ArmyBengal

Regarding Smith-Njigba, there would be worse things in the world then taking him early. TB is a free agent after this season and will be turning 30 heading into 2024. While I would hate to see TB go, Smith-Njigba would fit right into the slot on the cheap for the next 5 years. All that being said, there are far more priorities I would prefer to see, but him dropping to 28 would make you stop and think.

The Bengals need “fixed” ?? Odd, back to back AFCCG with a Super Bowl appearance doesn’t sound like something needing to be fixed. Then again, that’s coming from a coach that couldn’t win a playoff game, so there’s that…

Like any mock, I would want to see who else was in the board. I may agree 100% that they were the BPA. I may not. As always, rankings today are not ranking tomorrow. Players rise and fall. That’s why I won’t get mad or really argue much about anything someone comes up with. Well, unless someone thinks we should go QB early…

Not mad about any of it. Have no issue with Skoronski. While they have said they will likely work on the depth of the o-line, I would rather them not do that with our 2nd rounder who would likely not see the field minus injury, but you never know. Ojomo is a solid DT that would probably get some rotation in that group. Spears is good but unless they dump Mixon, I would prefer a CB higher, which would be my thought in the next pick Brents. I like McClendon. I guess another CB is ok, but wouldn’t thrill me. It’s a late rounder so I guess whatever. It looks purely like a BPA draft, which I won’t be mad at, but just not sure of the impact. Wouldn’t argue at this point because free agency will change thoughts. Again, not mad, just said I didn’t think much of it…

Can’t say as I think much about that draft. What do I know though?

I've mentioned this previously and will say it again because I think it bears weight. I'm already figuring Collins being out for the majority of the regular season seeing as how he injured his ACL at the end of 2022. NO CHANCE IN HELL, he's ready before the midpoint of 2023. That being the case, his contract is set up to be able to walk away from him and save 10 million. Maybe they feel he's worth holding onto as insurance for 2024 if the new RT doesn't pan out, I don't know, but to count on him at any point in 2023 is foolish at this point. Draft a new RT in any of the first 3 rounds, preferably no later than the 2nd for me, and keep moving forward. Maybe that's a guy who can play LT and he's the future replacement for Williams if they decide not to bring him back in 2024. They have options for sure.

Yeah, we can certainly find better at some of these positions and agree that the team should actively be looking to upgrade the roster at every given chance. However, it's simply not as easy as us fans would like to think it is. Meaning, most fans would agree that it would be awesome to switch out Jonah Williams for Orlando Brown at LT. I sure as hell would. However, when considering the Bengals are paying Williams 12 million and some change this year and he will probably get an extended contract averaging several million more, that speaks to value. Conversely, Brown is going to get something around 23 million per year on an extended contract. The difference in salary on a 5 year deal is another player's contract. I get it, I might say the hell with it, spend the money there. Burrow's protection is the most important. I certainly won't argue that thought. However, I can't see the team being willing to do that, especially considering William's 12+ million for 2023 is guaranteed and there is no cap relief in cutting him. I remember wanting Jawaan Taylor when he left Miami and went to the Broncos. Most hated him and thought he wasn't worth the money. 2 seasons later and he's the 18th ranked OT in the league. Looks like he had time to continue getting better and has put himself in a position to get paid. No reason to think after a rookie season of starting on an o-line that made it to the AFCCG, that Volson will remain the 35th rated OG. Certainly not while playing next to the 3rd ranked OC in the league. Let's take a breath for the time being.

Agree. With the number of TE's in this upcoming class, I would like to see them take one regardless of what they do with Hurst. Bates in Atlanta? Enjoy the money, because you sure won't be sniffing a consistent playoff expectation, let alone the Super Bowl. Again, I wouldn't have much issue with Bates' return, but I don't think that's the best approach to handling the cap. Get Burrow's deal done and go from there.

That’s fun to watch the kid doing work like that. Factor in his sophomore and junior seasons he’s had over 800 yards receiving and averaged 8 TD’s and I would have little issue with that selection.

Honestly this might be one of the better tight end draft classes you are going to see. There are at least 4-5 guys I wouldn’t mind having and could produce similar numbers in this offense.

I missed that part. He’s still a clown.

