Karras, Cappa, T. Brown; Hendrickson, BJ Hill, Rankins, Hubbard, Wilson, Pratt, CTB, Turner, Hilton, Battle, Stone; McPherson, Adomitis.

B.  Roster Locks/Reserves (14): Browning, C. Brown, Burton, Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones, Gesicki, Mims; Murphy; M. Jackson, Jenkins, ADG, V. Bell, D. Hill.  

Not sure about who the starter is at TE (D. Sample/Gesicki) or SS (Battle/Bell), but all are roster locks either way. Ditto at slot receiver (Burton, Irwin, C. Jones) and how DT shakes out between Hill, Rankins, Jackson, & Jenkins.

C.  Inner Roster Fringe (10): T. Williams, Hudson, Ford; C. Sample, Ossai, Bachie, Ivey, J. Davis, Anderson; Robbins.

D.  Outer Roster Fringe (8): Evans, Carman, D. Smith, T. Hill; Carter, Tufele, Bell, Harper.

E.  Practice Squad Territory (12): Woodside; S. Jackson, Lassiter, Pryor, Cochran, Kirkland, Gilliam; Gunter, D. Davis, Maxwell, Heyward, George.

As we make more signings and make picks, some guys will move around some.

[phil413]

(04-27-2024, 03:44 AM)wanga Wrote: Vaguely posted something in another thread along the lines of how we’ve beefed up both sides of the ball in FA and the draft so far as well as picked up an explosive WR. It’s good.
TE up next and then some fillers in tomorrows draft will be nice.

Yeah they're really free to take true BPA rather than need. There are too many solid/passable CBs and Gs on the free agency market that they can get one each rather than reach.  

[Stewy]

(04-27-2024, 12:40 PM)phil413 Wrote: Yeah they're really free to take true BPA rather than need. There are too many solid/passable CBs and Gs on the free agency market that they can get one each rather than reach.  

well said - the draft can just come to the Bengals now.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Time for some more adjustments with Day 3 of the draft in the books and the first wave of USFA's signed. 


Draft (6):
Round 4 (#115): Erik All, TE, Iowa 
Round 5 (#149): Josh Newton, CB, TCU 
Round 6 (#194): Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
Round 6 (#214): Cedrick Johnson, DE, Ole Miss
Round 7 (#224): Daijahn Anthony, DB, Ole Miss
Round 7 (#237): Matt Lee, C, Miami (FL) 


UDFAs (14): 
1. P: Austin McNamara, Texas Tech 
2. QB: Rocky Lombardi, Northern Illinois 
3. RB: Elijah Collins, Oklahoma State 
4. RB: Noah Cain, LSU 
5. WR: Sam Wiglusz, Ohio 
6. WR: Cole Burgess, SUNY Courtland 
7. TE: Cam Grandy, Indiana State 
8. OT: Eric Miller, Louisville 
9. DE: Justin Blazek, Wisconsin-Prattville 
10. LB: Maema Njongmeta, LB, Wisconsin
11. LB: Aaron Casey, LB, Indiana 
12. S: Michael Dowell, Miami (OH) 
13. S: Lance Robinson, Tulane 
14: S: PJ Jules, Southern Illinois 


The influx of picks (6) and UDFA signings (14) bring us to 87 players, by my count. Close to the max of 90. 


I still think we could use proven depth at guard, another true nose, and maybe another LB. 


I am gonna list players who made the 53 last year + picks in the offense/defense/special sections, and the UDFA's in the section with the Future's/Practice Squad guys from last year. McNamara is the exception, as he is clearly competing with Robbins for a starting spot.

