2021 Cincinnati Bengals: Sewell or Bust!

[WVRed]

Time for a new thread as the season is over.

[RiverRat13]

I think the best route to get Sewell would be QB, QB, Smith, QB in the first 4 picks. A small consolation prize if Sewell goes in the top 4 would be if only 2 QBs go in the top 4 and the Bengals would field offers at 5 from teams wanting Wilson/Fields.

Whatever goodwill from the fans that could have been granted to Taylor with the 2 consecutive wins was erased with that embarrassing showing today.

[forfreelin04]

I think Unsweet Lou just moved himself into the hotseat.

[WVRed]

I think Unsweet Lou just moved himself into the hotseat.

Didn’t know he was ever out of it.

[Benihana]

My offseason priorities:

1. Fire ZT and replace him with Joe Brady. But if they keep ZT...
1b. Fire Lou, Turner, and possibly every assistant except for Simmons. Hire experienced coordinators with a proven track record in the NFL, including Zimmer at DC if he becomes available.
2. Sign one of Thuney, Scherff, and/or Trent Williams for the offensive line, especially since you don’t know if Sewell will be available. Thuney most likely given local ties.
3. Sign one of Ngakwoue, Wolfe, Clowney or Leonard Williams for the defensive line, because it needs a massive upgrade. Wolfe most likely given cost and local ties.
4. Draft Sewell if he’s there, if not draft either Chase/Smith or trade down. Do not take Slater, Waddle, or one of the defensive players available at 6.

[WVRed]

I’m all for getting rid of Taylor. He IMO is just as accountable as Turner for Burrows injury and has completely underwhelmed.

That said, how do we know Joe Brady isn’t going to be Zac Taylor 2.0?

Young offensive coordinator, never been a head coach (sound familiar?). The best thing on his resume is what he did with Burrow at LSU and to some that’s all that matters.

[Hillsdale87]

I’m all for getting rid of Taylor. He IMO is just as accountable as Turner for Burrows injury and has completely underwhelmed.

That said, how do we know Joe Brady isn’t going to be Zac Taylor 2.0?

Young offensive coordinator, never been a head coach (sound familiar?). The best thing on his resume is what he did with Burrow at LSU and to some that’s all that matters.

Most HC candidates have never been a head coach. Brady's offense in Carolina this year was impressive considering the QB and loss of McCaffrey. That was a fun offense, and every skill player had the best season of their career except Moore, whose 2020 was basically the same as 2019. If he actually comes to Cincy, I hope he brings Curtis Samuel with him. But I think it's most likely that ZT stays, and I'm fine with that.


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[Playadlc]

It’s frustrating because keeping Taylor is just delaying the inevitable. I’m generally pretty patient with coaches but Taylor is clearly in over his head.

Also, what coaches are going to come here given Taylor’s lame duck status? He initially put together a pretty bad staff and I can’t see it getting better after two garbage seasons.

[Benihana]

It’s frustrating because keeping Taylor is just delaying the inevitable. I’m generally pretty patient with coaches but Taylor is clearly in over his head.

Also, what coaches are going to come here given Taylor’s lame duck status? He initially put together a pretty bad staff and I can’t see it getting better after two garbage seasons.

Zimmer should come back if he gets the axe. May figure he’s coach-in-waiting when ZT gets clipped. And Katie, not ZT would be the one hiring him if that happens.

[ScotlandRed]

If Sewell is available, we take him, if not, we trade back in my opinion.

Do you think Miami or Atlanta trade back for a team looking for a QB? I think Atalanta might but their division is in a strange QB situation and they may see this as an option to get ahead of the QB curve there with a young elite option.

I think Miami goes playmaker. LT isn’t as much of a need for them with Tua being left handed and it being his strong side. Maybe they take the chance for an elite WR? Maybe they trade back to late in the top 10 where an elite wide out may still be available?

Very interesting top 5.

[Stray]

Thing that stuck out to me was how even though it was a bad year, under Burrow this team wasn't *that* far off. And that was with a laughable O-Line and defense (tho D did improve after his injury). Nothing more important than protecting Burrow for the next 10 years. We have to fix this one way or another this offseason.

[Benihana]

The Mike Brown statement from this morning is possibly the most pathetic statement from an owner I’ve ever read.

Just more excuse making, no accountability and expecting mediocrity. At least Castellini (like most owners) says he wants and expects to win.

[JaxRed]

Bengals announced Taylor coming back.

[membengal]

I get that you all are pissed, but do note that retaining ZT (which they were gonna do anyway) means they will get to coach the Senior Bowl again. That's gonna be extra helpful this year (all of the staffs ahead of them have new head coaches and NFL rule is that worst teams w/ majority of coaches still in place gets that assignment.

After Steelers win, Houston win, and considering overall injuries and difficulties, he was going to get another chance.

I am curious to see what happens assuming that Jim Turner is indeed catapaulted into the sun.

[membengal]

As for "Sewell or bust" - I am not on that train. If he's there at 5, sure. But if he's gone and they have Chase staring at them, fine by me.

I am hoping that they will address o-line in FA aggressively like they tried with defense last year with Reader and Wayans signings. I think Burrow more likely to get the protection he needs with two veteran FAs who are already good at their jobs - there will be a learning curve with Sewell, no matter how good he may be as a prospect.

[WVRed]

I get that you all are pissed, but do note that retaining ZT (which they were gonna do anyway) means they will get to coach the Senior Bowl again. That's gonna be extra helpful this year (all of the staffs ahead of them have new head coaches and NFL rule is that worst teams w/ majority of coaches still in place gets that assignment.

After Steelers win, Houston win, and considering overall injuries and difficulties, he was going to get another chance.

I am curious to see what happens assuming that Jim Turner is indeed catapaulted into the sun.

Not pissed. It would be different if there was a can’t miss replacement available. There isn’t.

What does need to happen is Lou needs to go, a veteran DC/former head coach needs brought in, and Zac needs to be given a very short leash or he is gone as early as midseason. My vote is Dan Quinn but I don’t see him coming here.

The only problem is Mike Brown tends to stick with interims which is how we got stuck with Coslet and Lebeau in the 90s. Don’t know if his kids would be that loyal.

[WVRed]

As for "Sewell or bust" - I am not on that train. If he's there at 5, sure. But if he's gone and they have Chase staring at them, fine by me.

I am hoping that they will address o-line in FA aggressively like they tried with defense last year with Reader and Wayans signings. I think Burrow more likely to get the protection he needs with two veteran FAs who are already good at their jobs - there will be a learning curve with Sewell, no matter how good he may be as a prospect.