When you really have to pin it down, which positions do you think a rookie could come in and have an immediate impact? I only ask because it seems to me, that there aren’t many. Here’s where I was thinking. OT, TE, DT Maybe CB, LB, or RB My reason for bringing it up is (and so don’t typically think this way) maybe a trade up is in order.

If we are suggesting putting muzzles in, can I put the Cincinnati Mayor on there? I don’t really think the Rams would outright cut Ramsey and I certainly don’t want to be trading picks for him AND that contract. I think he really doesn’t fit the culture here as I mentioned previously as well. I just saw the write up and thought it was interesting.

I love those two players in Kancey and Wright. I would call the draft an A+ without knowing the other picks.

Agree with that thought as well Stripes. I'm all in with whomever Zac thinks is a good fit for the Bengals culture to bring in. Not sure Ramsey fits when looking at it from that standpoint. Him and Awuzie are still intriguing to think about.

While I have always hated the sacks, there are many reasons for that happening that any typical fan simply cannot pinpoint. Hell, even Burrow doesn't care about sacks because he is fully understanding of that point. Even if we were to consider the feasibility of a "soft camp" (COUGH injuries COUGH) there's simply no correlation to sacks given up. If there is, I would like to hear more in all seriousness. I think the philosophy of hard nosed camps is an old line of thought. Between the players union and league wanting to limit contact and increase safety, it's a miracle they are in sync by week 3. Not to mention they are now only playing 3 preseason games.

Speaking of free agency, did anyone else see the write up about if the Bengals would/should consider CB Jalen Ramsey, if cut, in free agency? https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/15/bengals-sign-jalen-ramsey-free-agency-rams-cut/ Not sure the price involved in a signing like that, but color me intrigued. An AJ Green celebration during the home opener with highlights could be interesting !!

So a tight end that has issues catching the ball when Joe Burrow is the QB ?? That's a easy PASS from my side of things, good blocker or not, when considering how high we would have to select him. Did we learn nothing from drafting Sample in the 2nd round ?? Just no...

That's why mock drafts (ESPECIALLY THIS EARLY) are less than worthless. Players projected in the 3rd and 4th round now can easily find themselves in the 1st and 2nd when it's all said and done. I had a mock draft today on Profootball network and walked away with TE Dalton, DT Kancey and CB Eli Ricks as my 1st - 3rd round picks. Regardless of which one I use, I just enjoy reading the takes on the players. I will head over to YouTube and watch highlights. I watch a f*ck ton of college football, so there are many players I'm familiar with. My love of the draft is well documented over the last nearly 20 years I've been here.

That's a shame. Hoping he doesn't continue that upward trend, but I'm guessing he won't stay a secret for much longer, if he still is at all. BEAST

If you were to substitute Kancey for Robinson in the first, those first 4 rounds are sick !! I like Robinson though.

So, some of you might know my youngest has autism. Unfortunately, there are real life implications with both the bullying and the converse, where some try to make his accomplishments be equivalent to that of a brain surgeon. It really is sad to see how he's impacted by each opposing force. We are constantly just trying to keep things on an even keel from one minute to the next. Finding that happy medium where things are just chill is the ultimate goal. I try to find humor wherever the opportunity presents itself. All of this is an absolute truth. That being said, when considering what COB wrote, I have only one suggestion. JDAM's.... That's right, I said it, JDAMS bitches. I introduced my youngest to JDAM video's on YouTube and he is awestruck at how massive the devastation is. So might I suggest finding a way to work 2-3 2000lb JDAM's into the story? Nothing big. Maybe take out a few city blocks somewhere. I mean, if you are going for gore, maybe drop them on a nursery school. I'm just spitballing here....

LMAO… I just don’t have it in me to be more argumentative at this point. I’ve moved into draft mode at this point.

It must be a soft camp

Look… injuries… THAT was the issue. It’s not hard to figure out. On top of Burrow and his appendix, Collins was just cleared to practice right before the 1st preseason game. Out for the 2nd preseason game was Carman, Collins again, and Prince. This is where the rookie Volson starts coming into play more at LG. Then Volson gets dinged in week 2, sitting in week 3, which gives Carman the start and plays most of the game. Karras was getting Veteran rest as well and then week 1 hits. Damn near every starting o-lineman and backup had missed preseason games with minor dings. There was simply no way there was going to be continuity or 100% readiness at this point. Has nothing to do with a soft camp. At least not when looking at the focal point heading into the 2022 season.