Grade the Stone Signing

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-12-2024, 08:05 PM)M.W. Wrote: Agreed, this is what we need and missed last year.  If we can protect Joe teams will have to pass early and often, a ball-hawk safety is perfect. DL and LB should be making most of the tackles on RB. If I have to choose between an elite run stopping safety and a very good pass coverage safety I will take the pass coverage skills.  Running the football is so 1999 unless you are the Ravens.  An intelligent  safety with excellent instincts and hands sounds wonderful. 

You know it M.W. plus Battle is a good in the box tackling Safety anyways. We needed the elite cover Safety the most.

And although others are acting like this makes Dax a bad pick it might not, as he might be used right where he should be as a Slot 
Corner for the future when Hilton leaves, as a Nickle Safety and as a WILL backer at times to take Pratt off the field on 3rd and longs.

Now a days a Slot Corner is a starter, let alone everything else Dax can do. We have no idea how much this could improve the Defense.

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(03-12-2024, 08:11 PM)J24 Wrote: That was under Marvin!

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(03-12-2024, 10:03 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote:

Brian Leonard isn't on the team anymore old man...

[Gohards]

Give it a B-

The only thing that erks me is this came a year too late. Should of grabbed a safety to replace bates

[XenoMorph]

(03-12-2024, 08:36 AM)Nepa Wrote: I'm not getting the hype for Geno Stone. Nor the certainty he is not a one-year wonder. College career where only 6 interceptions in 3 years and ended up drafted in 7th round. Waived multiple times to either end up on the practice squad or picked up by Houston, who didn't extend him, so back to the Ravens. One good year, last year. But even then he missed over 12% of the tackles that he was in position to make and graded out around 40 PFF for run defense. (I've seen grades of 33 and 42 listed).

The word "ascending player" doesn't excite me because I've heard it used before without coming to fruition. Nor trust Lou, because we said that with the safety last year.

Now, I am hearing a lot of posters make the point that he is great in communication. I would love to see this from a reputable source. I do know the Bengals staff lamented the poor communication last year, so that would be important and would raise my confidence in the signing.

But it was a deep free agent safety class. Why not one of the sure-fire safeties, such as Justin Simmons, a four-time all-pro? Geno Stone didn't even make the probowl, despite the 7 interceptions. I hope he's not a one-year wonder.

for whats its worth... Geno Stone ranked 48th for available free agents ... Justin Simmons... 47th

[Soonerpeace]

https://youtu.be/cLFjIrBao_s?si=ojtS6paYRgngEvRP

[CottonHill]

(03-11-2024, 11:02 PM)CottonHill Wrote: Geez that last paragraph scares me. Congrats to the kid, parlayed a once in a lifetime opportunity into a solid contract. A completed regression to PS player isn’t out of the question though. He shined in a defense where he had a defined role and everybody else excelled at their position around him. Not sure he has the physical tools to do more or make up for blown assignments which riddled this defense last year.

Looks like I was spot on about this one. Instead of pissing on me for being "negative" you guys should listen every now and then. 

[*ochocincos*]

Apparently I graded this a B back when he was signed.
And I don't see any comment from myself back then for reasoning, but from what I think I remember, I was cautiously optimistic because he did have a career year last year. However, the lack of athleticism and (lack of) production prior to 2023 are what worried me.
Pay for a budget player, sometimes you get what you pay for.

[SunsetBengal]

(10-10-2024, 12:11 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Apparently I graded this a B back when he was signed.
And I don't see any comment from myself back then for reasoning, but from what I think I remember, I was cautiously optimistic because he did have a career year last year. However, the lack of athleticism and (lack of) production prior to 2023 are what worried me.
Pay for a budget player, sometimes you get what you pay for.

Frivolous consumers might get duped into thinking that CZ is actually a diamond, but not actual jewelers.. 

[*ochocincos*]

(10-10-2024, 12:13 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Frivolous consumers might get duped into thinking that CZ is actually a diamond, but not actual jewelers.. 

I think it's obvious the FS is a key piece in Anarumo's defense.
This might be a spot they need to invest more into to get a good enough player.

There are some notable safeties hitting FA next year if the Bengals wanted to make a splash for a big name.
Or if they are picking early in the draft, maybe look for a safety in the 2nd round. Many good safeties seem to come out of the 2nd round, including Bates.
Maybe get a DL in Rd 1, SAF in Rd 2. But they'll also likely have need for a 2nd DL, at least one IOL, and maybe another WR and/or RB based on how the current crop of dudes grow by the end of the year.

And while I like the LBs the Bengals have, how much difference are they really able to make if the DL and/or DBs are struggling like they are.
I feel like Bengals might be better off investing more at DL/DB in FA and go cheaper at LB instead if they have to pick and choose.

[Lucius Cincinnatus]

(10-10-2024, 12:11 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Apparently I graded this a B back when he was signed.
And I don't see any comment from myself back then for reasoning, but from what I think I remember, I was cautiously optimistic because he did have a career year last year. However, the lack of athleticism and (lack of) production prior to 2023 are what worried me.
Pay for a budget player, sometimes you get what you pay for.

I'm not even sure it's a "budget player" thing. He is the 23rd highest paid safety in the league. He is certainly a budget performer, but he is paid above that level. 

Most well run organizations do not let high quality players leave in free agency. Sometimes, teams truly can't afford a player, but when a team like the Ravens let a player walk, I would be concerned to sign them. 

Check out what Steelers fans are saying about Queen. Clowney has 1 sack in his first 5 games...

[SunsetBengal]

(10-10-2024, 12:19 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I think it's obvious the FS is a key piece in Anarumo's defense.
This might be a spot they need to invest more into to get a good enough player.