My wish list:
1. Sewell
2. DeVonta Smith
3. Chase

A random thought I had yesterday though, could the Bengals target Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, and Juju Smith Schuster in FA? Would be taking from a division rival (not crazy at all about Juju) and would fill three of the biggest needs on the roster.

Everyone wants Joe Thuney though.

[Benihana]

My wish list:
1. Sewell
2. DeVonta Smith
3. Chase

A random thought I had yesterday though, could the Bengals target Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, and Juju Smith Schuster in FA? Would be taking from a division rival (not crazy at all about Juju) and would fill three of the biggest needs on the roster.

Everyone wants Joe Thuney though.

I’d be fine with Dupree and Villanueva, although I think Thuney and Wolfe are better targets because of the local ties and they’re just better players. Less than zero interest in JuJu, who I think got exposed as soon as AB left. He’s all sizzle and no steak, and annoying as all hell in the process.

[reds77]

Zac is coming back. Mikey remains bullish. It sucks so hard being a Bengals fan.

[membengal]

My wish list:
1. Sewell
2. DeVonta Smith
3. Chase

A random thought I had yesterday though, could the Bengals target Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, and Juju Smith Schuster in FA? Would be taking from a division rival (not crazy at all about Juju) and would fill three of the biggest needs on the roster.

Everyone wants Joe Thuney though.

I would be happy with any of those three. Would have Chase two, but no quarrel with your take on it. Juju can also get fired into the sun, no way would he be welcome here.

[Bob Sheed]

"Next year we will earn our stripes.”

There it is.

Add that one to the pile of Mike Brown Mad Libs and Quotables.

He's been saying the same thing since 1990, there are just too many to list.

"We will go to war with what we have."
"We're not in the business of making other teams better"
"It's actually more expensive to go to the playoffs"

Hundreds. And each of them just as stale and pointless as my responses to them over the years.

I'll barf up one of my old chestnuts in honor of Mike Brown's annual regurgitation:

Some teams always seem to find a way. Other teams always seem to find a way to make excuses.

Also...


Looking way off into the future, there's a pretty big storm coming in a few years. 2023 is when Buroow's contract is up. He's a fierce competitor. 4 years isn't enough time for Burrow to "get it" about the Bengals. So he'll do an extension.

2026 is when the lease with Hamilton County expires. I also predict that will be the year Burrow wants out, to salvage whatever time he has left in the NFL. I also hope it is the year where Hamilton County taxpayers finally tell Mike Brown to take his scam elsewhere, and Cincinnati is finally free. (Exactly) like getting someone toxic out of your life, it will be addition by subtraction for the city. Think of all the cool things that Paul Brown Stadium could be used for, instead of just a palace of embarrassment 10 times a year.

It should be interesting.

[WVRed]

I would be happy with any of those three. Would have Chase two, but no quarrel with your take on it. Juju can also get fired into the sun, no way would he be welcome here.

I’d be fine with Chase or Smith either one but I like Smiths overall body of work better. That said I think Smith has the potential to have a steady career while Chase has the highest upside (boom or bust basically)

The biggest concern I have with Chase or anyone who has opted out which includes Sewell is taking a year off opens themselves up to injury. We saw what happened when Dez was out of work and tried to come back late in a season. My biggest fear is whoever we take tears an Achilles and is out for the season which wouldn’t be surprising for this snakebit franchise.

I realize it could happen to anybody but I think it’s higher risk for anyone who has opted out. I hope I’m wrong.

[membengal]

I have less worries about that with a 20-year-old, to be honest. I will assume they've been doing constant work to be ready otherwise.

[RiverRat13]

I hope they go after Taylor Moton. There will be a lot of competition for him, though. The Jets and Jags also have a lot of cap room.

Sewell would also be my first hope in the draft. However, I like Chase more than Smith. Chase is a couple of years younger and was dominant as a 19 year old.

[KoryMac5]

Looks like Taylor will be coaching the Senior Bowl as the 4 teams who won the reverse lottery fired coaches...big win if it holds.

[membengal]

Looks like Taylor will be coaching the Senior Bowl as the 4 teams who won the reverse lottery fired coaches...big win if it holds.

Frankly one of the reasons he may be back...

[Boss-Hog]

Frankly one of the reasons he may be back...There was some speculation they (the Senior Bowl) may not want the same coaching staff for two straight years, so I'm not sure this is a done deal. If it happens, I agree it's an advantage.

[RiverRat13]

There was some speculation they (the Senior Bowl) may not want the same coaching staff for two straight years, so I'm not sure this is a done deal. If it happens, I agree it's an advantage.

Jim Nagy is the Senior Bowl Executive Director. He said the NFL chooses which staffs go. I think it will be the Bengals and Eagles.

[Boss-Hog]

Jim Nagy is the Senior Bowl Executive Director. He said the NFL chooses which staffs go. I think it will be the Bengals and Eagles.It won't be the Bengals:


@JayMorrisonATH: Zac says they'll go to the Senior Bowl like all teams do but they'll let someone else coach this year.
#Bengals

[membengal]

Now people openly wondering if that's because the majority of the staff will NOT be back. Which would be fine by me if that's the reason.

[RedTeamGo!]

As for "Sewell or bust" - I am not on that train. If he's there at 5, sure. But if he's gone and they have Chase staring at them, fine by me.

I am hoping that they will address o-line in FA aggressively like they tried with defense last year with Reader and Wayans signings. I think Burrow more likely to get the protection he needs with two veteran FAs who are already good at their jobs - there will be a learning curve with Sewell, no matter how good he may be as a prospect.

I disagree about Sewell. In fact, I think you need to trade up to 3 if you are the bengals and make sure you get him.

[RedTeamGo!]

This draft is absolutely loaded with WR talent. You simply cannot miss out on taking a generational OT talent like Sewell if you are the bengals and settle for some WR from LSU when you can get a WR in the 2nd round who is nearly as good. I mean hell, you can probably get Chris Olave in the 2nd round.

[WVRed]

This draft is absolutely loaded with WR talent. You simply cannot miss out on taking a generational OT talent like Sewell if you are the bengals and settle for some WR from LSU when you can get a WR in the 2nd round who is nearly as good. I mean hell, you can probably get Chris Olave in the 2nd round.

The receiving talent is there but it isn’t as deep as last year and it’s pretty top heavy. Wouldn’t be surprised if Olave goes late first. Saints, Chiefs, and Packers could all be in the market for a WR.

