TE in the 1st?

[Speedy Thomas]

Among the takeaways from Duke and Zac's presser: Tee will be resigned. Gesicki quite possibly will join the tight end out the door conga line.

If that's the case -- and given the uncertainty around All -- do we take Warren if he's there? What about Loveland? With Tee on board, do we want to spend first round draft capital on the 3rd option in our passing game?

Bengals first round tight end history isn't encouraging. Last time we took TE in the first was Jermaine Gresham, over Gronk. Two years ago we passed on LaPorta for Myles Murphy. Maybe it's time to get it right.

Thoughts?

[SunsetBengal]

If Tee Higgins remains with the team, then no, I can't justify spending a 1st round pick on the 3rd-4th option on most plays. If Tee remains, the style of offense the Bengals run isn't likely to change much, so they need to look at blockers and pass rushers at the top of the draft.

[Luvnit2]

(02-26-2025, 12:13 PM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: Among the takeaways from Duke and Zac's presser:  Tee will be resigned.  Gesicki quite possibly will join the tight end out the door conga line.

If that's the case -- and given the uncertainty around All -- do we take Warren if he's there?  What about Loveland?  With Tee on board, do we want to spend first round draft capital on the 3rd option in our passing game?

Bengals first round tight end history isn't encouraging.  Last time we took TE in the first was Jermaine Gresham, over Gronk.  Two years ago we passed on LaPorta for Myles Murphy.  Maybe it's time to get it right.

Thoughts?

It always depends on what the FO does with signing FA's. If we sign a stud guard and a pass rushing DE/LB or a stud DT it is possible. Personally, I love Warren, but the mocks i do he is rarely available at #17.

I hope we fix the trenches in FA so we can go best player available. I think the biggest need is OG, DT and a pass rushing DE.

If we keep Cappa, we need 1 OG. If we cut him, we need 2, possibly one FA and one via the draft.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-26-2025, 01:01 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: It always depends on what the FO does with signing FA's. If we sign a stud guard and a pass rushing DE/LB or a stud DT it is possible. Personally, I love Warren, but the mocks i do he is rarely available at #17.

I hope we fix the trenches in FA so we can go best player available. I think the biggest need is OG, DT and a pass rushing DE.

If we keep Cappa, we need 1 OG. If we cut him, we need 2, possibly one FA and one via the draft.

Yep, depends on FA but I would be open to Tyler Warren or Loveland. I think either one could be great. Warren is so good at everything he 
would instantly upgrade our Offense and with the All injuries and if Mike G leaves he would be an instant starter. That is all you can ask of a 
first round pick and I think Warren or Loveland will be good right off the bat as rookies.

I want Kenneth Grant the most at 17, but I am open to one of these TE's if he is not there or something happens to make Grant not so 
appealing.

[Speedy Thomas]

(02-26-2025, 01:01 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: It always depends on what the FO does with signing FA's. If we sign a stud guard and a pass rushing DE/LB or a stud DT it is possible. Personally, I love Warren, but the mocks i do he is rarely available at #17.

I hope we fix the trenches in FA so we can go best player available. I think the biggest need is 2 OG's, DT and a pass rushing DE.

If we keep Cappa, we need 1 OG. If we cut him, we need 2, possibly one FA and one via the draft.

Two OG's, fixed it for ya.    Wouldn't it be fun if they took care of absolute needs in free agency, which would free them up to actually go BPA?  I don't know if that's doable if they pay the big 3.  If somehow it did happen, Warren would be the cherry on top.  Good luck trying to stop that offense.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-26-2025, 02:26 PM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: Two OG's, fixed it for ya.    Wouldn't it be fun if they took care of absolute needs in free agency, which would free them up to actually go BPA?  I don't know if that's doable if they pay the big 3.  If somehow it did happen, Warren would be the cherry on top.  Good luck trying to stop that offense.

Will Fries and James Daniels to go along with a good pass rusher in Josh Sweat would be a fantastic FA that would free up the Draft.

[Speedy Thomas]

(02-26-2025, 12:31 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: If Tee Higgins remains with the team, then no, I can't justify spending a 1st round pick on the 3rd-4th option on most plays. If Tee remains, the style of offense the Bengals run isn't likely to change much, so they need to look at blockers and pass rushers at the top of the draft.

You're probably right.  But Burrow to Chase/Tee/Warren is sure fun to contemplate.

