Cincinnati Bengals (Same Ole Bengals)

[RB07OSU]

Absolutely massive by the FO to stay aggressive and secure La’el Collins. As of right now, our starting OL for 2022 will be:

LT Williams
LG Carman
C Karras
RG Cappa
RT Collins

I don’t think Carman struggles as much with the quality of guys surrounding him like he did last year. And Cincy’s most glaring weakness in the SB was at RG and RT, and they’ve addressed those issues about as well as you could’ve hoped.

On the extremely unlikely chance that Linderbaum falls to us at 31, there’s no way we pass on a guy like that. I don’t think he’ll be there, in which case I think you address your CB need if there’s a decent guy available.

Great assessment and yes, the FO is absolutely killing it, so much better than past years. Carman was not great but hey, it was his rookie season and had moments in run blocking. But adding freaking Collins, Cappa and Karras to the OL is likely going to elevate his game. Same for Jonah. Being able to trust the others on the line and focusing on your own job does wonders.

On the draft, you're totally right. If Linderbaum is there you take him without question. He won't be there most likely, so get that young CB we need. And I have no problem with that at all. From my standpoint, our roster is set and we just need a few picks to bolster younger talent. I feel totally comfortable on the front 7 on defense (maybe pick up one more LB), the back 4 is also really good and all we need is a young corner. On offense, get a couple young OL for the future and a TE...love the Hurst pickup, but you can get value picks at that position later in the Draft. No need to pick high there, somewhere in Rounds 3-5 we'll be good.

But the Collins grab is so freaking exciting, that was exactly what we needed.

 

[CMic]

Incredible organizational momentum the past 2 years.
Haven't been this excited for a year since the 80's (or maybe ever).

 

[ScriptOhio]

Cincinnati Bengals waive OL Fred Johnson less than an hour after signing him

With exactly three accrued seasons, Johnson was eligible to be a restricted free agent this offseason. According to Schefter, Johnson signed the tender that is worth a minimum of $2.4 million, per OverTheCap.com.

Because Johnson signed the tender, any team that claims him off waivers will then incur the cost of that tender against their respective salary cap. If he goes unclaimed, he will become an unrestricted free agent whom the Bengals and other teams can sign at a lower price.

Entire article: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ive-ol-fred-johnson-just-one-hour-signing-him

 

[Zem]

Idk how you guys know so much about OL's from other teams. But if you're excited, so am I. As stated, this frees up ability to draft a DL, CB and LB. Might want to even draft a running back. I know Evans looked pretty good, but with injuries to Mixon, the RB position seems a little thin. Still don't know why Perine was in, instead of Mixon, on that last drive in the SB.

 

[RB07OSU]

Idk how you guys know so much about OL's from other teams. But if you're excited, so am I. As stated, this frees up ability to draft a DL, CB and LB. Might want to even draft a running back. I know Evans looked pretty good, but with injuries to Mixon, the RB position seems a little thin. Still don't know why Perine was in, instead of Mixon, on that last drive in the SB.

Well I don't know how to answer your last question and I think all Bengals fans are upset over that one. But working in reverse, we did put ourselves in a better position to draft the best player available after picking up Collins, Karras and Cappa. All 3 are fairly young and could be long-term fits. That said, I would like to see us get a young OT in the draft somewhere in rounds 1-3 to plan for the future.

To your point, I would like to see us take a DT, LB and CB in the draft. I think we can be flexible now. Ogunjobi is a wildcard now because if we get him back, imo there's no need to take a DT. But LB could be improved (Wilson is the only one I feel really good about) and we need to take a CB in the first few rounds. TE is another I would love address, really like the Hurst pickup but need a young guy there for the future.

 

[CMic]

Glad to hear that re-signing Ogunjobi is still a possibility.
One of my fav Bengals for what he did as a Brown.

 

[TooTall]

Idk how you guys know so much about OL's from other teams. But if you're excited, so am I. As stated, this frees up ability to draft a DL, CB and LB. Might want to even draft a running back. I know Evans looked pretty good, but with injuries to Mixon, the RB position seems a little thin. Still don't know why Perine was in, instead of Mixon, on that last drive in the SB.

I watch an extremely unhealthy amount of football.

But so long as these new guys can stay healthy, this OL could easily be a Top 10 unit in the league. I know Collins has some hip concerns, and is probably a large reason why the Cowboys moved on from him, but when he’s healthy, he’s one of the better RTs in the league.