[RiverRat13]

This draft is absolutely loaded with WR talent. You simply cannot miss out on taking a generational OT talent like Sewell if you are the bengals and settle for some WR from LSU when you can get a WR in the 2nd round who is nearly as good. I mean hell, you can probably get Chris Olave in the 2nd round.

I love Olave and think he will be a stud. But the Bengals need someone who can stretch the field. I think Olave is more Michael Thomas than Terry McLaurin. If Sewell tests the way we think he will, I doubt Miami will be willing to trade down anyway. The only hope will be Miami wants a playmaker for Tua, but they can probably draft one with their own pick in the 1st round without having to use the Houston pick. Miami already has #3, #18, #36, and #50. I don't know if they'd be in the trade down market.

Trey Hopkins tore his ACL. So now the Bengals have three OL positions to address in the offseason. They can't afford giving up more draft capital to trade up for Sewell.

[KoryMac5]

It won't be the Bengals:

Sounds like the offer was made and the Bengals turned it down...

I would imagine a lot of staff turnover as mem mentions above.

[membengal]

IF sewell is generational talent, great. But I am not trading up for him in any event. They need all 7 picks. And future picks. And o-line depth in this draft, especially at T, is quite robust. There will be really good lineman available in second and third rounds. WR depth isn't nearly as deep as last year. And Chase may himself be generational...so, see who you get at 5 is swell. Nightmare is if both are gone. Would feel a lot better if picking fourth, but here we are.

[KoryMac5]

Hopkins torn ACL vs Baltimore

Week 17 injury doubt he will be ready to go week 1

[CTA513]

Zac is coming back. Mikey remains bullish. It sucks so hard being a Bengals fan.

6-25 and still brought back.
Nothing is going to change next season.

[RedTeamGo!]

IF sewell is generational talent, great. But I am not trading up for him in any event. They need all 7 picks. And future picks. And o-line depth in this draft, especially at T, is quite robust. There will be really good lineman available in second and third rounds. WR depth isn't nearly as deep as last year. And Chase may himself be generational...so, see who you get at 5 is swell. Nightmare is if both are gone. Would feel a lot better if picking fourth, but here we are.

I mean, I don’t get it, the bengals offensive line is sooooo bad we watched it’s incompetence blow out the knee of the savior of the franchise and we are talking about drafting a WR with the 5th overall pick and refusing to trade up because of later round picks? Come on. I live in Cleveland, you sound like a typical browns fan from the past 10-15 years (I do not mean this as an insult).

I just think you need to protect Burrow and there is an OT in this draft that comes around every 10, maybe 15 years. He’s that good. You do what you need to do and move up and get him. He’s not lasting until 5. No way. I’ve watched Chase, I guess I don’t really get the hype. He’s certainly a very good WR, it’s a luxury position. You can get quality WR in the 2nd or 3rd round. There is nobody that even comes to close to quality to Sewell O-line wise.

[WVRed]

I mean, I don’t get it, the bengals offensive line is sooooo bad we watched it’s incompetence blow out the knee of the savior of the franchise and we are talking about drafting a WR with the 5th overall pick and refusing to trade up because of later round picks? Come on. I live in Cleveland, you sound like a typical browns fan from the past 10-15 years (I do not mean this as an insult).

I just think you need to protect Burrow and there is an OT in this draft that comes around every 10, maybe 15 years. He’s that good. You do what you need to do and move up and get him. He’s not lasting until 5. No way. I’ve watched Chase, I guess I don’t really get the hype. He’s certainly a very good WR, it’s a luxury position. You can get quality WR in the 2nd or 3rd round. There is nobody that even comes to close to quality to Sewell O-line wise.

I’m not as bullish on Sewell as Kingspoint is, but even if he is gone there are two other offensive linemen that the Bengals could look at early that wouldn’t be a reach. Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw aren’t bad consolation prizes if Sewell is off the board and the Bengals don’t go WR.

I also don’t see Eichenburg, Leatherwood, or Raduntz being there in the second round if we do go WR first.

[KoryMac5]

The team has so many holes especially if Lawson and WJ III walk...I think a lot will be revealed once March gets here and FA starts.

O line will be a priority according to Dehner...

If Sewell is gone (say Miami) and you also have a run on QB's, pick #5 gets very valuable at that point...trade back and get Slater or take BPA.

[WVRed]

The team has so many holes especially if Lawson and WJ III walk...I think a lot will be revealed once March gets here and FA starts.

O line will be a priority according to Dehner...

If Sewell is gone (say Miami) and you also have a run on QB's, pick #5 gets very valuable at that point...trade back and get Slater or take BPA.

Or just stay at 5 and take Slater. It really isn’t that much of a reach.

[RedTeamGo!]

Man, trade back, just terrible idea.

[WVRed]

Man, trade back, just terrible idea.

Unless it’s Carolina or Denver trading up for a QB. I wouldn’t go much further than that.

[Benihana]

Or just stay at 5 and take Slater. It really isn’t that much of a reach.

That would be an absolutely horrible move.

[Hillsdale87]

That would be an absolutely horrible move.

How much Rashawn Slater tape have you watched? Most of us have spent no time breaking down the OL prospects. I don't know how good Slater can be, but I know he did a great job against Chase Young last year, and Young has spent most of this season dominating NFL linemen. There are a number of people in and around the NFL who think Slater is better than Sewell. We'll see how the pre-draft process shakes out. Sewell seems great, and a lot of people think very highly of him, but he's not universally seen as the slam dunk generation talent that some on here see him as. Everybody thinks he'll be good, but just that there's not necessarily a massive gap between him and some other tackles.

The problem with trying to trade up to get Sewell is that you're going to be competing against teams that want to trade up for a QB, and so those offers will be steep. The Bengals offer would have to be overwhelming, and it's not worth that if the guy available at #5 has a chance to be nearly as good.

[Redsfaithful]

All I know is what I've read and I keep reading Sewell is viewed as once in a generation Orlando Pace-type talent. If that's incorrect, ok, but if it's not then yeah I think the Bengals should do what they can to get that.

[ScotlandRed]

The Bengals have far to many holes to be sending away draft picks. Moving from 5 > 3would cost this years second and maybe next years second as well? That’s far too much capital that the Bengals truly do need.

[membengal]

All I know is what I've read and I keep reading Sewell is viewed as once in a generation Orlando Pace-type talent. If that's incorrect, ok, but if it's not then yeah I think the Bengals should do what they can to get that.