[Speedy Thomas]

(02-26-2025, 02:28 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Will Fries and James Daniels to go along with a good pass rusher in Josh Sweat would be a fantastic FA that would free up the Draft.

Dream scenario.  I'd add Zeitler to Fries & Daniels and happily take two of them.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-26-2025, 02:33 PM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: Dream scenario.  I'd add Zeitler to Fries & Daniels and happily take two of them.

Tevin Jenkins is also a thought. Trey Smith will probably cost too much to get 2 Guards in FA and he played like crap in the Playoffs and SB anyways.

Then we could draft Warren or Loveland in the first and go DT in the 2nd.

[SunsetBengal]

(02-26-2025, 02:29 PM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: You're probably right.  But Burrow to Chase/Tee/Warren is sure fun to contemplate.

Warren would be a great piece to have on the team, and likely cheaper to keep for the long haul than a WR.

[Luvnit2]

(02-26-2025, 02:33 PM)Speedy Thomas Wrote: Dream scenario.  I'd add Zeitler to Fries & Daniels and happily take two of them.

Becton will cost more, I like Becton a lot to replace Cappa. It would be a net of an extra 4 or 5 million a year, but I think he is worth it. He instantly upgrades our run blocking also. Would love him at RG by Mims at RT.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-26-2025, 02:42 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Warren would be a great piece to have on the team, and likely cheaper to keep for the long haul than a WR.

So true, worked for years for the Chiefs when Kelce was in his prime for much cheaper than a wideout.

Plus Joe shown last year he will target TE's if they are open.

(02-26-2025, 03:05 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: He will cost more, I like Becton a lot to repace Cappa. It would be a net of an extra 4 or 5 million a year, but I think he is worth it. He instantly upgrades our run blocking also. Would love him at RG by Mims at RT.

Becton as well would be a nice addition, so many options to free up the Draft.

[coachmcneil71]

(02-26-2025, 02:14 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Yep, depends on FA but I would be open to Tyler Warren or Loveland. I think either one could be great. Warren is so good at everything he 
would instantly upgrade our Offense and with the All injuries and if Mike G leaves he would be an instant starter. That is all you can ask of a 
first round pick and I think Warren or Loveland will be good right off the bat as rookies.

I want Kenneth Grant the most at 17, but I am open to one of these TE's if he is not there or something happens to make Grant not so 
appealing.

I see three names flashing brightly for pick #17 at the moment; Grant, Smith, and Warren. Hey, it's good to have four or five dudes that could certainly be there at #17 on the draft board.

I posted a thread similar to this after listening to Joel Klatt expound on the Bengals taking Warren at #17. Obviously, we need defense, defense, defense, but Warren is one offensive player that I can get onboard with. He's an immediate starter if Mike G eases on. Anytime you can draft a plug-and-play type of player life is good.

Hence why the Murphy type of picks piss me off! First rd pick! Been here 3 seasons and I don't know if I've even heard his name called during a game. 

[*ochocincos*]

We've heard the Bengals rave about Erick All in the offense last year, so I get a good sense they want a guy like that who can be in without it being predictable what they will be doing.
Gesicki primarily a receiver, Sample primarily a blocker.
With All's injury track record, it may make sense to get a guy who can do both.

In that case, I lean toward Tyler Warren. Dude loves to block even more than catch passes, but he can do both very well.
Colston Loveland may have a higher ceiling as a pass catcher and replace the likes of Gesicki.

Personally, I think Warren is good enough to be a good blocker and 600+ yard guy, so I lean him over Loveland, but I can see the Bengals wanting Loveland instead if wanting a direct replacement for Gesicki.

In my more realistic world though, I bring back Gesicki and focus on the trenches in first 2-3 rounds, then address TE in the middle rounds.
TE is strong in this class and there will be some good gets in the middle rounds.
Some like Erick All but without the injury history, maybe even faster or more agile.
Maybe someone like Mason Taylor from LSU or Mitchell Evans from ND, although Taylor may go before Bengals pick in Rd 3.

[Luvnit2]

Penn State showed Warren's value. He took snaps in the shotgun and under center. He was used as a blocker and was lined up all over in the passing game. I don't think he will be there, but it would be very tempting if he was available. I believe we will have a tough decision at 17 as a number of ways we may go. I read the safety from SC is probably going to kill the combine and will shoot up boards, maybe surpass Starks. There are a number of DT's and possible edge rushers.

