Fixing the Bengals in one draft

[Wraith]

All.....

I am working on a plan here.

Acknowledging the the FO has fucked around with Higgins and Hendrickson enough that the damage is irreparable, we trade Higgins to the Pats for number 37 and 77 (from Detroit) and trade Hendrickson to the Raiders for 38 and their comp pick 92.   

This leaves us with 17, 37, 38, 48, 77,  81, 92 and our normal 4th, 5th and 6th rd picks.  We need to fill Higgins' X role, Hendrickson and Hubbard, both Guard slots and we still need help at LBer, Safety, and CB.

The targets at 17 would be Ty Warren (TE Penn State), Mike Green (DE, Marshall), James Pearce, Jr. (DE, Tennessee), and Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State). 

At 37 we look for Guards, either Zabel or Booker

At 38, depending on who we took at 17 we either go DE or TE/WR.  Targets would be Princely the DE from Old Miss, Jaylin Noel (WR from Iowa State),  Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan), or one of the two DEs from Ohio State (Sawyer or JT)

At 48, I want to go DB and I like Watts from Notre Dame here..

In the third I want to double down on Guard and DE while locking up one of the RBs....perfect scenario would be Skattebo or Kaleb Johnson at RB and Donovan Jackson for Guard. At DE Landon Jackson from Arkansas or Robinson from Alabama. 

In the fouth, fifth and sixth just BPA making sure you pickup a good second WR prospect (Higgins in the fourth would be incredible) and a good CB like Dotson from Kansas or Dorian Strong from VA Tech.

What do you think?  We would replace Hendrickson, and Higgins, fill both Guard slots and get faster, younger and more athletic in general. 

 

[HoosierCat]

Hey wraith, long time no see!

Sounds like a plan, but I don't get the impression that they will deal Higgins and I'm not convinced Hendrickson is going to get an offer the Bengals can't refuse.

I'd like to get at least one vet guard in free agency. They seems to be trying if reports are true, don't know if they will succeed.

[AMPHAR]

Higgins is either extended or on the tag.   His window to move on has about closed, IMO.  I'm guessing he takes the extension.   I would love that trade but I'm thinking he'd be gone already if anyone called offering that.   I'm guessing his market isn't what he hoped it'd be.  Any team could talk offer sheet and  there's not a peep about it. 

Trey is gone, IMO.   That's leaves them 7 rostered DL when they typically keep 10.   I think 2 DL in the first 4 picks is likely.    Maybe 1 DE, 1 DT.   So there would need to be another body,  I hoping a healthy Sample given FA wasn't strong to begin with and now seems picked through.

 

 

[COB]

This is Mike’s dream.  Trade away every good vet that wants paid and field a team that’s full of guys on their price controlled first contract.  He’d probably get to the minimum spend by just giving it to burrow.  

[COB]

19 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

 

I'd like to get at least one vet guard in free agency. They seems to be trying if reports are true, don't know if they will succeed.

They need two FA guards, in my opinion, but I believe you are correct in that they’ll only get one.  I base this on a quote I read from the new o-line coach wherein he blabbed on about how great Volson was.  Pretty clear he has the inside track to starting again.  

[ArmyBengal]

While liking most of those names, tight end might be the one position, if taken early, to make me bash my TV to pieces. Yeah injuries could happen, but that’s every position. Fuck tight end.

[AMPHAR]

Nick Emmanori S - South Carolina would be on my target list at 17.  On of the few non-DL prospects I'd have on there right now.  Until somebody is added they have a spot open and he looks the part of instant impact.    You could also throw Starks in there but my 1st non-DL target would be Emmanori.

I thought Herbert was back but he's a FA.  Would like to have him back then move on from Williams.   If neither are resigned then adding a RB later in the draft becomes a decent move.

[ArmyBengal]

Emmanwori is a player I’ve been pumping for some time. I would have no issue adding him to the secondary.

[TJJackson]

3 hours ago, COB said:

They need two FA guards, in my opinion, but I believe you are correct in that they’ll only get one.  I base this on a quote I read from the new o-line coach wherein he blabbed on about how great Volson was.  Pretty clear he has the inside track to starting again.  

I agree that they need 2 FA OGs, but I'd bet good money if I had any that they'll get one in FA and 1 in the first two days of the draft

I can see them taking a second OG prospect late as well, but unlikely.....too many other needs and they are down a pick

A lot of this will come down to what the new OL Coach thinks of Volsen and Kirkland

I'd like to know what happened to D'Ante.....but I probably never will

[ArmyBengal]

Lets shift focus for a minute now that most of the big contracts (minus Trey) are done.

What about the secondary?  
The Bengals brought back Burks to coach the CB's and it will be the first season Kovacs has coached the safeties despite being with the team for a while now.  Do you think it's coaching, injuries, talent, a combination of all things or what?  All I know is the secondary needs some attention given.  Maybe more pass rush from the guys up front helps as well.

I assume the starters will be CTB, DJ Turner and Dax at the CB spot with others filling in for depth.
From that unit Turner got hurt last year and only made 6 starts, so we need him back healthy again.  CTB seemingly had his head shoved so far up his ass, reading his own press from the year prior that he was a liability last season.  Dax got hurt early and only played in 5 games and he will be expected to fill in for departing Mike Hilton.  That group could use some help in the draft if there isn't a Veteran brought in at some point, which I'm hoping for.