He may be available at 5. But even if he's all that, he's a rookie LT again. For everyone who wants immediate improvement - that would be two FA offensive lineman - a RT and an OG. If they sign two AND get Sewell at 5, great, but I don't want them spending draft capital (which they have no excess of) to move up to get him. They could stay in place and get a potential game changer at WR opposite Higgins too. And add in the FA offensive linemen...

[Wonderful Monds]

The Bengals would be in a much better position to trade up had they not hung on to every last one of their players until their value was in the toilet the last few years, while they were threatening to have a winless season. Sure would be nice to have some draft depth they could trade from if they had moved Green, Atkins, or Dunlap before they were completely washed or forcing a trade out of here.

[KoryMac5]

Man, trade back, just terrible idea.

It's an option and one they should explore if the deal is right too many of you are Sewell or bust at this point, there are a lot of good players in the draft at positions of need for the Bengals. The team has many, many holes to fill and the last thing we should be doing is giving up a high 2nd round pick to move up 2 spots.

[KoryMac5]

The Bengals would be in a much better position to trade up had they not hung on to every last one of their players until their value was in the toilet the last few years, while they were threatening to have a winless season. Sure would be nice to have some draft depth they could trade from if they had moved Green, Atkins, or Dunlap before they were completely washed or forcing a trade out of here.

Unfortunately is is a very Cincinnati thing to do...both the Reds and the Bengals make the same mistakes...so frustrating to watch.

[KoryMac5]

Top 5 bengals on offense per PFF via Goodberry

1. Samaje Perine
2. Tee Higgins
3. Tyler Boyd
4. Joe Burrow
5. Jonah Williams

Top 5 on defense

1. Jessie Bates
2. Carl Lawson
3. Darius Phillips
4. Vonn Bell
5. William Jackson

Bottom 5

Offense:
5. Xavier Sua-Filo
4. Brandon Allen
3. Michael Jordan
2. Quinton Spain
1. Fred Johnson

Defense:
5. Xavier Williams
4. LeShaun Sims
3. Germaine Pratt
2. Amani Bledsoe
1. Akeem Davis-Gaither

[WVRed]

How much Rashawn Slater tape have you watched? Most of us have spent no time breaking down the OL prospects. I don't know how good Slater can be, but I know he did a great job against Chase Young last year, and Young has spent most of this season dominating NFL linemen. There are a number of people in and around the NFL who think Slater is better than Sewell. We'll see how the pre-draft process shakes out. Sewell seems great, and a lot of people think very highly of him, but he's not universally seen as the slam dunk generation talent that some on here see him as. Everybody thinks he'll be good, but just that there's not necessarily a massive gap between him and some other tackles.

The problem with trying to trade up to get Sewell is that you're going to be competing against teams that want to trade up for a QB, and so those offers will be steep. The Bengals offer would have to be overwhelming, and it's not worth that if the guy available at #5 has a chance to be nearly as good.

The knock on Slater I’ve seen is size (6’3). If anything it’s a similar knock on Jonah Williams and like Williams Slater may eventually be moved inside to guard to be more effective.

[UKFlounder]

2 Xavier's in the bottom 5s? Stay away from that name! (joke)

4 OL in the bottom 5 on offense? Yikes. (not a joke)



Top 5 bengals on offense per PFF via Goodberry

1. Samaje Perine
2. Tee Higgins
3. Tyler Boyd
4. Joe Burrow
5. Jonah Williams

Top 5 on defense

1. Jessie Bates
2. Carl Lawson
3. Darius Phillips
4. Vonn Bell
5. William Jackson

Bottom 5

Offense:
5. Xavier Sua-Filo
4. Brandon Allen
3. Michael Jordan
2. Quinton Spain
1. Fred Johnson

Defense:
5. Xavier Williams
4. LeShaun Sims
3. Germaine Pratt
2. Amani Bledsoe
1. Akeem Davis-Gaither

[KoryMac5]

2 Xavier's in the bottom 5s? Stay away from that name! (joke)

4 OL in the bottom 5 on offense? Yikes. (not a joke)

Shows how bad Turner was in developing guys...Jordan is probably the biggest disappointment.

[Redsfaithful]

He may be available at 5. But even if he's all that, he's a rookie LT again. For everyone who wants immediate improvement - that would be two FA offensive lineman - a RT and an OG. If they sign two AND get Sewell at 5, great, but I don't want them spending draft capital (which they have no excess of) to move up to get him. They could stay in place and get a potential game changer at WR opposite Higgins too. And add in the FA offensive linemen...

If he's viewed as an all-pro/potential HoF talent then this is just incorrect. The draft capital they're saving 100% won't be used in a better way than that. To go deep in the playoffs you need 2-3 all-pro types and the Bengals have exactly one right now in Jessie Bates. Maybe Joe Burrow also gets to that level, which would amplify the value of an all-pro level tackle.

[membengal]

Was Willie Anderson viewed as a potential HoF tackle at #10 overall in his draft?

Was Andrew Whitworth viewed as a potential HoF tackle in the 2nd round of his draft?

Gonna need to be 100% certain that Sewell is Anthony Munoz to pay to move up. Not worth it to me. If you can get him at 5, fine. If not, there are a lot other Ts in this draft, and good ones. Ones who might turn out to be HoF worthy in their own right...

[Kingspoint]

All I know is what I've read and I keep reading Sewell is viewed as once in a generation Orlando Pace-type talent. If that's incorrect, ok, but if it's not then yeah I think the Bengals should do what they can to get that.


Justin Hebert was untouched under Sewell. No sacks, no hits, no hurries, no pressure. Free to do whatever he wanted to do. Burrow would be unstoppable given this type of protection.

- - - Updated - - -


Was Willie Anderson viewed as a potential HoF tackle at #10 overall in his draft?

Was Andrew Whitworth viewed as a potential HoF tackle in the 2nd round of his draft?

Gonna need to be 100% certain that Sewell is Anthony Munoz to pay to move up. Not worth it to me. If you can get him at 5, fine. If not, there are a lot other Ts in this draft, and good ones. Ones who might turn out to be HoF worthy in their own right...

Whitworth and Anderson aren't even close to having had the careers Sewell will have.

[Ohayou]

If Sewell is available, we take him, if not, we trade back in my opinion.

Do you think Miami or Atlanta trade back for a team looking for a QB? I think Atalanta might but their division is in a strange QB situation and they may see this as an option to get ahead of the QB curve there with a young elite option.

I think Miami goes playmaker. LT isn’t as much of a need for them with Tua being left handed and it being his strong side. Maybe they take the chance for an elite WR? Maybe they trade back to late in the top 10 where an elite wide out may still be available?

Very interesting top 5.