A. Offense: (28)
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): Moss; C. Brown, T. Williams, Evans
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Burton; Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, All (inj), McLachlan, Hudson
OT (6): O. Brown, T. Brown; Mims, Ford (OT/G), Carman, D. Smith
OG (2): Cappa, Volson; (Ford, T. Hill)
C (3): Karras; T. Hill (C/G), Lee
----------------

B. Defense: (30)
DE (6): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Sample, Ossai, Johnson
DT (7): BJ Hill, Rankins; M. Jackson, Jenkins; Carter, Tufele, Bell
LB (5): Wilson, Pratt; ADG, Bachie, Harper
CB (7): CTB, Turner, Hilton; D. Hill, Newton, Ivey (inj), J. Davis
S (5): Battle, Stone; Bell, Anderson (inj), Anthony
-------------

C. Special Teams: (4)
PK: McPherson
P: Robbins, McNamara (UDFA)
LS: Adomitis
----------

D.  Future's (9) + Practice Squad (3) + UDFA's (13) = 25

QB: Woodside, Lombardi
RB: Collins, Cain
WR: S. Jackson, Lassitter, Pryor, Wiglusz, Burgess
TE: Grandy
OT: Cochran, Miller
OG: Gilliam, Kirkland
DE: Gunter, Blazek
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell
LB: Heyward, Njongmeta, Casey
CB: George
S: Dowell, Robinson, Jules
----------------

E.  Ins & Outs

1.  Ins: 27 players (7 signed, 9 re-signed, 1 tagged,10 picked). 

Signed (7): Rankins (2/$24.5, $11.9), Stone (2/$14, $6.025), T. Brown (1/$4.4),  Moss (2/$8, $2.972), Gesicki (1/$2.5), Bell (1/$1.21), Woodside (1 yr, $???).

Re-Signed (9): D. Sample (3/$10.5, $4.9), ADG (1/$2.54), Irwin (1/$1.472), Ford (1/$1.35), T. Williams (1/$1.1525), Hudson (1/$1.1525), Bachie (1 yr/$1.135k), Adomitis (1 yr/$985k), Browning (2 yr, $???).

Tagged (1): Higgins (1/$21.8).

Drafted (10): Mims (Rd1/#18), Jenkins (Rd2/#49), Burton (Rd3/#80), Jackson (Rd3/#97), All (Rd4/#115), Newton (Rd5/#149), McLachlan (Rd6/#194), Johnson (Rd6/#214), Anthony (Rd7/#224), Lee (Rd7/#237).


2.  Outs (7)

Traded (1): Mixon (Hou, 3 yrs, $25.5 mil deal)

Waived/Cut (2): Scott (Carolina, 1 yr/$1.152.5 mil), McCarron (??/$??).

Signed Elsewhere (5 FAs + 2 post release = 7): Reader (2/$27, Det), Jonah Williams (2/$30, ARZ), Awuzie (3/$36, Tenn), I. Smith Jr. (KC, 1 yr/$1.1525 mil), Scott (Carolina, 1yr/$1.1525 mil), Morgan Jr (1/$985k, NO), McCarron (UFL, STL).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

I. Roster Tiers (53 + 2 PUP Available)

A.  Roster Locks/Starters (23): Burrow, Moss, Chase, Higgins, D. Sample, O. Brown, Volson, Karras, Cappa, T. Brown; Hendrickson, BJ Hill, Rankins, Hubbard, Wilson, Pratt, CTB, Turner, Hilton, Battle, Stone; McPherson, Adomitis.

B.  Roster Locks/Reserves (14): Browning, C. Brown, Burton, Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones, Gesicki, Mims; Murphy; M. Jackson, Jenkins, ADG, V. Bell, D. Hill.  

Not sure about who the starter is at TE (D. Sample/Gesicki) or SS (Battle/Bell), but all are roster locks either way. Ditto at slot receiver (Burton, Irwin, C. Jones) and how DT shakes out between Hill, Rankins, Jackson, & Jenkins.

C.  Inner Roster Fringe (7): T. Williams, All (inj), Ford; C. Sample, Ossai, Bachie, Newton. 

D.  Outer Roster Fringe/Roster Bubble (18): Evans, Hudson, McLachlan, Carman, D. Smith, T. Hill, Lee; Johnson, Carter, Tufele, T. Bell, Harper, Ivey (inj), J. Davis, Anderson (inj), Anthony; Robbins, McNamara. 

Assuming both PUP spots are used, 11/18 from that last group make it. With 7 being excellent PS candidates. 