The safeties appear to be going with Stone and Battle as the starters and a bunch of depth that is uninspiring at best.  The hope is that Battle is able to step up his game and that Stone plays like the guy toward the end of the season and not the one from the start.  This group also needs some help and the draft is where I hope they find it.

 

[HoosierCat]

I have no objection to bringing back Hilton at the right price. I think he's wearing down, but you could platoon him with Dax to keep him fresh.

We know CTB can play better than he did last season, just need the new staff to whip him back into shape. I like Turner, and Newsom and Ivey are decent depth.

Battle and Stone make me itchy. I would really, really like a safety. It's another reason they should explore a trade down. An extra second or third would be nice to bolster the secondary.

[AMPHAR]

The ole Marvin saying "I see better than I hear" or whatever.   I tend to blame Lou.  There was just too much up and down, benchings, communication blaming etc.  Not saying they are All-Pros but there's either massive draft misses or a world of potential in the secondary room.     We'll see,I guess, have no idea what to expect from the group because they certainly didn't develop into anything last year.

 

[ArmyBengal]

I want that group to shut the fuck up and play.  I honestly like them a lot, but damn did they disappoint last year.
That starting group of CTB, Turner, Stone and Battle should be enough with Dax filling the nickel spot.
CTB got mouthy and failed, Turner and Dax got hurt, Battle lost out to Bell and Stone waited 8 weeks to play like expected.
Maybe Golden gets them back on track this season, but safety needs some help.

[AMPHAR]

The CTB interception vs. the Chiefs is an example of his potential.  I thought he played a solid game and was hopeful something big was on the horizon.   Then again there were too many times he was beat in split seconds off the line.  Carolina was a bad bad game for him.  

Dax Hill, I have always thought had Pro Bowl potential.  I think he's a guy you can put in several spots in the secondary and really hopeful he can establish himself.

[ArmyBengal]

Dax has always had injury concerns, but agree in that he has mad potential should he stay healthy.
Much like Murphy, he has to be able to get on the field and make an impact for this defense.

To this point, the lack of production in any shape, form or fashion from the both of them has derailed the defense.
They should be linchpins in this defensive unit at this point.  It's my last year of hope for them both.

I'm rooting for them in 2025 mainly because we must get them involved and remain healthy.

[AMPHAR]

Caught an interview with Al wasn't sure if this was pre or post Chase/Higgins news.   He'll run a 4-2 nickel as base.   Of course, gave some sound bites about being unpredictable/flexible in alignment.   Certainly sounded like he was planning on having Trey.   Also IF he thinks the secondary sucks, well you might not want to play poker with him because he sounds confident in what they are going to do.

One key point was getting bigger in the middle DL.  That way you could attempt to defend the run with a light box more often.   So maybe this cuts down on BJ Hill snaps? Gets him back to more pass rush?    Maybe puts Mason Graham on the radar at 17 which I thought he was more NT vs. 3-Tech pass rusher? 

 

[ArmyBengal]

Well as we were talking about, the "potential" of Turner, CTB, Dax, Stone and Battle "should" be solid enough for the secondary.
That doesn't mean they shouldn't consider adding to the mix, but it wouldn't shock me to see him want to roll with that.

Improving the pass rush should be the priority in my opinion.  Getting someone, anyone else who can get pressure and occasionally get to the QB that isn't named Hendrickson would be a welcomed addition.  Whether that comes from the edge or the interior, it makes no difference to me.  Just make the other QB uncomfortable.

[HoosierCat]

Graham is a top 10 lock. If they go that direction, Grant will probably be there. But I would think they would wait until later.

[glasgowbengal]

Watched a rerun of the divisional round @Buffalo the other night and, man, the Bengals absolutely manhandled the Bills everywhere. Both lines especially, took them to the cleaners.

Changed days indeed. 

[AMPHAR]

1 hour ago, HoosierCat said:

Graham is a top 10 lock. If they go that direction, Grant will probably be there. But I would think they would wait until later.

I meant Grant.  

[AMPHAR]

They were probably the best team in the 2nd half of 2022.  Losing 3 starters on the o-line was enough to sway that AFC Champ game.    The secondary reboot simply has not taken hold.    There's a bunch of premium picks on that defense.   IF they all end up striking out, then that is what will be the window closer for Burrow/Chase era.

I think all remain with the team except for Zac Carter.    It can even be argued the potential FA adds instead of Higgins would not have mattered its all about getting those picks performing. 

 

[ArmyBengal]

Just give me at least ONE defensive player to hit for us in this draft and that would be massive.
D-line, linebacker, secondary, don't care.  Just ONE impact rookie and that would be a huge win for turning the defense around.

[Stripes]

I kind of expect and/or want this:

R1-3 — two defenders and a guard 

R4-6 — three defenders

Maybe add a little extra OT depth, but you get the idea.

[AMPHAR]

OT - Mims, Brown, Cochran, ?

G - Ford, Volson, ?,?

C - Karras, Lee

 

So realistic 3 spots open.   There's 4 guys on the roster that are no names right now.   So I think you'll get some additions before the draft.   I think.

[HoosierCat]

Oregon OT dropping by. Possible second round target.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/3/20/24389845/oregon-ducks-josh-conerly-bengals-pre-draft-visit