HoosierCat

C Seth McLaughlin (likely a fifth rounder if he hadn’t gotten hurt) DT Eric Gregory, Arkansas (gave him a $30k SB) more here https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/4/26/24415072/bengals-undrafted-free-agent-signings-tracker-picks-results

If you read (or watch) Taylor’s post-draft presser, one thing he really, really, really harped on was how all their picks were passionate about the game and really wanted to play football. Apparently they aren’t alone in looking for this, a lot of teams were reportedly putting new and heavy emphasis on this in this cycle. The reason is that college athletes are now getting paid and are (allegedly) increasingly more about the bag than the ball. I don’t know how much I buy into that logic but it was a real thing. And I can see why that would appeal to the Bengals, maybe more than most teams, and especially considering some events this year (looking at you, Trey). So that could be one reason they were a bit out of step with consensus.

Well, this wasn’t the draft I wanted, but it’s more or less the draft I expected. I said I thought that DE was a lock at 17 (thanks to the Hendrickson situation) and that all the prospects they might take there gave me the yips. And so it came to pass. At least Stewart appears to be genuinely good dude I can root for, with no criminal or motivational issues. Were I pulling the trigger I would have gone with Ezeiruaku, but then again if I were in charge this pick would have probably been someone like Conerly. It would be poor form for me to complain about Knight in round 2 since I chose him there in many of my own mocks. I believe he will be a fine replacement for Pratt. As to his age, all I can say is that by the time his rookie deal is up, Burrow will be 33 and in the last year of his contract. If they haven’t won anything by then the team is probably getting blown up anyhow. Fairchild is…fine. If he wins the starting job over Cordell, great, the line is better. If not bring on Rivers. I don’t have any issue with Carter, seems like a solid pick, and we will just have to see if Tahj is more successful getting off the bench than Captain America was. C I guess? Bring on training camp.

Really good blocker, can see him getting used the same way they used All while he was healthy.

Zeirlein again: Stout runner and workhorse who handled a whopping 633 touches for Texas Tech’s offense over the last two seasons. Brooks runs low to the ground with a powerful base and instant cut quickness to shake tacklers or elude them in tight quarters. He can keep a run alive but doesn’t have the stride length or acceleration to create space and run away from a rally-hard defense, which could turn him into more of a try-hard grinder. He plays on third downs but hasn’t been all that explosive out of the backfield. Brooks’ productivity and ability to force missed tackles give him a chance to become an NFL backup. also: Will catch everything thrown into his frame. Puts funk into contact on blitz pickup and chip blocks. That’s right boys…

Zierlein: A burly offensive lineman with natural anchor and above-average length, Rivers is best-suited for short spaces, where his athletic limitations can be mitigated. He could get a shot at right tackle but slow feet will put him in harm’s way against NFL edge rushers. He’s sturdy at the point against bull-rushers and space-eaters. He works with stiff hips and below-average base footwork, which often short-circuit attempts to leverage and clear the gaps. He’s a clunky mover who will be tied to scheme, but his mass and length increase his likelihood of finding starting reps on the interior, provided he can stay healthy.

He’s 24.

Lmao perfect. When it comes to QB drama the clowns just can’t help themselves. Let the chaos begin!

Nfldraftbuzz: At Clemson, Carter evolved into a defensive chess piece for Dabo Swinney's squad, amassing 254 tackles and establishing himself as just the fifth linebacker of the Swinney era to earn multiple All-ACC selections. His versatility shone through in 2022 when he joined elite company alongside Butkus Award winners Nakobe Dean and Isaiah Simmons as recent Power Five players to record double-digit tackles for loss, multiple sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles in a single season. Carter's senior campaign solidified his legacy as he earned Butkus Award finalist honors while captaining the Tigers' defense. His iron man durability was showcased through 838 snaps - the most by a Clemson linebacker since Ben Boulware in 2016. Throughout his career, Carter displayed a unique ability to impact every phase of defense, becoming the sole FBS player during his tenure to accumulate at least 30 tackles for loss, 20 pass breakups, and three interceptions.

Zierlein: Prototypical three-down linebacker who added muscle mass in 2024 without losing playmaking quickness. Carter overcomes average instincts and recognition with full-field range and elite body control in pursuit, though there is room for improvement with both his angles and leverage. Carter can play around or off the block and has the agility and reaction quickness for sudden adjustments as an open-field tackler. He’s capable in man coverage and stands out as both a blitzer and a spy for mobile quarterbacks. Carter’s demeanor, versatility and athletic profile give him a good chance of becoming a quality starter as a run-and-chase Will linebacker.

Round 6 thread.

Round 5 thread.

Skattebo goes to the Giants

Best available: https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/bestavailable I will be in and out today, will try to keep up.

Shit even Cleveland passed on Sanders.

JFC is Sanders even going to get drafted?

So long Volson, per da site: Bengals Reaction: "He'll come in and start at left guard. ....We were crossing our fingers he would be there." - HC Zac Taylor "A pro day trip worth making ... Scott was able to work with him and get his hands on him ... We went down there with Dylan in mind. We went down there with high regard for the player. We left with even higher regard for the player.....We enjoyed our time in the classroom with him. We were impressed with his articulation of his role in their offense. He could look and tell you his mistakes. His physical play fits our style." - OC Dan Pitcher

Pff: Fairchild is a two-year starter at left guard for Georgia who posted a nearly elite 89.2 pass blocking grade across the past two seasons. While he isn’t quite as powerful as his teammate Tate Ratledge, he is equally adept with his footwork in pass protection and is athletic enough to function as a puller or at the second level. Fairchild has a reasonably high floor as a candidate to serve as interior depth for a team in need of functional pass protectors. If he can get stronger over the next couple of years, he could develop into something more.

Are you people happy now?

Sanders falling to the third lolololol. What did he say in interviews, that he was going to scalp ownership or something?

Ravens take Green. Rapists, murderers, hey it’s Baltimore…

Lions grab Ratledge.

Shhhh! Don’t harsh TJ’s buzz!

Closing out day 2 with…?

Nope, good pick.