E.  Practice Squad Territory (25):
QB: Woodside, Lombardi
RB: Collins, Cain
WR: S. Jackson, Lassiter, Pryor, Wiglusz, Burgess
TE: Grandy
OT: Cochran, Miller
IOL: Kirkland, Gilliam;
DE: Gunter, Blazek
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell,
LB: Heyward, Njongmeta, Casey
CB: George.
S: Dowell, Robinson, Jules

My count is 87. 3 open spots. Let me know if I messed anything up.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

OK, some updates on some of our own moving on: 


1) Boyd to Tennessee, 1 year, $4.5 mil.


https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-tyler-boyd-former-bengals-wr-one-year-contract


2) LB Bailey to Arizona. 1 year deal, uncertain $$$. 


https://www.cincyjungle.com/2024/5/7/24151546/markus-bailey-bengals-arizona-cardinals-free-agents-cincinnati


I believe the only two guys from last year's 53 who are still unsigned FA's are Scharping & Tupou. 


I apparently snoozed on Wilcox to the Patriots in late April. We get Gesicki, they get Wilcox. I will take it.


https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-te-mitchell-wilcox

A. Offense: (28)
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): Moss; C. Brown, T. Williams, Evans
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Burton; Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, All (inj), McLachlan, Hudson
OT (6): O. Brown, T. Brown; Mims, Ford (OT/G), Carman, D. Smith
OG (2): Cappa, Volson; (Ford, T. Hill)
C (3): Karras; T. Hill (C/G), Lee
----------------

B. Defense: (30)
DE (6): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Sample, Ossai, Johnson
DT (7): BJ Hill, Rankins; M. Jackson, Jenkins; Carter, Tufele, Bell
LB (5): Wilson, Pratt; ADG, Bachie, Harper
CB (7): CTB, Turner, Hilton; D. Hill, Newton, Ivey (inj), J. Davis
S (5): Battle, Stone; Bell, Anderson (inj), Anthony
-------------

C. Special Teams: (4)
PK: McPherson
P: Robbins, McNamara (UDFA)
LS: Adomitis
----------

D.  Future's (9) + Practice Squad (3) + UDFA's (13) = 25

QB: Woodside, Lombardi
RB: Collins, Cain
WR: S. Jackson, Lassitter, Pryor, Wiglusz, Burgess
TE: Grandy
OT: Cochran, Miller
OG: Gilliam, Kirkland
DE: Gunter, Blazek
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell
LB: Heyward, Njongmeta, Casey
CB: George
S: Dowell, Robinson, Jules
----------------

E.  Ins & Outs

1.  Ins: 27 players (7 signed, 9 re-signed, 1 tagged,10 picked). 

Signed (7): Rankins (2/$24.5, $11.9), Stone (2/$14, $6.025), T. Brown (1/$4.4),  Moss (2/$8, $2.972), Gesicki (1/$2.5), Bell (1/$1.21), Woodside (1 yr, $???).

Re-Signed (9): D. Sample (3/$10.5, $4.9), ADG (1/$2.54), Irwin (1/$1.472), Ford (1/$1.35), T. Williams (1/$1.1525), Hudson (1/$1.1525), Bachie (1 yr/$1.135k), Adomitis (1 yr/$985k), Browning (2 yr, $???).

Tagged (1): Higgins (1/$21.8).

Drafted (10): Mims (Rd1/#18), Jenkins (Rd2/#49), Burton (Rd3/#80), Jackson (Rd3/#97), All (Rd4/#115), Newton (Rd5/#149), McLachlan (Rd6/#194), Johnson (Rd6/#214), Anthony (Rd7/#224), Lee (Rd7/#237).


2.  Outs (10)

Traded (1): Mixon (Hou, 3 yrs, $25.5 mil deal)

Waived/Cut (2): Scott (Carolina, 1 yr/$1.152.5 mil), McCarron (??/$??).

