HoosierCat

Sure, why not? Slaton is a likely cap casualty anyhow, and if they have to toss in a sixth or seventh as a sweetener, fine. But since we’re talking about guys both teams will probably release you could probably get it done straight up.

Well, I think we’ve had the conversation on that front. All I know is this from Hobs today: Whatever they do, I want them to do it because of what they see on the field, not because of the bank balance.

Friday is the deadline to pick up Murphy’s option. No decision yet apparently. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-still-weighing-decision-on-myles-murphys-fifth-year-option

Bills kicking the tires on Burton. https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-news/191299/jermaine-burton-buffalo-bills-rookie-camp

Having time to sit with it, this draft feels like it was done by two different teams. I don’t know who the first team was, but they should be in charge every year from now on. They made very atypical moves in the first two rounds, trading away the top pick for a player and then drafting a player based on production versus traits. But after that pick, it was as if Duke and Mike and the usual gang of idiots broke into the war room, took the controls, and proceeded to go full Bengals with the next two picks. First they reached by a round for an outside corner they don’t need on the field but who is real handy in negotiations with their two current outside corners, then followed that with another potential knucklehead receiver accused of punching women. At that point, the original group must have flooded the draft room with sleeping gas, locked the usual gang of idiots up in the weight room, and regained control. That resulted in a strong day 3 (highlighted by a trade that turned a sixth into a late fourth) that both addressed needs while netting fantastic value for their picks. Looking forward to watching this all play out.

Would love to know more of the backstory here. https://flywareagle.com/former-auburn-football-coach-doesnt-deserve-credit-connor-lew-nfl-readiness-bengals

A- from cbs. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-team-grades/

Mel gave them a B. https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48547351/2026-nfl-draft-grades-32-teams-kiper-winners-losers-steals-sleepers-favorite-picks-classes#cin

Gentry is an interesting one: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-nfl-draft/191118/undrafted-free-agent-tracker-2026

Cincy jungle: Georgia Bulldogs WR Noah Thomas (link) Arkansas Razorbacks OT Corey Robinson II (link) USC Trojans LB Eric Gentry (link) San Diego State OL Christian Jones (link) Cincinnati Bearcats TE Jack Dingle (link) (story) Nebraska Cornhuskers CB Ceyair Wright (link) Kentucky Wildcats TE Josh Kattus (link) SMU Mustangs S Isaiah Nwokobia (link) Georgia Tech RB Jamal Haynes (link)

Steelers took the Navy RB. First time Navy’s had two guys selected in 70 years.

Yeah it’s ridiculous he was still there.

It was all gravy after Lawrence, but fwiw I like it. Good start with Howell, wavered a bit with Tacario and Colbie, then got back on track and finished strong from Lew on. I’d say a B for the rooks, bump it to A when you add in Dex.

Perfectly cromulent final round. Endries might amount to something. Robinson probably not much more than a summer feel good story but who knows.

Z… Endries is a quarterback-friendly “F” tight end who still needs time in the weight room. His route-running can be monotonous and short-area separation uninspiring, but he’s tough, has a rebounder’s feel for boxing out defenders and is a consistent ball-winner even when coverage is draped all over him. He builds speed and is tougher on man coverage when allowed to stretch his legs on longer routes. Run-blocking is a roller-coaster ride of bad losses and quality wins. He lacks the play strength to block ends and whiffs in space on occasion, but he also gets his share of wins on split-zone, lead pulls and combo climbs to the linebacker. Endries should develop into an NFL starter. Strengths Started every game over his three seasons. Led Cal in receiving in 2024 as Fernando Mendoza’s top target. Plays through contact at the release and at the top of the route. Builds speed to stress man coverage on intermediate routes. Bodies up tight man coverage and catches with hand extension. Sudden hands to stab and secure hot or high throws. Adjusts and centers defensive ends on split-zone blocks. Stays after blocks in space once he connects. Weaknesses Needs more functional mass and play strength. Run-blocking angles and landmarks are inconsistent. Below-average quickness in and out of breaks. Few drops, but too many double-catches in 2024. Lacks make-you-miss elusiveness and reacceleration after the catch.