ArmyBengal

I cannot recall an entire post made by a person here I disagreed with more emphatically. Not mad at you, but boy that's an interesting perspective you hold there.

Set in stone? No, not at all. Part of a plan (one which could change)? YES. There's no refuting the fact everyone knew how this was going to play out. Well, anyone that knows how this has played out previously. I can recall making comments on this board earlier than that, that if Tee were to keep being a factor for this offense (which he still is even a reduced role) there would be no way for them to keep him, Chase and Burrow. Why? Because the market dictates what these players are worth, not the fans. I would love him to take a Pittman style deal, but why do that when one of these teams with money to burn will back up the truck to your doorstep? Unless playing with the buddies he has made here and being a contender is more valuable, then I still see him leaving. As always for all players... how much does winning really mean to you? EDIT: We hear all the time they just want to be able to take care of their families. I'm still not sure what the hell that means, because he has made nearly $32 million over the course of being in the NFL since 2020. Over that same course of time, I haven't made a million, but take care of mine and other families like a madman. Maybe we have different definitions of what that means.

Of course some team is going to give Tee big money. It's what I've been saying. Why? Because some teams are bad enough and have money to burn they will give him the coin in the hopes he's a true number one WR. They will take their shot and spend the money. It won't hurt some teams because they don't currently have anyone else who's play requires a top of the market contract. Think having a top end QB on his rookie deal. Things are easier to navigate until that bill comes due. Granted, I don't think Tee is either a true #1 WR and don't think he's worth $30m per season. However, what I think or even know is completely irrelevant to what some team will surely do. They won't be thinking about him not being what they thought and cutting him 2-3 later because the team still sucks. AJ Green tells the cautionary tale of leaving an above average QB. Honestly, if Tee were really smart, he'd take a fair deal here to keep things together. They are going to follow the money of course, but as I've heard my whole life, "all money is not good money".

That's because you make the assumption he will play on the tag. I'm not even close to being convinced that would happen. No issue because I'm not totally against the idea. To dismiss the risk seems silly though.

I’ve seen some movement of players across the boards.

Maybe, but that player (whoever that is) isn’t part of our equation. Tee is our concern and someone willing to pay him now is of little consequence to what may or may not happen to him years down the road. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never advocated they pay Higgins top of the market. I would love a Pittman style deal, and always thought he was the odd man out. I can argue both sides of the coin for keeping him vs. not, but just want a quick resolution. The longer it plays out with him, the more problems build. I think it will be fine either way as long as we aren’t the ones over paying.

It very well may but I don’t see him doing it. He could sit out to force the Bengals hand and even he just sits, that in and of itself will be a problem when trying to figure out how to start fast. That shit will linger with the team whose leader has been so vocal. It cuts both ways.

Yep, Bell got tagged twice and he simply never reported and never returned to the team. He didn't play that year, the Steelers let him become a free agent the following year and he walked. Pretty much the worst scenario unfolded there. On one hand, I can see why they would want to tag Tee again to keep him off the market initially, but there are a couple different outcomes that would be horrendous for the Bengals. Him not playing in 2025 only to have him do what Bell did and then walk away in 2026 is just shit and delays whatever compensation the team could see sooner. If something could be done with a tag and trade scenario, I'd be all for it. Does the front office even know what that means? Any confidence in them pulling that off? Again, we may not feel Tee is worth $26m per year, but I damn well guarantee some other team will pay him that without batting an eye. Some teams have money to burn.

Just going to keep throwing up the ones I liked the outcome of... #17. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia #49. Jahdae Barron, S, Texas #81. Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State #118. Howard Cross, DT, Notre Dame #154. Clay Webb, OG, Jacksonville State #195. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State Love that Barron fell, as I think he's a first round talent. Love the big name schools that were contenders. I think Howard Cross is underrated and Golden should have good insight. Clay Webb was a 5 star recruit that went to Georgia before transferring. He's my dark horse pick. Cody Simon was a bonus to add to the linebacking corps I was talking about. A CB could have been in there as well, but no one I was thrilled with was on the board. Again, not saying this is going to happen, it's just fun to see how they play out.

Minus Wilson, it's been a long time since I could say how much I loved our linebacking corps. There may be a few here and there, but this unit has not been the strength of the defense in some time. Before pointing out that at times they run 2 LB sets periodically, think about it. How hard is it to find 2 above average linebackers? If you have that, why does the depth get forgotten? This isn't a be all, end all thing for me and I'm not pissed about it, but I want to see more attention there. Always have.

Funny you said that Hoosier, I just did another one and took Jalon Walker from Georgia at #17. Still ended up with a DE and DT that I would love to have in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

I agree, I get potential starters into the 4th round even.

It seemed like Pratt wasn't there at times last season despite it being one of his most productive. He set a new career mark with 143 total tackles and his second best season in passes defended. He's had two INT's each season for the past 3 and got to the QB more last season than any before. My biggest concern with Pratt leaving is, who replaces him? THIS is what I've been talking about for a while. It's not that our LB's aren't good, it's that we have no depth and if one gets hurt or leaves, then what? It makes linebacker a need in free agency and/or the draft.