Signed Elsewhere (8 FAs + 2 post release = 10): Reader (2/$27, Det), Jonah Williams (2/$30, ARZ), Awuzie (3/$36, Tenn), Boyd (Tenn, 1 yr/$4.5 mil), I. Smith Jr. (KC, 1 yr/$1.1525 mil), Scott (Carolina, 1yr/$1.1525 mil), Bailey (AZ, 1 year, $??), Wilcox (NE, 1 yr, $??), Morgan Jr (1/$985k, NO), McCarron (UFL, STL).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

OK, we have now officially signed 14 UDFA's. Though there is a different WR signed (Mosley from Sparty instead of Wigluzz from Ohio) and Robinson is listed as a corner instead of a safety. 


https://www.bengals.com/news/cincinnati-bengals-2024-college-free-agents-bios


Plus, we officially signed 5 draft picks: NT/DT McKinnley Jackson, CB Josh Newton, TE Tanner McLachlan, DB Daijahn Anthony, and C Matt Lee.


https://www.bengals.com/news/cincinnati-bengals-sign-2024-draft-picks-mckinnley-jackson-josh-newton-tanner-mclachlan-daijahn-anthony-matt-lee

A. Offense: (28)
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): Moss; C. Brown, Williams, Evans
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Burton; Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, All (inj), McLachlan, Hudson
OT (6): O. Brown, T. Brown; Mims, Ford (OT/G), Carman, Smith
OG (2): Cappa, Volson; (Ford, T. Hill)
C (3): Karras; T. Hill (C/G), Lee
----------------

B. Defense: (30)
DE (6): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Sample, Ossai, Johnson
DT (7): BJ Hill, Rankins; M. Jackson, Jenkins; Carter, Tufele, Bell
LB (5): Wilson, Pratt; ADG, Bachie, Harper
CB (7): CTB, Turner, Hilton; D. Hill, Newton, Ivey (inj), J. Davis
S (5): Battle, Stone; Bell, Anderson (inj), Anthony
-------------

C. Special Teams: (4)
PK: McPherson
P: Robbins, McNamara (UDFA)
LS: Adomitis
----------

D.  Future's (9) + Practice Squad (3) + UDFA's (13) = 25

QB: Woodside, Lombardi
RB: Cain, Collins
WR: S. Jackson, Lassiter, Pryor, Burgess, Mosley
TE: Grandy
OT: Cochran, Miller
OG: Gilliam, Kirkland
DE: Gunter, Blazek
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell
LB: Heyward, Njongmeta, Casey
CB: George, Robinson
S: Dowell (SS), Jules (SS)
----------------

E.  Ins & Outs

1.  Ins: 27 players (7 signed, 9 re-signed, 1 tagged,10 picked). 

Signed (7): Rankins (2/$24.5, $11.9), Stone (2/$14, $6.025), T. Brown (1/$4.4),  Moss (2/$8, $2.972), Gesicki (1/$2.5), Bell (1/$1.21), Woodside (1 yr, $???).

Re-Signed (9): D. Sample (3/$10.5, $4.9), ADG (1/$2.54), Irwin (1/$1.472), Ford (1/$1.35), T. Williams (1/$1.1525), Hudson (1/$1.1525), Bachie (1 yr/$1.135k), Adomitis (1 yr/$985k), Browning (2 yr, $???).

Tagged (1): Higgins (1/$21.8).

Drafted (10): Mims (Rd1/#18), Jenkins (Rd2/#49), Burton (Rd3/#80), Jackson (Rd3/#97), All (Rd4/#115), Newton (Rd5/#149), McLachlan (Rd6/#194), Johnson (Rd6/#214), Anthony (Rd7/#224), Lee (Rd7/#237).


2.  Outs (10)

Traded (1): Mixon (Hou, 3 yrs, $25.5 mil deal)

Waived/Cut (2): Scott (Carolina, 1 yr/$1.152.5 mil), McCarron (??/$??).

Signed Elsewhere (8 FAs + 2 post release = 10): Reader (2/$27, Det), Jonah Williams (2/$30, ARZ), Awuzie (3/$36, Tenn), Boyd (Tenn, 1 yr/$4.5 mil), I. Smith Jr. (KC, 1 yr/$1.1525 mil), Scott (Carolina, 1yr/$1.1525 mil), Bailey (AZ, 1 year, $??), Wilcox (NE, 1 yr, $??), Morgan Jr (1/$985k, NO), McCarron (UFL, STL).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Alright, time for some way too early takes on our off-season by position group.

I. Tier 1: Big Improvement

1. Offensive Tackle.

Trent Brown and Mims are in and Jonah Williams left in FA. Orlando Brown is back as the starting LT, as is last year's swing tackle (and #3 OG) Cody Ford. Carman and Smith remain from last year as well, but have to be in serious trouble for a,spit on the 53, though some guard versatility helps both.