There are some notable safeties hitting FA next year if the Bengals wanted to make a splash for a big name.
Or if they are picking early in the draft, maybe look for a safety in the 2nd round. Many good safeties seem to come out of the 2nd round, including Bates.
Maybe get a DL in Rd 1, SAF in Rd 2. But they'll also likely have need for a 2nd DL, at least one IOL, and maybe another WR and/or RB based on how the current crop of dudes grow by the end of the year.

And while I like the LBs the Bengals have, how much difference are they really able to make if the DL and/or DBs are struggling like they are.
I feel like Bengals might be better off investing more at DL/DB in FA and go cheaper at LB instead if they have to pick and choose.

It's easier to defend the edges than the middle of the field. Money is best spent on defense by being strong up the middle; DT, ILB, Safety. 

[*ochocincos*]

(10-10-2024, 12:28 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: It's easier to defend the edges than the middle of the field. Money is best spent on defense by being strong up the middle; DT, ILB, Safety. 

Bengals haven't traditionally invested TOO much $$ toward safety, but they probably should invest more.
DT we've seen them spend $$ but I don't think they spent $$ on the right guy(s) - mainly Rankins.
I still like Hill as a solid DT who is most effective when he has someone to rotate with more often than he's doing now.
I don't see a slam dunk run stuffing NT though, but Bengals just drafted Jenkins and Jackson for that spot, so they may be ok long-term there.
Personally, I'd look to pivot Rankins to 3T next season (or cut Rankins and use that saved $$ to sign Hill to another 1-year deal) and be the incumbent starter there with an early draft pick to rotate with him.
I'd REALLY like to land Mason Graham if trying to upgrade DT.
Graham and Jenkins I feel could really hold down that DT group for years, especially as they have experience playing on same team at Michigan.

[Speedy Thomas]

I looked at the vote totals, started reading comments, and thought WTF? Then I realized that the poll and most of the comments are from last spring. lol.

It's fun to assign grades to drafts and free agent signings, but really, who knows until they suit up?

After 5 games I give the signing a generous D. I mean, has the guy even been on the field?

[*jason*]

F +....

[Nicomo Cosca]

He probably overtakes Trae Waynes as our worst FA signing during the Burrow/Taylor era.

[SunsetBengal]

(10-10-2024, 12:58 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Bengals haven't traditionally invested TOO much $$ toward safety, but they probably should invest more.
DT we've seen them spend $$ but I don't think they spent $$ on the right guy(s) - mainly Rankins.
I still like Hill as a solid DT who is most effective when he has someone to rotate with more often than he's doing now.
I don't see a slam dunk run stuffing NT though, but Bengals just drafted Jenkins and Jackson for that spot, so they may be ok long-term there.
Personally, I'd look to pivot Rankins to 3T next season (or cut Rankins and use that saved $$ to sign Hill to another 1-year deal) and be the incumbent starter there with an early draft pick to rotate with him.
I'd REALLY like to land Mason Graham if trying to upgrade DT.
Graham and Jenkins I feel could really hold down that DT group for years, especially as they have experience playing on same team at Michigan.

I agree, they have let several good Safety's walk in free agency over the years. They seriously undervalue the position and it's importance to sound defense. I'm with you on the Rankins signing. He was available that late in free agency for a reason. Honestly, I think that they thought that DJ Reader would sign here for next to nothing, and then were at a loss when he took the Lions' offer leaving them without a viable NT on the roster. Rankins isn't a NT, Jenkins could evolve into one, but will he lose athleticism by adding weight?

If Jenkins stays around 300#, I could see shifting BJ Hill over to NT until Jackson or another grow into the role. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(10-10-2024, 11:47 AM)CottonHill Wrote: Looks like I was spot on about this one. Instead of pissing on me for being "negative" you guys should listen every now and then. 

Hey, I am big enough to admit you were correct so far and I was wrong. Good for you.

(10-10-2024, 12:11 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Apparently I graded this a B back when he was signed.
And I don't see any comment from myself back then for reasoning, but from what I think I remember, I was cautiously optimistic because he did have a career year last year. However, the lack of athleticism and (lack of) production prior to 2023 are what worried me.
Pay for a budget player, sometimes you get what you pay for.

We will see if Stone gets any better, he made one great play on a stop against the Ravens and missed Lamar on a blitz where Lamar
just made him look silly. I wouldn't be against putting Tycen Anderson in at FS if Stone continues to struggle. Battle instead of Vonn 
also needs to be a thought.

(10-10-2024, 12:19 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I think it's obvious the FS is a key piece in Anarumo's defense.
This might be a spot they need to invest more into to get a good enough player.

There are some notable safeties hitting FA next year if the Bengals wanted to make a splash for a big name.
Or if they are picking early in the draft, maybe look for a safety in the 2nd round. Many good safeties seem to come out of the 2nd round, including Bates.
Maybe get a DL in Rd 1, SAF in Rd 2. But they'll also likely have need for a 2nd DL, at least one IOL, and maybe another WR and/or RB based on how the current crop of dudes grow by the end of the year.

And while I like the LBs the Bengals have, how much difference are they really able to make if the DL and/or DBs are struggling like they are.
I feel like Bengals might be better off investing more at DL/DB in FA and go cheaper at LB instead if they have to pick and choose.

Yes, we need to invest in a top FS next year if this continues.

[WeezyBengal]

This aged like milk haha

[SunsetBengal]

(10-10-2024, 11:47 AM)CottonHill Wrote: Looks like I was spot on about this one. Instead of pissing on me for being "negative" you guys should listen every now and then. 

Yessir, you were correct. You win the internet from 7 months ago! Next thing ya know, they'll have you in Vegas, setting the betting lines.