Starks is the better fit.

[jj22]

I know Nick has his fans and I have talked myself into him potentially being the pick. The closer we get I just can’t help but to think Starks is the better fit.

I wasn’t really sold on Starks either but we don’t need a box safety. We need a Bates and Starks fits the bill.

And sure he’s athletic enough to play deep, but the traits (football iq, big game experience, captain) all favor Starks. Along with the play and the need. 

[Bengalstripes9]

I agree. He’s similar to Bates in terms of style and range being a free safety type.

I think Strong safety could already be solved.

My most recent mocks have been going something like this:
1) FS Starks
2) Edge Swinson
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) G Grant
5) LB Kiser
6) CB Tommy Hill


Or 1) FS Starks
2) G Donovan Jackson
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) CB Denzel Burke
5) IOL Dylan Fairchild
6) RB Etienne

Or 1) Starks
2) LB knight
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) G Grant
5) RB Etienne
6) CB Tommy Hill

[*bfine32*]

If we're looking at Safety. I love to have X Watts in the 2nd.

[Speedy Thomas]

(04-14-2025, 10:16 PM)Bengalstripes9 Wrote: I agree. He’s similar to Bates in terms of style and range being a free safety type.

I think Strong safety could already be solved.

My most recent mocks have been going something like this:
1) FS Starks
2) Edge Swinson
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) G Grant
5) LB Kiser
6) CB Tommy Hill


Or 1) FS Starks
2) G Donovan Jackson
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) CB Denzel Burke
5) IOL Dylan Fairchild
6) RB Etienne

Or 1) Starks
2) LB knight
3) DT Ty Robinson
4) G Grant
5) RB Etienne
6) CB Tommy Hill

I'll take Door #2.  Donovan Jackson, yes.  Get a forking guard.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

Definitely understand the OP here. We all love the size, speed and big hitting of an Emmanwori type, but Malaki Starks is a pure FS and
that is what we need as Stone sucks and Battle is a SS and should be the starter there. It was a mistake to bench Battle in the first place
I don't care if he came in overweight, he was the better player at that point in his career, sorry Vonn.

[*ochocincos*]

Starks, Watts, and Mukuba are my safeties of choice, primarily for their coverage/ball hawk skills.

I think SS, while important, typically isn't one of the most coveted positions on the team (or this team specifically), so I don't see a reason to spend a high draft pick into that position.

Positions I would look to invest 1st or 2nd round into:
- CB
- FS
- PDL who can rush the passer
- OL
- WR
- TE who can be a good pass catcher

Might also add 3-down LB, but they have to be able to cover, play the run, and cause turnovers.

[OSUfan]

(04-15-2025, 12:18 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Definitely understand the OP here. We all love the size, speed and big hitting of an Emmanwori type, but Malaki Starks is a pure FS and
that is what we need as Stone sucks and Battle is a SS and should be the starter there. It was a mistake to bench Battle in the first place
I don't care if he came in overweight, he was the better player at that point in his career, sorry Vonn.

But Emmanwori really is not a big hitter and if you really watch full game film on him he has a tendency to be a spectator in the running game even when the play is coming right at him. I would take Starks any day of the week over Emmanwori. However, if the Bengals do not get a safety in the top half of the draft then they need to try to get Sanker from Virginia.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(04-15-2025, 08:01 PM)OSUfan Wrote: But Emmanwori really is not a big hitter and if you really watch full game film on him he has a tendency to be a spectator in the running game even when the play is coming right at him. I would take Starks any day of the week over Emmanwori. However, if the Bengals do not get a safety in the top half of the draft then they need to try to get Sanker from Virginia.

Well, that is the first I heard this about Emmanwori. Will have to watch some game film soon enough, I don't know if I have the time to watch 
full game film, but I will take your word for it OSUfan. That is a definite concern and I don't really see this with Jordan Battle, he likes to come 
down and tackle in the run game. Liking Starks even better now if this is true, plus he fits our needs regardless.

I like Sanker later in the Draft as well.

[sandwedge]

I will take the 2024 1st Team All American FAS

[jj22]

(04-14-2025, 11:18 PM)bfine32 Wrote: If we're looking at Safety. I love to have X Watts in the 2nd.

I think Watts is most likely the S pick this draft. Seems they are already set on it (given their lack of moves at the position).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(04-14-2025, 09:40 PM)jj22 Wrote: I know Nick has his fans and I have talked myself into him potentially being the pick. The closer we get I just can’t help but to think Starks is the better fit.

I wasn’t really sold on Starks either but we don’t need a box safety. We need a Bates and Starks fits the bill.

And sure he’s athletic enough to play deep, but the traits (football iq, big game experience, captain) all favor Starks. Along with the play and the need. 

I think SS and FS both need upgraded. And we should all consider the pissibility Golden may play more split safety rather than looking for a pure CF/Bates type..