But if Mims hits, lookout. And Brown & Brown is already an upgrade. There are health concerns with Trent Brown & Mins, but the floor and ceiling of this group are MUCH higher than last year. And having 3 highly talented guys mitigates some of the health concerns.

Miller joins Cochran as likely PS OTs, and I think Smith or Carman could join them.

2. Defensive Tackle/3-Technique

Sheldon Rankins the big FA,addition to generate some pass rush. BJ Hill is back. We drafted Jenkins in Rd2 and he seems a better run defender at , but is a fantastic character guy (captain, son of all-pro DT) with fantastic strength and intangibles. Carter & Tufele are also still here. As are D. Davis & a now healthy Maxwell at the PS level, though Davis seems more of a NT.

Again, we did not loose anyone: Hill, Carter, & Tufele were all on the 53 last year. And Maxwell from the PS is now healthy. We brought in Rankins as a FA, and drafted Jenkins.

This is an upgrade situation without question. Probably not room for all these 3T's on the roster, though Hill & Tufele have some versatility between 3T & NT.

3. Safety.

Nick Scott is gone, and Dax Hill moved to CB. Geno Stone and Vonn Bell in (back) as FA's. Anderson shouod be close to go. We drafted the versatile Anthony. And brought in 2 box safety types as USFAs in Dowell & Jules.

With Hill still on the team, the only real loss is Scott. Battle was good last year, and Stone & Bell should provide significant upgrades.

4. Tight End.

Irv Smith is out, along with Special Teams ace Mitchell Wilcox. Drew Sample & Tanner Hudson re-signed. Gesicki was added as a FA. We drafted All in the 4th and McLachlan in the 6th and brought in UDFA Grandy.

While there are questions about All's ability to contribute in 2024 due to injuries, Gesicki & McLachlan should being an immediate upgrade to Smith & Wilcox.If All plays this year, it could be a huge one.

Both he and McLachlan seem more two way TEs. Gesicki & Hudson are pass catchers, and Sample & Grandy more blockers. 2 of each.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 2: Significant Improvement

5. Quarterback

QB1 & QB2 are the same. But Burrow is now healthy and Browning is a fairly proven/comfortable QB2. QB1 is in a better place than the end of the year and QB2 in a better place than the beginning of last year.

Any way you slice it, that's improvement, even with the same personnel.

Woodside & Lombardi replace McCarron as QB3/PS types.

6. Punter

Either Robbins will be better or McNamara takes the job.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 3: Potential Improvement: Higher ceiling, Lower Floor; Higher floor, lower ceiling.

7. Wide Receiver.

Boyd has left the building. Yes, it was his worst year last year, but even so, he brang a level of professionalism & dependability to the slot.

Chase, Higgins (presumably), Irwin, Iosivas, and Jones all return. As do PS guys Jackson, Lassiter, and Pryor.

3rd round pick Burton brings potential first round upside but there is a bust risk with the maturity issues. UDFA's Burgess and Mosley also are additions.

I think we got more explosive with Burton. And Burgess. And with Chick Sizzle & Yoshi getting more snaps. We have more lineup flexibility and explosive guys out there. We should be more unpredictable. But that holds from a production standpoint as well.

If Burton hits and Yoshi & Jones level up, and Higgins has a bounce back year, lookout. BIG upgrade possible. And I kind of like Jackson & Burgess down in PS land.

I think this shouod be an upgrade, potentially a bolig one, but I am not at all certain.

8. Defensive End

The top 5 from last year all return: Hendrickson, Hubbard, Murphy, Sample, and Ossai. PS guy and former 53er Gunter is also back.

We drafted 6th rounder Cedric Johnson out of Ole Miss and brought in UDFA Blazek.

The improvement I expect is from Hubbard & Ossai being healthier and Murphy leveling up. And if we get something from the other raw/new guys (Gunter, Johnson, Blazek) it is a bonus.

If Murphy starts playing like a first rounder, Ossai like he did vs KC in the POs, and Hubbard back to his old self, this group will be significantly better. That is a lot of ifs, though. And if Hendrickson pouts instead of plays it could go the other way. Significantly.

