Fixing the Bengals in one draft

[AMPHAR]

I hope they get 2 DL out of this draft.  Hopefully 2 in the top 4 picks.   Its been apparent since the Senior Bowl that's were the strength of the draft is.   Then there are some good DBs in striking range. 

I don't really want any part of filling guard in the first 2 rounds unless there's some sort of trade down or its a future OT. 

The edges are so close I can't tell which is the best so if someone wants to jump them, fine.  I would love Nolen or Emmanwori.   I'd really cringe if they burn a pick on OL again with a top DB/Edgeon the board.  

Mims better be All-Pro early returns are the passed on a good CB Quinyon Mitchell and Jared Verse.   Some Bengals fans are lining up for that again this year...yeah Guard.

I'm nervous with Stewart at Edge but jump all over him outside round 1.  This class is supposedly much better than the previous year which was productive. 

[ArmyBengal]

I would be good with DE, DT, OG, OT/OG, S, and LB.
Depending on how things fell, CB, RB and even WR enter the conversation.
I'd be good with doubling up on either D-line or O-line if that came to be as well.

I'd be good with trading down to get another pick, if only for a 3rd.
I'd be good with trading up if you think they right player is there you can't live without.

Basically, do your best to improve the areas which need improved and add the best talent you can.
Does that really need to be said?
Go Bengals !!

[TJJackson]

On 4/16/2025 at 12:38 PM, AMPHAR said:

At some point local media AND fans need to reconcile their world view with FACTs.  The Bengals have been 4th choice for the AFC the entire off season.  They have built a roster for 2025 that people debating about fucking GUARDS. 

Any negative opinion probably lacks objectivity.   Quite frankly that's a hell of job.   You could be sitting thinking how you get a QB, LT, or any other dozen more important positions.

You are a fucking moron

Its possible you are related to the Brown family

[Wraith]

My best case scenario (no trades)

17.  Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

49. Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia

81. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

119. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

153.  Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska

193. Myles Frazier, G, LSU

[ArmyBengal]

3 hours ago, Wraith said:

My best case scenario (no trades)

17.  Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

49. Tate Ratledge, RG, Georgia

81. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

119. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

153.  Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska

193. Myles Frazier, G, LSU

Really like all of the first 4 picks, but if they don't walk away from this draft with a DE, it's going to be a problem.

[HoosierCat]

29 minutes ago, ArmyBengal said:

Really like all of the first 4 picks, but if they don't walk away from this draft with a DE, it's going to be a problem.

We have chatted about a lot of possibilities at 17 over the past few months, but if I had to lay money on what position they would draft then, it would be on edge. I 100% expect them to take a DE at 17. Who, I don't know, and I fully expect whoever it is to bust, but that's just my utter distrust of this DE class talking.

While I also expect them to address the oline (guard) at some point, I think the sweet spot feels like round three for that. So to agree with something you said down on the draft board, the second round pick is the real wildcard. Safety, DT and LB should all have strong options, but if this turned out to be a RB or TE I wouldn't be surprised.

[COB]

Walter Nolan is looking more and more likely. I’ve never heard any substance to some vague character rumors that were floated a few months ago.  The character rumors were basically that he is not of good character, that was it.  
 

Not sure how good your character needs to be to play defensive line in the nfl.  Like if you are part violent maniac, that might actually be good.  IF you can channel it and shut it off when needed.  

[Wraith]

PFF in their live two round draft just took a trade down from 17 to 25 for a couple of 3rds (this year and next) and still took Nolen at 17 and then Ratledge at 49...I am feeling more and more that this is the draft plan.

[ArmyBengal]

A trade down wouldn't surprise me in the least, but it's asking a bit much for us outsiders to make that determination.

Part of me says, an extra 3rd this year would be great for us.
Another part says, trading up and getting a player you really want for your defense would pay dividends as well.
I prefer the trade down scenario, but still...

I've made my thoughts on DE well known in that I don't think there's much difference in the prospects.
They could go as early as the first and as late as the 3rd and get a starter.  Same think on the safety front.

Without knowing the inner workings of the scouts and how the team prepares, taking the best player out there (within reason) is still a really smart approach.  You don't pass up a clearly better prospect and take a lesser quality need.  At least you shouldn't.

My point is, while DE is probably my #1 needed position, you don't take a guy that is the same quality of the guy you can get later and pass up what could be a linchpin somewhere else.  Why take James Pearce, DE, Tennessee at #17 when you could get one of the top rated safeties or defensive tackles?  You could say the same thing for any position in any round.