The way I see it is, this draft seems to be deep at some of our positions of need. I like the DT, DE, and safety classes a lot. I think it's another good WR class and the RB's and CB's aren't bad either.

I would have zero issues with Booker at #17, but yes, the unwillingness to extend interior linemen that are above average is less than appealing. However, with a 1st round pick and the ability to tag after a 5th year option, that's 6 years and not unreasonable either. The only WR I want before round 4 is T-Mac and there's a better chance of my approving a personal vacation with hookers and blow then him falling to #17. If Higgins comes back, I wouldn't have much concern for a slot WR. If he has speed and maybe some return ability, all the better. A tight end? I'm hoping Gesicki returns and then with All being out for 2025, another will be needed. Granted they also drafted McLachlan last year and I liked him as well. Guess we will see, but don't want one until after other defensive positions are drafted. Booker, a DE and DT in the first three rounds would be fine by me. Maybe a safety if someone falls?

That's a ton of money right there TJ. I don't know if it's doable, but just acknowledging that it's a ton. I'm all for extending Chase, Trey and Gesicki. Tee would be a nice bonus IF it doesn't cost them improving the lines. If signing Tee to a long term (see $$$) deal keeps them from adding to either line, I say no. Not because I don't love the guy, not because I want him to leave, but rather a pure money move. The Super Bowl should paint a very clear picture of the importance of getting to the opposing QB. If they find a way to do all of that, they should win front office of the year. See me over here not holding my breath...

I'm still not sold that keeping Tee, as much I have enjoyed watching him play, is the best thing for the team. In regards to Dehner's piece, when considering Burrow's deal, Chase's upcoming deal, and Trey's contract, they have to haggle for every last decimal point. You can't just throw another $30m a season at Tee in the effort to put a big smile on his face and not think that's going to be a problem. This isn't fantasy land. While I didn't watch the Super Bowl, I went back and watched highlights of the game. What I gained from those highlights is, it's a really good thing to have an above average defense capable of putting pressure on the QB. Not that we didn't already know that. I'm just speculating anyway, as we do here, but it will be interesting to watch.

Good news everyone… The Bengals stated on social media they are “Fueled by our past”. Well that must be some cheap ass fuel they got a hold of. No wonder the Lumina is always broke down. God knows their past screams "winning culture". Stop going to Gimpy Moe’s Gas already.

Oh I don’t think Duke has missed the fact the Eagles put together a nice roster. His son, Duke Jr. is a scouting assistant for the Eagles. Literally the last guy at the bottom of the scouting department staff, but part of a Super Bowl champion nonetheless. During the 2018 season, he handled Suite services for the Bengals.

Held true and didn't watch anything about the Super Bowl leading up to it, didn't watch the game, didn't care. Hard to fathom considering in about 5 months I will be begging for football and willing to watch Mother Mary of the Blind University take the field.

Oh and another thing… IF they bring back Tee and since “Burden” has a two cent head, I wouldn’t mind getting a speed slot receiver. Let me introduce you to Jaylin Noel who could be had in the 4th or 5th range… https://youtu.be/VfX3znm1s1U?si=BUktySv-8EragaL5

Man I love Tyleik and have enjoyed watching him play for the Buckeyes. I wish him nothing but the best and thank him. That being said, not sure I want the Bengals to draft him with an early pick.

Shemar Stewart is really not someone I want them to draft and would toss my TV if in the first round. One of the big things they do and should look at is production. I consider that for both DE and DT, with DT having some wiggle room depending on what you're looking for. That being said, Donovan Ezeiruaku the DE out of Boston College, while only 6'2 is a favorite of mine. Production is otherworldly all things considered. I really like Howard Cross III the DT out of Notre Dame as well and Golden should have a good read on him.

So my last post wasn't so lengthy, I'm breaking it up. I really liked the outcome of the first two, as only some names changed. The draftbuzz results weren't aligned with all needs with no DT's or DE's without reaching. However, the talent grab in that draft is undeniable. PFF was a nice start and probably would have gone well had I been able to draft all rounds. Bottomline for me is that we have needs that appear to be deep in those classes.

I looked at 4 different mock draft simulators to see the variance in players there when we went on the clock. This isn't a be all end all of who I absolutely want, but rather just a smattering of needs vs availability. Some were interesting though and I wouldn't complain about. I highlighted some of those I really like. Profootballnetwork: #18. Tyler Booker, LG, Alabama (traded down 1 spot and swapped #154 for #82) #49. Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College #81. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State #82. Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame #118. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State #195. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State NFLmockdraftdatabase: #17. James Pearce, DE, Tennessee #49. Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State #81. Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee #118. Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas #154. Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas #195. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State NFLdraftbuzz: #17. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia #49. Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama #81. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama #118. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa #154. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon #195. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State PFF: (They only have 3 rounds unless you pay and only one per day) #17. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M #49. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia #81. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State