9. Running Back

Mixon out, Moss in. Brown, Williams, & Evans back. Cain & Collins as USFA's.

I think the variance here is smaller than at WR. Mixon gave you durability, ball security, and good pass catching out of the backfield. Moss will give you better pass protection and is pretty productive out of the gun.

Hopefully Brown takes a step forward. Or Evans. Cain maybe a bigger back option.

I don't see as much potential for upside at RB as WR or DE. I am not sure Moss is an upgrade over Mixon. But he is a better pass protector. If that can keep Drew Sample off the field in passing situations, that's a net positive already.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 4: No Change

10. Place Kicker

McPherson is still Money Mac.

11. Long Snapper.

Adomitis is back. Though with Wilcox gone, IDK who #2 is anymore. Though Wilcox didn't exactly shine in that role.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 5: Marginally Worse

11. Linebacker

5 of the 6 who finished on the 53 are back: Wilson, Pratt, ADG, Bachie, & Harper. As is Heyward from the PS. We added USFA's Casey from Indiana and Njongmeta from Wisconsin.

Bailey is gone, and he was mostly a ST guy, but played well when called upon, and was #2 in ST snaps.

How the new kickoff rules impact soecial teams configurations will be interesting.

I doubt we keep 6 LBs again, it could only be 4. Probably 5.

LB ratings via PFF dropped off significantly last year, the coaches/FO seemed to attribute it to lack of faith/communications in the S calls. That should improve things, and we should see better LB play grades as a result. And that should offset the prerty minor loss of Bailey.

However, losing DJ Reader is gonna make things MORE difficult for LBs. So I still rate LB as a marginal downgrade. How much the improved S play and loss of Reader impact things will tell the tale here.

12. Interior Offensive Line

Unlike some other spots that I could see going either way (WR, DE, RB, LB, even CB), I do not really see much hope for IOL improvement.

The staters (Cappa, Karras, Volson) all return. T. Hill is back as the backup C. As is Ford as a swing tackle/backup guard. We drafted C Mike Lee in the 7th. Carman & Smith can play some G. On the PS, Gilliam & a now healthy Kirkland are back.

The departure is OG/C Max Scharping, which hurts our depth.

The path for improvement is Volson leveling up and Lee being a Hill upgrade at C. Even so, I see G depth being worse right now. There were whispers we liked Kirkland last year pre-injury. I don't have much faith in Ford, and less at G than OT. Maybe Carman/Smith level up to decent backup?

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 6: Significantly Worse

13. Cornerback

Yes, the starters are all back (CTB, Turner, & Hilton). As are Ivey (who is injured) and Davis from last year's 53 and George from the PS.

We drafted an experienced guy with good tape, great intangibles, and outside/slot versatility but limited athleticism in the 5th and switched Dax Hill to CB. We also drafted a S/CB swiss army knife in the 5th, Anthony.

Chido departed in FA.

My bottom line is a concern with our outside corner depth. Yes, Chido struggled a bit coming off a major injury. But we still had 4 proven boundary corners last year and now we have only 3. That isn't an upgrade.

Hill was mostly a slot in his CB snaps (Michigan and rookie year) and Newton is a rookie 5th round pick. Anthony a 6th round Swiss Army DB. Ivey is injured. Davis a pure slot. I feel pretty secure that year 2 recovery Chido will outplay them all.

If Cido does not bounce back & Hill & Newton shine + CTB & Turner level up & the starters stay healthy, we could be better off. But that is a lot of ifs.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tier 7: Big Time Downgrade

14. Nose Tackle/DT

DJ Reader and Tupou are gone. They were the only pure NTs on the roster. Though Hill & Tufele can do it some. D. Davis is back on the PS.

We drafted McKinnley Jackson in the 3rd. He is the only true NT who is likely on the 53 atm (apologies to Davis). I like Athe Jackson pick more than almost everybody. And I think Jenkins is a fantastic run defending 3T that should mitigate Reader's loss somewhat.

But losing one of, if not THE best run stuffing NT in the league hurts. And we did nothing that comes close to replacing him. Jackson being better than Tupou is oossible, but not Reader.

And yes, I know Reader is coming off injury and likely cannot play to start the season, but I am more concerned with the end.