I could totally see Miami drafting DeVonta Smith at #3. It would be a big surprise, for sure, but the connection is there. I skim a lot of other teams' subreddits, and Jets/Dolphins/Falcons fans are all over the place in regard to who they want. Generally speaking, though, most Jets fans are on the Fields bandwagon now, and both Dolphins/Falcons fans seem to either want Sewell or possibly trade down.

Way-too-early guesses:

Jags - Lawrence
Jets - Fields
Dolphins - Sewell
Falcons - trades down for a team that wants Wilson/Lance
Bengals - Surtain or Darrisaw, trades down for a team that wants Wilson/Lance

[Benihana]

How much Rashawn Slater tape have you watched? Most of us have spent no time breaking down the OL prospects. I don't know how good Slater can be, but I know he did a great job against Chase Young last year, and Young has spent most of this season dominating NFL linemen. There are a number of people in and around the NFL who think Slater is better than Sewell. We'll see how the pre-draft process shakes out. Sewell seems great, and a lot of people think very highly of him, but he's not universally seen as the slam dunk generation talent that some on here see him as. Everybody thinks he'll be good, but just that there's not necessarily a massive gap between him and some other tackles.

The problem with trying to trade up to get Sewell is that you're going to be competing against teams that want to trade up for a QB, and so those offers will be steep. The Bengals offer would have to be overwhelming, and it's not worth that if the guy available at #5 has a chance to be nearly as good.

I don’t agree on several fronts.

First, Michigan shut down Chase Young as well last year. That doesn’t mean Jon Runyon Jr. should’ve gone top 5. Slater is a consensus NOT top 5 guy. No one thinks he should be drafted that high- not this year or any other year for that matter. He’s not even expected by many to play tackle in the NFL. We already have one tweener in Jonah. If you want him, they can trade down a few spots and still get him, likely as far down as 10 or 11.

Second, the Bengals will not be competing with teams trying to trade up for a QB. If that’s the case, let them do it and draft a QB because Sewell will fall. I think Miami will either take Sewell or one of the receivers. If they trade the pick to a team looking for QB, Sewell probably drops to 5. There is a chance Atlanta takes him, but they strike me as more likely to take a defender, or QB if they go offense.

[Betterread]

Blue light special alert: Riley Rieff is 32, never made a pro bowl, and has a small wingspan, but turned in a great year in 2020 for the Vikes at LT. He was drafted late first round the same year Matt Kalil ( a can’t miss stud) went #4. He had a far superior career.
The Vikes somehow changed his compensation for $11 mill to $6 mill this year, so he won’t be back. For somewhere between 5-9 million/yr for a 2 yr deal, some team will get a great blocker who can play LT or RT. It could be you, Bengals.

[Hillsdale87]

I don’t agree on several fronts.

First, Michigan shut down Chase Young as well last year. That doesn’t mean Jon Runyon Jr. should’ve gone top 5. Slater is a consensus NOT top 5 guy. No one thinks he should be drafted that high- not this year or any other year for that matter. He’s not even expected by many to play tackle in the NFL. We already have one tweener in Jonah. If you want him, they can trade down a few spots and still get him, likely as far down as 10 or 11.

Second, the Bengals will not be competing with teams trying to trade up for a QB. If that’s the case, let them do it and draft a QB because Sewell will fall. I think Miami will either take Sewell or one of the receivers. If they trade the pick to a team looking for QB, Sewell probably drops to 5. There is a chance Atlanta takes him, but they strike me as more likely to take a defender, or QB if they go offense.

Michigan as a team limited Chase Young a bit. They were double teaming him and often chipping him with a back. He still had a number of pressures. Slater did a good job on him one on one, so that's a lot different. Daniel Jeremiah and Lance Zierlein, the head draft guys for NFL.com both have Slater about Sewell, not because they don't like Sewell but because they think Slater is that good. Matt Miller, even though he has Sewell ahead of Slater on his own board, has said that he's been told by multiple scouts and scouting directors that they think Slater is better than Sewell. So while most people right now think that Sewell is better than Slater, it's far from a universal opinion. And almost everybody thinks he can stick at Tackle, but he has the ability to play all 5 positions on the line.

Most people haven't dug too far into the tape yet. We'll see what people are saying a couple of months from now. For the Bengals' sake, hopefully Slater is every bit as good as Sewell and they have great options at 5 no matter what happens.

[Benihana]

Lou coming back. Screw this team.

[Oxilon]

Lou coming back. Screw this team.

It really didn't matter once they officially brought back Zac Taylor anyways since no reputable defensive coordinator would join a coaching staff that is entering next season on the hot seat (or so you would hope). In the two full seasons Taylor has been the coach, not only does he have a winning percentage less than 20%, but he's been outscored by division opponents 355 to 202.

Best case scenario for the Bengals at this point is they don't waste a first or second round pick on a WR, find starters on both lines, and hope Burrow comes back to full strength and continues to progress next season. Even with all of that, they still won't win because they have a historically bad coach, but atleast there will be a foundation for the next coach in 2022.

[RiverRat13]

Lou coming back. Screw this team.

Saves Zac the embarrassment of not being able to find anyone to take the job.

[krm1580]

I could totally see Miami drafting DeVonta Smith at #3. It would be a big surprise, for sure, but the connection is there. I skim a lot of other teams' subreddits, and Jets/Dolphins/Falcons fans are all over the place in regard to who they want. Generally speaking, though, most Jets fans are on the Fields bandwagon now, and both Dolphins/Falcons fans seem to either want Sewell or possibly trade down.

Way-too-early guesses:

Jags - Lawrence
Jets - Fields
Dolphins - Sewell
Falcons - trades down for a team that wants Wilson/Lance
Bengals - Surtain or Darrisaw, trades down for a team that wants Wilson/Lance

I can't possibly see the Dolphins taking DeVonta Smith #3. He's not a Calvin Johnson or Julio Jones uncoverable talent or a Tyreek Hill level game breaker. He does everything well, but does not have any elite traits that put him head and shoulders above all the other WRs in the draft class. My guess is they take Sewell or they trade back.

[Bob Sheed]

There's plenty of hungry up and comers that would jump at the opportunity to be an NFL DC.

They won't get Zimmer or anyone like that. But how much worse can anyone else be than Lou has been?

Count me as surprised Lou wasn't fired.

[WVRed]

There's plenty of hungry up and comers that would jump at the opportunity to be an NFL DC.

They won't get Zimmer or anyone like that. But how much worse can anyone else be than Lou has been?

Count me as surprised Lou wasn't fired.