As for drafting RB, if Teague somehow falls into the 3rd round, I’d be ecstatic to see us take him. He can block as well as Perine can, and has much better running ability. Obviously you then use Evans as an extra weapon in the passing game, and you probably cut Perine and free up another small amount of cap. EDIT: According to overthecap.com they’d free up another $1.5m by cutting him. Which is a nice amount for new rookie contracts.

And I still stand by the assessment that if Linderbaum out of Iowa is off the board, you take a CB in Round 1. If Derek Stingley drops due to injury concerns, sign me up to continue that LSU pipeline. If he’s not available, I’m very intrigued by Kaiir Elam out of Florida. Great size (6’2”) for a deep third corner in a Cover 3, and great speed (4.39 40 time) to match.

 

[RB07OSU]

I watch an extremely unhealthy amount of football.

But so long as these new guys can stay healthy, this OL could easily be a Top 10 unit in the league. I know Collins has some hip concerns, and is probably a large reason why the Cowboys moved on from him, but when he’s healthy, he’s one of the better RTs in the league.

As for drafting RB, if Teague somehow falls into the 3rd round, I’d be ecstatic to see us take him. He can block as well as Perine can, and has much better running ability. Obviously you then use Evans as an extra weapon in the passing game, and you probably cut Perine and free up another small amount of cap. EDIT: According to overthecap.com they’d free up another $1.5m by cutting him. Which is a nice amount for new rookie contracts.

And I still stand by the assessment that if Linderbaum out of Iowa is off the board, you take a CB in Round 1. If Derek Stingley drops due to injury concerns, sign me up to continue that LSU pipeline. If he’s not available, I’m very intrigued by Kaiir Elam out of Florida. Great size (6’2”) for a deep third corner in a Cover 3, and great speed (4.39 40 time) to match.

Completely agree on the OL right now, it will be top 10 (maybe top 5) with health. And Pollack is a damned good OL coach, huge to get him back in Cincy. Collins is the future at RT if he is healthy.

Perine did alright but I agree there could be better options going young in the draft. I also see Evans as pretty much a receiving option out of the backfield, so we need a durable guy that can come in for 10-15ish snaps a game.

We do have a lot of flexibility now with the first pick. Most have missed potential injuries with Stingley, he's my favorite CB in this draft other than Sauce. Would definitely like him. Either of Linderbaum or Raimann I would like at OL. If there's a DT worth taking there, do that. Seems like all the NFL folks think we've killed it on the OL and have a lot of freedom in the draft to pretty much take the best guy in just about every round. Nice position to be in that is unfamiliar territory.

 

[TooTall]

Completely agree on the OL right now, it will be top 10 (maybe top 5) with health. And Pollack is a damned good OL coach, huge to get him back in Cincy. Collins is the future at RT if he is healthy.

Perine did alright but I agree there could be better options going young in the draft. I also see Evans as pretty much a receiving option out of the backfield, so we need a durable guy that can come in for 10-15ish snaps a game.

We do have a lot of flexibility now with the first pick. Most have missed potential injuries with Stingley, he's my favorite CB in this draft other than Sauce. Would definitely like him. Either of Linderbaum or Raimann I would like at OL. If there's a DT worth taking there, do that. Seems like all the NFL folks think we've killed it on the OL and have a lot of freedom in the draft to pretty much take the best guy in just about every round. Nice position to be in that is unfamiliar territory.

Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa is another guy I’d draft in a heartbeat if he dropped to us. Had a 99.9 PFF run block grade, against FCS, but still an insane number regardless.

 

[RB07OSU]

Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa is another guy I’d draft in a heartbeat if he dropped to us. Had a 99.9 PFF run block grade, against FCS, but still an insane number regardless.

If Pollack and staff like him, all for it. I've seen his name mentioned. At least one young OL on a rookie deal would good no matter how the FAs work out for us. Love the guys we picked up, but it would be great to have a couple young OL to start grooming under some vets.

 

[RB07OSU]

Lots of interesting names of veterans still out there in FA, not sure if there is any interest but in order of interest: Stephon Gilmore (upgrade over Apple), Bobby Wagner (upgrade over Pratt), Anthony Barr (probably an upgrade over Pratt, at least a good veteran to have), Kyle Fuller (off year, better than Apple though), Sheldon Richardson (need a DT like him if we don't get Ogunjobi back) and Melvin Ingram (good add to help stop the run).