[*pally*]

(05-12-2024, 04:28 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Tier 4: No Change

10. Place Kicker

McPherson is still Money Mac.

11. Long Snapper.

Adomitis is back. Though with Wilcox gone, IDK who #2 is anymore. Though Wilcox didn't exactly shine in that role.

right now the back up punter would be Tanner Hudson unless one of the new guys has that experience.

Tanner worked on that skill to make him more valuable to teams

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

I finally found an article referecing the draft guru who has McLachlan as the #2 TE: NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah.

Stripe Hype article:

https://stripehype.com/posts/espn-analyst-identifies-bengals-pick-as-most-valuable-on-day-three-01hwmkhbksm0

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Tupou to Ravens: 


https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2024/05/28/bengals-lineman-signs-with-ravens-free-agency/

IDL/NT, IOL, and CB are the three groups where I think we have taken steps back this offseason. 

A. Offense: (28)
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (4): Moss; C. Brown, T. Williams, Evans
WR (6): Chase, Higgins, Burton; Irwin, Iosivas, C. Jones
TE (5): D. Sample; Gesicki, All (inj), McLachlan, Hudson
OT (6): O. Brown, T. Brown; Mims, Ford (OT/G), Carman, D. Smith
OG (2): Cappa, Volson; (Ford, T. Hill)
C (3): Karras; T. Hill (C/G), Lee
----------------

B. Defense: (30)
DE (6): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Sample, Ossai, Johnson
DT (7): BJ Hill, Rankins; M. Jackson, Jenkins; Carter, Tufele, Bell
LB (5): Wilson, Pratt; ADG, Bachie, Harper
CB (7): CTB, Turner, Hilton; D. Hill, Newton, Ivey (inj), J. Davis
S (5): Battle, Stone; Bell, Anderson (inj), Anthony
-------------

C. Special Teams: (4)
PK: McPherson
P: Robbins, McNamara (UDFA)
LS: Adomitis
----------

D.  Future's (9) + Practice Squad (3) + UDFA's (13) = 25

QB: Woodside, Lombardi
RB: Collins, Cain
WR: S. Jackson, Lassitter, Pryor, Wiglusz, Burgess
TE: Grandy
OT: Cochran, Miller
OG: Gilliam, Kirkland
DE: Gunter, Blazek
DT: D. Davis, Maxwell
LB: Heyward, Njongmeta, Casey
CB: George
S: Dowell, Robinson, Jules
----------------

E.  Ins & Outs

1.  Ins: 27 players (7 signed, 9 re-signed, 1 tagged,10 picked). 

Signed (7): Rankins (2/$24.5, $11.9), Stone (2/$14, $6.025), T. Brown (1/$4.4),  Moss (2/$8, $2.972), Gesicki (1/$2.5), Bell (1/$1.21), Woodside (1 yr, $???).

Re-Signed (9): D. Sample (3/$10.5, $4.9), ADG (1/$2.54), Irwin (1/$1.472), Ford (1/$1.35), T. Williams (1/$1.1525), Hudson (1/$1.1525), Bachie (1 yr/$1.135k), Adomitis (1 yr/$985k), Browning (2 yr, $???).

Tagged (1): Higgins (1/$21.8).

Drafted (10): Mims (Rd1/#18), Jenkins (Rd2/#49), Burton (Rd3/#80), Jackson (Rd3/#97), All (Rd4/#115), Newton (Rd5/#149), McLachlan (Rd6/#194), Johnson (Rd6/#214), Anthony (Rd7/#224), Lee (Rd7/#237).


2.  Outs (8)

Traded (1): Mixon (Hou, 3 yrs, $25.5 mil deal)

Waived/Cut (2): Scott (Carolina, 1 yr/$1.152.5 mil), McCarron (??/$??).

Signed Elsewhere (5 FAs + 2 post release = 7): Reader (2/$27, Det), Jonah Williams (2/$30, ARZ), Awuzie (3/$36, Tenn), I. Smith Jr. (KC, 1 yr/$1.1525 mil), Tupou (Baltimore), Scott (Carolina, 1yr/$1.1525 mil), Morgan Jr (1/$985k, NO), McCarron (UFL, STL).

[*pally*]

signed elsewhere: Max Scharping to Philadelphia