[HoosierCat]

1 hour ago, Wraith said:

PFF in their live two round draft just took a trade down from 17 to 25 for a couple of 3rds (this year and next) and still took Nolen at 17 and then Ratledge at 49...I am feeling more and more that this is the draft plan.

I'd love to see a trade down, just a question of whether there's a partner.

[HoosierCat]

Here's Dehner's final guess:

Harmon

Ratledge

LB Demetrius Knight

DE Barryn Sorrel

RB Jarquez Hunter

S Dan Jackson

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6290672/2025/04/21/final-bengals-7-round-mock-draft/

[TJJackson]

he's waiting too long to take a DE

[ArmyBengal]

While I don't have access to that, it would be curious to see who else was on the board when he made those selections for the Bengals.  Can't say as that draft would do much for me.

[AMPHAR]

Some rumblings from Voluntary practices indicates Newton will get first crack at replacing Hilton at slot CB.   This puts Dax on the boundary CB.  

My speculation:  That creates good comp at Boundary CB,  OR I could imagine Dax back in a Safety role.  IMO, he got moved from that way too quickly.   A complete misuse by Lou, IMO.   He got his hands on several picks but dropped them in that one Safety season.   We'll see what transpires.

 

 

[AMPHAR]

35 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

Here's Dehner's final guess:

Harmon

Ratledge

LB Demetrius Knight

DE Barryn Sorrel

RB Jarquez Hunter

S Dan Jackson

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6290672/2025/04/21/final-bengals-7-round-mock-draft/

I like the first 3 rounds Cincyjungle posted Brugler's better.

1. Harmon Oregon DT

2. Landon Jackson Oklahoma DE

3. Miles Frazier LSU Guard.

 

But you know the Bengals have watched a ton of film on the Georgia Guard simply by the Mims pick.  IMO, 2nd round is too high for guard in this draft.   There's likely to be several defensive guys equal to any guard available at that time.

 

 

[HoosierCat]

My final mock:

Round 1: Johnny BeePeeAyy. The Bengals have already stated that at 17 they will take the Best Player Available, and so they shall. That Johnny BeePeeAyy also just happens to play the position of greatest need for the team is only a happy coincidence! Any questions such as Johnny being the 4-5 player at his position selected while the top and No. 2 guys at other spots sit on the board will be brushed aside with cries of "infidel!" and "unbeliever!" followed by the casting of urinal cakes and burning yellow legal pads at the doubters.

Round 2: CC Fallingstar. The organization will welcome CC Fallingstar with exclamations of "we can't believe he was still there!" and "steal of the draft!" Again, that Fallingstar just happens to play the position of greatest need they did not select at 17 is a complete coinky-dink. CC is available, of course, because of the dreaded Character Concerns, which may include domestic violence, alcohol/drug issues, motivational concerns, halitosis, dandruff and/or a daily McDonald's habit.

Round 3: Major Wha'dafuk. Fans and draft analysts alike will greet Major Wha'dafuk with initial silence, confused looks, and then guffaws of laughter. Wha'dafuk will play a position the Bengals already have well-covered and/or will be a name no one has ever heard of who was considered a late-round/UDFA prospect. In either case he will be a wasted pick as he either won't be able to get on the field, or will stink, or both.

Round 4: Mister Solidpik. Solidpik, who will likely turn out to be the player from this draft with the longest career, is a double-dip with Johnny BeePeeAye. As such his ability to get on the field is limited, despite often looking better than Johnny in limited action. In four years he will leave via free agency and become a solid starter for another team.

Round 5: Snoozy Benchwarmer. Snoozy is an offensive player, probably a running back but possibly a TE or even WR, possibly from a small school. The Bengals will tout him as a sleeper. In reality he will never get on the field, though he will hang around taking up roster space for three or four years for no discernible reason.

Round 6: Teamy McSpecialTeamer. Teamy will turn out to be TJ's new favorite player. A special teams ace, he will make an immediate impact there, but despite his position group getting gutted by injury several times during his career, he will never be given any significant time on defense/offense. Nevertheless, he will have a long, fruitful career and will probably go into coaching once his playing days are over.

[Stripes]

Missing only JaThinkno Widereceiver

[COB]

Where’s freak athlete track star who freaked people out at the combine but hasn’t played much football?

[ArmyBengal]

Well the Bengals restructured Zack Moss’ contract and he will be back and expected to compete for the #2 RB spot. May or may not keep them from drafting a RB or at least early.