Or veterans who could take over as interim midseason and parlay it into the full time coaching job.

It’s happened before with this franchise.

[RiverRat13]

Or veterans who could take over as interim midseason and parlay it into the full time coaching job.

It’s happened before with this franchise.

That's probably what Zac was afraid of.

[WVRed]

That's probably what Zac was afraid of.

True but who’s to say it was in his control.

If you read the SI article, the Browns implored Taylor to make changes. They could have told him to fire Lou and bring in someone else.

[Redsfaithful]

Was Willie Anderson viewed as a potential HoF tackle at #10 overall in his draft?

Was Andrew Whitworth viewed as a potential HoF tackle in the 2nd round of his draft?

Gonna need to be 100% certain that Sewell is Anthony Munoz to pay to move up. Not worth it to me. If you can get him at 5, fine. If not, there are a lot other Ts in this draft, and good ones. Ones who might turn out to be HoF worthy in their own right...

I actually think maybe yeah on Anderson, but anyway we have Munoz who went #3 after barely playing at USC, so, you know, it does happen. Teams actually rarely miss when it comes to lineman taken in the top 5. It's about as solid a bet as you see.

[membengal]

That’s literally not true on misses in top 5 as to line faithful. I did the research on last ten years of top 4 in the previous thread. Hang on, let me go find it and quote it.

[membengal]

Here we go, from the last thread and a post I did there:


Here are the OT/IOL taken within first four picks since 2000:

Chris Samuels - 2000
Leonard Davis - 2001
Mike Williams - 2002
Robert Gallery - 2004
D’Brickashaw Ferguson - 2006
Joe Thomas - 2007
Jake Long - 2008
Jason Smith - 2009
Trent Williams - 2010
Matt Kalil - 2012
Eric Fisher - 2013
Luke Joekl- 2013
Lane Johnson - 2013
Greg Robinson - 2014
Andrew Thomas - 2020

A quick scan of that list tells me BUST is super common among o-line picked high in drafts over last 20 years, at least as common as bust at QB.

[membengal]

Sewell may well be Joe Thomas, but there are a LOT of misses and some huge busts on that list. Teams were so scarred after the great busts of 2012, 2013 and 2014 it was another five years until another lineman went top 4 in last year’s draft...

[WVRed]

Here we go, from the last thread and a post I did there:


Here are the OT/IOL taken within first four picks since 2000:

Chris Samuels - 2000
Leonard Davis - 2001
Mike Williams - 2002
Robert Gallery - 2004
D’Brickashaw Ferguson - 2006
Joe Thomas - 2007
Jake Long - 2008
Jason Smith - 2009
Trent Williams - 2010
Matt Kalil - 2012
Eric Fisher - 2013
Luke Joekl- 2013
Lane Johnson - 2013
Greg Robinson - 2014
Andrew Thomas - 2020

A quick scan of that list tells me BUST is super common among o-line picked high in drafts over last 20 years, at least as common as bust at QB.

I don’t disagree with anything you posted.

That said, do a separate one for WRs taken overall in the first round and the bust rate for them. It’s a lot more time consuming and just as high.

[Redsfaithful]

Sewell may well be Joe Thomas, but there are a LOT of misses and some huge busts on that list. Teams were so scarred after the great busts of 2012, 2013 and 2014 it was another five years until another lineman went top 4 in last year’s draft...

I think it runs in waves a little bit and you're glossing over some of the hits on the list too.

Look at 1995-2000:

https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/02/24/nfl-draft-combine-offensive-tackles-history


• Tony Boselli, 1995, Jacksonville.
• Jonathan Ogden, 1996, Baltimore.
• Orlando Pace, 1997, St. Louis.
• Walter Jones, 1997, Seattle.
• Kyle Turley, 1998, New Orleans.
• Chris Samuels, 2000, Washington.

Three Hall of Famers (Ogden, Jones, Pace), a fourth (Boselli) who may one day be a Hall of Famer, and two former first-team all-pros (Samuels, Turley). Six for six. Every one was a top player at his position. That is a stunning run of success at any position.

Again, if Sewell isn't viewed as can't miss then I'm over it. I've read article saying he'd be a #1 pick candidate in a year that didn't have obvious QBs at the top of the draft. If that's true then he's a better bet than draft capital.

I'm kind of fighting the feeling that the Bengals are going to do something underwhelming here. Like, I can get myself hyped up for Chase, I'm a sucker obviously, given that I'm a Bengals fan, but that's not the kind of franchise changing selection you're hoping for in the top 5.

AJ Green is as good as you could possibly hope for from a top 5 draft pick WR but it just isn't an important enough position. We have lived experience of that in the last decade.

Also, isn't the point of a QB like Burrow that you can throw a position group of average to above average receivers out there and win? He will elevate good receivers if you give him excellent protection.

Then there's the fact that the Bengals have historically been pretty good at finding receiver talent deeper in the draft. Much, much, much less so when it come to lineman. Whitworth was such an anomaly. I'm sure that's coloring my thinking here.

[membengal]

That said, do a separate one for WRs taken overall in the first round and the bust rate for them.

Why would I do a list of all WR taken in the first round for 20 years when I did just top four picks for the above list? I restricted the list to o-lineman taken in top four in last 20 drafts to point out that there are plenty of misses in that position group even at top of draft (where bengals are picking)- as many as other positions. There are no guarantees, and going o-line doesn't make it any more certain that your pick will pan out. Even if you go back five more years like Faithful did athan the 20 years I picked and took me 30 minutes to put together, it doesn't change my point. There is risk in any position in top 5. So, NO, I don't want to trade up to 3, lose draft capital they cannot afford to lose, in the hope that Sewell is indeed can't miss. He might be, but it's not worth multiple picks to me to find out. I think he may still be there at 5 overall in any event. On top of that, scouting and picking players at T in the NFL for years now has been REALLY hard to do - looks on in OgbuihiFisher. A lot of teams have struggled with that. A lot of articles on why that may be - google and you can find a lot of them. I think that's why the five year gap in top five pick -lineman.

ALL positions have their share of busts. Faithful's theory was that o-line taken that high bust less. That's just not correct. Sewell might indeed be viewed as can't miss...but he still might miss. Sure enough that he won't to burn a 2nd round pick to move up 2 spots and not pick again until 3rd round? On a team that desperately needs an infusion of d-line help too? This is a deep d-line draft -there are gonna be some good ones in round 2...

Sewell is a great prospect, i have him as my number 1 want for them. But not burn everything trade up want. If he's not there at 5, and chase is, well, that will be swell, chase is as good a prospect at his position as sewell at his.