 

[RB07OSU]

Zac Taylor said in a recent press conference that Buckeyes prospects "always get an extra long look" because of how well they'll be coached and their success in the league. Finally, a coach in Cincy who gets it. I'm sure he's happy to have Hubbard, Bell and Apple on the squad.

 

[Thump]

https://brobible.com/sports/article/joe-burrow-wedding-photobomb-golf-course/

 

[ScriptOhio]

Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins to miss offseason workouts following shoulder surgery

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is expected to miss offseason workouts while he recovers from shoulder surgery, coach Zac Taylor said Monday.

Higgins had the procedure following the team's trip to the Super Bowl and was sporting a protective brace on his left shoulder during an appearance at the Cincinnati Reds' home opener. Taylor said he expects Higgins to be out for a couple of months.

"Made a decision to get it fixed," Taylor said. " don't expect him to be part of the offseason."

Entire article: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...offseason-workouts-following-shoulder-surgery

 

[RB07OSU]

Draft day is upon us. I committed to go to a gala honoring powerful women, which does not surprise me that they did not know the first round of the Draft is happening during their event. But I digress and record the first round, and will put on a smile (and maybe live stream from my phone, I will read the room). Here is my prediction for our Bengals all 7 rounds, which is much more difficult being at the end of each round and not knowing who will be there:

1. CB Andrew Booth (Clemson): Booth could be off the board well before our pick, but he didn't test because of an injury and maybe he slides down to us at 31. If not, Gordon and McDuffie from Washington I like a lot. Stingley will be gone by the time we pick, but he is my favorite CB in this draft (slightly ahead of Gardner). I would love Linderbaum here but I think he will be gone. I wouldn't be upset with Raimann or Tyler Smith of Tulsa at OT here, lots of upside and we don't need an immediate starter, so he could slot in here but I do have way less concern on OL in the immediate future with our FA moves. Final option would be DT, where we have a need with Ogunjobi gone and apparently not an option to come back. Travis Jones of UConn, Logan Hall of Houston or Winfrey of Oklahoma could be great moves here. In other words, take the best available player at CB, DT, or OL at #31.

2. OL Nicholas Petit-Frere (Ohio State): Ok, call me a homer and maybe I am. But NFP at the end of the 2nd is a hell of a steal imo and a guy that still is realizing his potential and growing into his frame. We don't NEED an immediate starter at tackle with Jonah Williams and adding Collins at RT. I think Williams is OK, but doesn't have high-level potential. NPF does and when Williams' contract comes up to extend, having NPF could enable the Bengals to simply not extend if he pans out. If nothing else, this would be a great depth pick.

3. DT Thomas Booker (Stanford): I really like Booker and we need a young DT in the first 3 rounds imo. If Haskell Garret is still there at this pick though, take him and never look back, that would be a steal and he is immediate impact good with his experience, technique and strength. I would also love Ruckert is he is there and we don't love a DT left here, we need a pass catching TE to mix in.

4. TE Charlie Kolar (Iowa State): Huge pass catcher that could play right away for us. I also like Ferguson from Wisky, but could maybe wait until round 5 for him. Point is we need a pass catching TE in this draft at some point to replace CJ.

5. RB Tyler Allgeier (Utah State): Amazing RB and I don't really think Perine is a great backup option, Allgeier could be. Evan showed some promise and could be a great 3rd down back to catch the ball, but I do think we need a RB like Allgeier in case Mixon goes down.

6. WR Ty Fryfogle (Indiana): Not sure if he would be available here, but WR is a position we could use some depth on. Obviously Chase, Higgins and Boyd is a deadly combo. But if someone goes down, I like Mike Thomas ok but there really isn't anyone I know much about beyond that and we have contracts coming up on Higgins and Boyd. A guy like Fryfogle would be great.

7. DE Ali Fayad (Western Michigan): Might not still be here but I am sure we want a DE to bolster depth. Hubbard and Hendrickson are absolute studs, and I expect Ossai to be a monster if he comes back healthy. Kareem is good depth and Sample seemed to play well when given a chance. But lets up our depth.

- I would also throw out after looking at my projection that we probably need to draft 2 OL even with the FA pickups so we can be developing young OL as contracts come up. But the good news is with the FA signings and bringing back most of our core players, we have a ton of flexibility to take the best guys available in the draft, so I don't see Cincy fans having too much heartburn over whomever we take over the next few days.