[Stripes]

Brown-Perine-Moss isn’t too bad. I don’t really view RB as a “need”, though I will take whatever in the late rounds.

[HoosierCat]

3 hours ago, COB said:

Where’s freak athlete track star who freaked people out at the combine but hasn’t played much football?

Look, they only have 6 picks, so Freaky Decathalon is signed as a UDFA after a bidding war that nets him a five-figure signing bonus. Hobson writes at least three articles on the da site touting him and he racks up big numbers in the third preseason game, but doesn’t make the final cut and ends up on the taxi squad. Fans make weekly demands he get called up but it never happens and 12 weeks into the year he gets signed off the PS by the team that eventually wins the Super Bowl. He makes one big play in the playoffs and gets a ring.

[COB]

The draft is finally close.  
 

For fun dig up an old clip of Irwin Mainway on SNL touting his Bag O’ Glass child’s toy.  Then watch Mel Kiper excitedly explaining the potential of a 6th round returner/receiver from Arkansas A&M.  

Basically the same person.

[AMPHAR]

Perine-Moss-Brown is a solid combo for this offense and how they use the running game.  All 3 can block.  All 3 can catch out of the backfield.    Perine helps in short yardage and goal line.    Probably takes RB out of the top 4 rounds.

Tobin's comments about tough for a rookie to start but wanting production out of young players.  Screams early round LB and DL to me.   But I'm very biased against taking a guard in the before the 3rd round given the need to build the defense and potential prospects quality.    

LB - I'd assume IF they took one early they'd look to move Pratt.   Golden's comments early were they'd be a 4-2 nickel but flexible.   So I assume that means you'll have 2 main coverage LBs on most plays.   Wilson will be Golden's golden child.  So no rookie is beating him out.   Then you'll have to assume the FA pick up is factoring in somehow.

DL - Its a need but also tough for a rookie to start with this group.  The group has several players on short term out looks but will get chances first to get most snaps.  My hope always been 2 DL in the top 4 rounds.  With the pressure mobile QBs put on a defense you need a deep bench of guys that can run and chase.

Also Golden has had an influence on the draft board.  Tobin out right admitted he loves Golden as a scout.

Secondary - With the admission of Newton getting first crack at slot.  That speaks to what they think they have.  It also bumps Dax to the boundary and they said he was the best CB.  So then that bumps everyone back a notch.   So going to be hard for a secondary player to come in and start.  Is Safety in the mix early? 

NFL needs to go ahead and move the draft up the weekend after the final 4.  This just drags out.

[ArmyBengal]

I was thinking about the Hendrickson situation and while not advocating for a move, wondered if the Bengals are truly done there?  While predicting a draft day trade is next to impossible and it happening is improbable, it makes sense.

The Bengals reportedly wanted a first round pick for him and no one even considered that as an option.  Again, with an overwhelming thought of how deep the draft is at some perceived needs, maybe taking a 2nd and 3rd for Trey isn't the worst idea in the long term.  Bear with my random thought for a minute and lets flash back to last year.

We took Jenkins in the 2nd and Burton in the 3rd.  We have them BOTH over the next 4 years for a total of $13.6m.
Not per season, not for each, but for both for the next 4 years.  Trey's cap hit for 2024 is $18.6m and he wants more.
If the Bengals feel there is a DE that has the potential to get the pressure (not specifically sacks) that Hendrickson gives you and maybe not even 100%.  Maybe a guy that could get you 75% of that.  Trey led the league not only in sacks, but in pressures as well with 54.  A guy that you think can get you 75% is 40 pressures.  Would you take that?  If the answer is YES without looking, would it surprise you that there were defensive ends with 30 pressures that were in the pro bowl?  Sacks are the same way.

When looking at it through that specific lens and if you believe Golden can get his guy to give you something "close" to that, it's not out of the question in my opinion and would certainly help from a cap perspective.  If if you minus the cost of the extra 2nd and 3rd round guys, that's huge cap savings over the next 3-4 years this team could use in free agency or extensions.

I've long been against moving Trey, but I'm almost in support of it at this point.

[HoosierCat]

2 hours ago, COB said:

The draft is finally close.  
 

For fun dig up an old clip of Irwin Mainway on SNL touting his Bag O’ Glass child’s toy.  Then watch Mel Kiper excitedly explaining the potential of a 6th round returner/receiver from Arkansas A&M.  

Basically the same person.

Fun fact: Bag O' Glass was the Bengals' first round selection in 2004.