2025 Draft Talking Points

[ArmyBengal]

I would drop a large dollar bet that T-Mac doesn't make it out of the top 10 and maybe top 5.
#17 ??  Not a prayer.

However, should that miracle take place, I would hope the Bengals ran to the podium even though a 1st round WR doesn't excite me.
You simply can't pass up that kind of talent.

[ArmyBengal]

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

[ArmyBengal]

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.

[AMPHAR]

What I find perplexing is the mocking of Shemar Stewart in the first round.   Owner of 1.5 sacks.   His profile reminds me of what they are going through now with Myles Murphy. 

What I find depressing is when you look at Myles Murphy draft profile on NFL.com it has Zierlien's top available highlighted at the time Myles was putting on his cap.   One edge listed has 13.5 career sacks.  The other edge listed just had a 8 sack year.

 

[ArmyBengal]

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.

[COB]

On 1/28/2025 at 6:27 PM, TJJackson said:

there are considerable character knocks on Nolen

Unless these turn out to be smoke, I dont want him til r4 or later, and yeah, I know he wont be there

Take character risks late, if at all

Say it with me, folks:  Jermaine Burton

What other lineman look good at 17ish?

Anyone have insight on the character questions?  This dude is a player, but every time I try to read about him they bring up character issues, but they never elaborate.  
 

If Nolen is out due to brain difficulties, I’d think about Kenneth Grant.  He can play, he’s huge, and I think he’d be able to play on running downs right away.

[HoosierCat]

Last DT from Joe, Tyleik Williams.

https://youtu.be/ZtnD4qnpYXE?si=ME9WlxsAByPpGtEj

Joe’s a big fan but can’t recommend him at 17 due lack of pass rush chops. Everything else about his game is A+ tho so maybe in round 2?

[ArmyBengal]

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.

[ArmyBengal]

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

 

[HoosierCat]

Joe loves him some James Pierce Jr. Iffy whether he lasts to 17 tho.

https://youtu.be/5BbxWr-2dSQ?si=6Nx8DFiCkVtUqr21

 

[AMPHAR]

The NFL.com 3 rounder Rueter mock has big change in philosophy.   Bengals go offense all 3 rounds.

1. Booker - Guard.  Not against the player or the need.   I don't like Bengals taking IOL in the top 50 because history shows IF they nail the pick they don't want to pay the market rate to extend IOL.  Stein and Z.   Of course Price was one of worst draft picks of all time taking him in favor over Lamar Jackson when all you had was Dalton. 

2. Tez Johnson WR - don't like the thought of slot WR.   Chase takes a decent amount of snaps in slot.   I think If the bengals take WR its a boundary WR is what they'll need.   A guy with Burton type skills but you know better a paying rent and not choking girlfriends.

3. Harold Fannin Jr. - TE the draft pundits are all over the place on this guy.   Very productive college TE out of Bowling Green.   Like the pick, could be a sleeper.  

 

[AMPHAR]

15 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Joe loves him some James Pierce Jr. Iffy whether he lasts to 17 tho.

https://youtu.be/5BbxWr-2dSQ?si=6Nx8DFiCkVtUqr21

 

Yeah probably a lot of people will like him.  Thus iffy at 17 unless there's a run on several things.

[ArmyBengal]

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?

[ArmyBengal]

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.

[HoosierCat]

DL/DE is really deep this year.  OL very solid as well. If they just took BPA at one of those positions every round they would probably end up with three starters. Half the PFF sims I do are some variation of that.

[ArmyBengal]

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

[ArmyBengal]

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.

[HoosierCat]

Both pff and pfn sims dumped Kelvin Banks into my lap at 17 today.

[ArmyBengal]

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

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, the Great Draft Hype Machine is kicking into gear as the annual cattle call approaches.

[HoosierCat]

Here’s Mike Green. No brainer if he’s there but fat chance.

https://youtu.be/1bY26Ie4YPY?si=rVkddepLtouTg9yk

 

[HoosierCat]

Jalon Walker. Joe’s not a fan at 17.

https://youtu.be/R7l8k_wk-uY?si=3A_vbpUx_1hLhiIt

[TJJackson]

On 2/13/2025 at 1:48 PM, ArmyBengal said:

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.

your linebacker addiction is showing :-)

[HoosierCat]

I’m with Army. LB is a glaring need. Goodberry might not like Walker as a DE but that’s fine by me, I’m not looking for a DE at LB, I’m looking for a LB.

Here’s a fun fact. In the last four drafts, the Bengals have picked 9 defensive linemen, 8 defensive backs and one — one! — linebacker, Jeff Gunter, who retired last August. And that was a 7th round pick.

Pratt turns 29 in May and looked washed for a lot of last year. He’s likely to be traded or cut. Wilson still has some life but he will be 29 before next season too, and ADG ticks over 28 in September. Bottom line, the position is overdue for an infusion of youth.

[AMPHAR]

If Al wants more pressure generated from his LBs then he's going to need to add new faces.   It felt like when Wilson/Pratt recorded a sack it was out of a spy or Green Dog (add on) blitz situation.   It seemed very rare LBs were the designated blitz that mostly came off the Corner Spot under Lou.  It just was a very conservative scheme and it rarely changed even when an opposing offense demonstrated they figured out his zones.