I can't wait for FA, I hope the Bengals address our weakest links from 2024.

[Truck_1_0_1_]

Ocho mentioned Mason Taylor and I can get onboard with him as well: did a superb job at LSU all 3 years in both blocking and receiving.

Still like Fannin in the 3rd though, he will be a good weapon in whatever offense he's in.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(02-28-2025, 12:13 PM)coachmcneil71 Wrote: I see three names flashing brightly for pick #17 at the moment; Grant, Smith, and Warren. Hey, it's good to have four or five dudes that could certainly be there at #17 on the draft board.

I posted a thread similar to this after listening to Joel Klatt expound on the Bengals taking Warren at #17. Obviously. we need defense, defense, defense, but Warren is one offensive player that I can get onboard with. He's an immediate starter if Mike G eases on. Anytime you can draft a plug-and-play type of player life is good.

Hence why the Murphy type of picks piss me off! First rd pick! Been here 3 seasons and I don't know if I've even heard his name called during a game. 

Yes, some good players that could instantly help the team should be there at 17 no question.

Actually is a good draft for our needs as long as we take care of the Guard position in FA. DL is really deep to help out Golden's Defense.

I haven't gave up on Murphy yet. Think he gained too much muscle in the Offseason and it slowed him down. He needs to trim up and get
his speed back. A new DL coach in Montgomery could really help. Was not a fan of Hobby.

(02-28-2025, 12:38 PM)ochocincos Wrote: We've heard the Bengals rave about Erick All in the offense last year, so I get a good sense they want a guy like that who can be in without it being predictable what they will be doing.
Gesicki primarily a receiver, Sample primarily a blocker.
With All's injury track record, it may make sense to get a guy who can do both.

In that case, I lean toward Tyler Warren. Dude loves to block even more than catch passes, but he can do both very well.
Colston Loveland may have a higher ceiling as a pass catcher and replace the likes of Gesicki.

Personally, I think Warren is good enough to be a good blocker and 600+ yard guy, so I lean him over Loveland, but I can see the Bengals wanting Loveland instead if wanting a direct replacement for Gesicki.

In my more realistic world though, I bring back Gesicki and focus on the trenches in first 2-3 rounds, then address TE in the middle rounds.
TE is strong in this class and there will be some good gets in the middle rounds.
Some like Erick All but without the injury history, maybe even faster or more agile.
Maybe someone like Mason Taylor from LSU or Mitchell Evans from ND, although Taylor may go before Bengals pick in Rd 3.

Loveland may have the higher upside as a pass catcher than Warren so I could see us going that route. Evidently we wanted Kincaid.

But I like Warren the best still, I like a blocking TE that can do it all good and make the Offense less predictable.

(02-28-2025, 01:16 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: Ocho mentioned Mason Taylor and I can get onboard with him as well: did a superb job at LSU all 3 years in both blocking and receiving.

Still like Fannin in the 3rd though, he will be a good weapon in whatever offense he's in.

Mason Taylor is another good TE in this Draft for sure.

[BFritz21]

Trade for Michael Mayer!

Quote:Raiders are shopping Michael Mayer and are open to other trade discussions. The Raiders have had discussions with teams who have interest in tight end Michael Mayer, according to league sources. Mayer hasn't had the impact the Raiders hoped for when he was drafted in the second round in 2023.

Trade them some late round picks for Mayer or Tee for Mayer and we could also get a draft pick with him!

That would give us a proven vet and open up our draft a ton!

[Luvnit2]

(02-28-2025, 01:16 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: Ocho mentioned Mason Taylor and I can get onboard with him as well: did a superb job at LSU all 3 years in both blocking and receiving.

Still like Fannin in the 3rd though, he will be a good weapon in whatever offense he's in.

Is Fannin a Dalton Kincaid clone? Yes, he is a good receiver, but not a good blocker which dictates we are passing when he joins the huddle. Warren is valauble bacause he is like Kelcie who comes out when he gets tired (or did in his prime), not because of formation.

[CJD]

I have a hard time justifying a TE in the first round, unless we tag and trade Tee Higgins. We have too many needs that much higher priority. If we're going to spend our first round pick on offense, I would rather it be on a stud guard who we can trust to actually protect Burrow. I'm tired of seeing our guards pushed straight into his face.

I do think a TE will be selected somewhere between the 3rd and 5th round though, if the value is right.