The nightmare for me is if sewell AND chase are gone - that feels like Bengals REACH at 5 is in play. No like.

[WVRed]

As long as DeVonta Smith is on the board if Chase and Sewell are both gone. I don’t see it happening though.

I posted this earlier, can’t remember if it was here or on another board, but FA will tell the tale on Miami. If they sign a WR that probably means they take Sewell.

[Kingspoint]

Here we go, from the last thread and a post I did there:


Here are the OT/IOL taken within first four picks since 2000:

Chris Samuels - 2000
Leonard Davis - 2001
Mike Williams - 2002
Robert Gallery - 2004
D’Brickashaw Ferguson - 2006
Joe Thomas - 2007
Jake Long - 2008
Jason Smith - 2009
Trent Williams - 2010
Matt Kalil - 2012
Eric Fisher - 2013
Luke Joekl- 2013
Lane Johnson - 2013
Greg Robinson - 2014
Andrew Thomas - 2020

A quick scan of that list tells me BUST is super common among o-line picked high in drafts over last 20 years, at least as common as bust at QB.

Keep changing the narrative all you want. You lost the argument before it began as soon as you tried to compare the potential bust of Sewell with any QB who might be taken in the Top-3 picks this season. There is zero potential of Sewell being a bust. Some of those listed weren't in recent years (how many in the last ten drafts were LT's taken in the Top-3 vs how many were QB's were taken in the Top-3 in the last 10 years), weren't LT's or weren't Top-3 picks (the pick the Bengals bungled). One, maybe two busts in 10 years, while you probably have to take your shoes off to count the number of QB busts in that time frame.

This is where I drop the mic on you.

[Kingspoint]

Because we have Burrow, because he already had one devastating injury and needs all the protection he can get, because Burrow should be All-Pro given great protection (Receivers are a dime-a-dozen every single year, especially with a QB like Burrow, who turns average into great, where great is not needed), and because Burrow and Sewell would be on the same contractual timeline, Sewell is so much more important to Cincinnati than he is to any of the other 31 teams. He's worth every bit of the Bengals' next three 1st Round picks.

[membengal]

There is zero potential of Sewell being a bust.

Laughs in lol at this. C'mon now.

[membengal]

Because we have Burrow, because he already had one devastating injury and needs all the protection he can get, because Burrow should be All-Pro given great protection (Receivers are a dime-a-dozen every single year, especially with a QB like Burrow, who turns average into great, where great is not needed), and because Burrow and Sewell would be on the same contractual timeline, Sewell is so much more important to Cincinnati than he is to any of the other 31 teams. He's worth every bit of the Bengals' next three 1st Round picks.

Step away from crack pipe.

The weird part is I have Sewell at the top of my board for them and am the reasonable one here. You are insane about this.

[KoryMac5]

Sewell is the real deal as a prospect but he is not without flaws...he's young which also means he is still a bit raw and would benefit from more coaching in the pro level if he busts out it will be due to poor development by the Bengals.

[Hillsdale87]

Because we have Burrow, because he already had one devastating injury and needs all the protection he can get, because Burrow should be All-Pro given great protection (Receivers are a dime-a-dozen every single year, especially with a QB like Burrow, who turns average into great, where great is not needed), and because Burrow and Sewell would be on the same contractual timeline, Sewell is so much more important to Cincinnati than he is to any of the other 31 teams. He's worth every bit of the Bengals' next three 1st Round picks.

It would be really hard for an organization to give up 3 first round picks for even Trevor Lawrence. To do that for an offensive lineman would be organizational suicide. Sewell would be great. He alone is not going to change the organization, and you had better be getting that for 3 1st round picks.

And your point about WRs is wrong. PFF has WR as the second most important position behind QB. Depending on what happens in FA, the Bengals are going to have a great chance at #5 to get a really valuable player. Maybe that's at OT, maybe WR, but either way it'll be a great chance to upgrade the offense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Redsfaithful]

It would be really hard for an organization to give up 3 first round picks for even Trevor Lawrence. To do that for an offensive lineman would be organizational suicide. Sewell would be great. He alone is not going to change the organization, and you had better be getting that for 3 1st round picks.

And your point about WRs is wrong. PFF has WR as the second most important position behind QB. Depending on what happens in FA, the Bengals are going to have a great chance at #5 to get a really valuable player. Maybe that's at OT, maybe WR, but either way it'll be a great chance to upgrade the offense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did not know that about WR, do you have a link? That's really interesting.

[RedTeamGo!]

It would be really hard for an organization to give up 3 first round picks for even Trevor Lawrence. To do that for an offensive lineman would be organizational suicide. Sewell would be great. He alone is not going to change the organization, and you had better be getting that for 3 1st round picks.

And your point about WRs is wrong. PFF has WR as the second most important position behind QB. Depending on what happens in FA, the Bengals are going to have a great chance at #5 to get a really valuable player. Maybe that's at OT, maybe WR, but either way it'll be a great chance to upgrade the offense.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WRs are very important. They are also very difficult to know who is going to be good at NFL level. Sure, there are some no doubters like Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones. There’s also a crap-ton of first round bust WRs.

Michael Thomas is the best WR in the NFL right now. He was drafted 47th overall. The first WR off the board in that draft was Corey Coleman, a complete bust. Just one example.

Let’s look at another draft, 2019: DK Metcalf was drafted 64th and Terry McLaurin 76th. Excellent WRs. Future stars.

I completely agree WR is an increasingly important position in the NFL. However, you can get very good quality later in the draft, sometimes the best of the draft. Seems like usually, actually. You cannot get a Sewell later in the draft because nobody is like him. He’s a generational OT.

The Bengals have their franchise QB finally. Step number 1 is protecting him. They failed miserably his rookie season. You simply do not make that same mistake again. The bengals cannot do it. Protect him first and then get him more weapons.

[KoryMac5]

Lap says to keep an eye out on Scott Peters assistant line coach with Cleveland for the Bengals job.

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/gm-report/dave-lapham-bengals-offensive-line-coaching-candidates

[Hillsdale87]

WRs are very important. They are also very difficult to know who is going to be good at NFL level. Sure, there are some no doubters like Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones. There’s also a crap-ton of first round bust WRs.

Michael Thomas is the best WR in the NFL right now. He was drafted 47th overall. The first WR off the board in that draft was Corey Coleman, a complete bust. Just one example.

Let’s look at another draft, 2019: DK Metcalf was drafted 64th and Terry McLaurin 76th. Excellent WRs. Future stars.

I completely agree WR is an increasingly important position in the NFL. However, you can get very good quality later in the draft, sometimes the best of the draft. Seems like usually, actually. You cannot get a Sewell later in the draft because nobody is like him. He’s a generational OT.

The Bengals have their franchise QB finally. Step number 1 is protecting him. They failed miserably his rookie season. You simply do not make that same mistake again. The bengals cannot do it. Protect him first and then get him more weapons.

The 2nd best rookie offensive lineman this year was Michael Onwenu, a 6th round tackle for the Patriots. The best OT was the 4th offensive lineman selected. Of PFF's 3 highest ranked offensive linemen coming into this season, the highest drafted was Ryan Ramczyk at 32. Offensive line is like every other position in the draft. Your odds of getting a good player are higher the earlier you select one, but it's no guarantee, and studs can be found and developed later. Every team thinks they are taking the best guy at their slot, but it doesn't always work out that way.

I agree that the Bengals have to shore up the offensive line. It needs to be a priority in FA and the draft. The line needs to be at least middle of the pack next year. But if I had to pick, I would choose elite wide receivers and a mediocre offensive line over an elite offensive line with mediocre receivers. Elite WRs get open more quickly, putting less pressure on the OL. FA will determine a lot, and it may ultimately come down to whether they think Sewell or Chase is more of a generational player. Both had incredible production at a young age in college, which would seem to predict great NFL success. They'll likely both be awesome, and I'd be happy if the Bengals ended up with either.

[Hillsdale87]

Did not know that about WR, do you have a link? That's really interesting.

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-why-positional-value-matters-in-the-nfl-draft

Tackle ranks surprisingly low on this list. I don't know if that's just because of scheme changes in the NFL, but their data would indicate that top tackles are just not nearly as valuable as WR.

[RiverRat13]

WRs are very important. They are also very difficult to know who is going to be good at NFL level. Sure, there are some no doubters like Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones. There’s also a crap-ton of first round bust WRs.

Michael Thomas is the best WR in the NFL right now. He was drafted 47th overall. The first WR off the board in that draft was Corey Coleman, a complete bust. Just one example.

Let’s look at another draft, 2019: DK Metcalf was drafted 64th and Terry McLaurin 76th. Excellent WRs. Future stars.


This is akin to the "there are more 3 star high school players in the NFL than 5 star players, so recruiting doesn't matter" argument.

It's hard to know if any player will be good in the NFL.

Miami would be dumb not to take Sewell. But a team absolutely can devote too many resources to the offensive line to a point where there are diminishing returns (see Dallas about three to four years ago). I want Sewell, but you can't trade the required assets it would take to get him. The Bengals must now pivot and use their free agent dollars to upgrade the line to at least league average.

[membengal]

What river said.

Also, on PFF's views on WRs and value - follow this tweet and see the short video there:

https://twitter.com/LndsPatterson/status/1346818950240337921

[RiverRat13]

With Hopkins being out, the Bengals should target Corey Linsley instead of Joe Thuney as their big IOL signing. Use #38 in the draft on a guard (or a tackle who can move inside). Let Hopkins compete with XSF and the rookie for a guard spot when he gets back. And they still need a tackle in this scenario.

[membengal]

They don't need to limit themselves in FA. They should sign 2 top FAs. And maybe a third.

[WrongVerb]

They don't need to limit themselves in FA. They should sign 2 top FAs. And maybe a third.

There's a "build that wall" reference I could make here, but I won't. Suffice it to say the Steelers won't be paying for it.

[membengal]

There's a "build that wall" reference I could make here, but I won't. Suffice it to say the Steelers won't be paying for it.

They spent $126 million last year in FA. They can do that again.

[WVRed]

That would be an absolutely horrible move.

McShays new mock has us taking Slater with Chase on the board. Sewell to the Jets.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/30656889/nfl-mock-draft-2021-todd-mcshay-predictions-all-32-first-round-picks-following-regular-season

[KoryMac5]

Hank Fraley to interview for OL Coach Friday, did great work with Frank Ragnow.

[membengal]

McShays new mock has us taking Slater with Chase on the board. Sewell to the Jets.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/30656889/nfl-mock-draft-2021-todd-mcshay-predictions-all-32-first-round-picks-following-regular-season

I would hate that. Horrible move - reaching for need over higher talent. Nope.

[membengal]

Here’s the full burrow interview today - well worth a watch - follow the Twitter link to it:

https://twitter.com/bengalswhitney/status/1347314303804829697?s=21

(For those wondering - he really has ZT’s back...)

[ScotlandRed]

Normally like Mcshay and Kiper but jeez if those first 2 mocks for the Bengals are anything to go by I won’t be putting much stock in them this year.

I’m fine with Chase at 5 if Sewell is gone. Also fine with trade back to later in top 10. Going back to middle of first round would be a hard sell.

- - - Updated - - -


Here’s the full burrow interview today - well worth a watch - follow the Twitter link to it:

https://twitter.com/bengalswhitney/status/1347314303804829697?s=21

(For those wondering - he really has ZT’s back...)

Absolutely love him. He’s so confident without being arrogant. Hard to temper expectations when he’s so confident he will be ready for the start of the season.

[KoryMac5]

Here’s the full burrow interview today - well worth a watch - follow the Twitter link to it:

https://twitter.com/bengalswhitney/status/1347314303804829697?s=21

(For those wondering - he really has ZT’s back...)

Not a fan of Colin but the interview is actually really good...loved the question about who talked trash to him this season.

Good to hear the rehab is going well.

[membengal]

I genuinely can't stand Cowherd, at all, but Burrow made that palatable. Loved hearing burrow breakdown his pick that cost them a chance at the comeback against Indy. He's just so sharp

[Stray]

Yeah I'm not a big Cowherd guy but that was a great interview. Love it.

[membengal]

Also, re: ZT staying - if burrow is as on board as he says he is, then I am too.

[redsfandan]

I'm thinking more and more that the #1 thing for the Bengals to do isn't drafting Sewell or another offensive lineman with their 1st round pick. After all, we all know that draft picks bust. Even Sewell could be a bust. There have been 'can't miss' players that ended up as busts. The name Tony Mandarich keeps coming to mind. But, with the veteran free agents (Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff, Taylor Moton, Joe Thuney, etc etc) there is already a track record of how good they are in the NFL so there's less risk. And they can't risk the safety of Burrow to what they have now and a player that people think should or can be really good in the NFL. They need more players that have proven that they are really good NFL players.

If people are really sold on Sewell being the best pick when it's the Bengals turn than fine. They should take him. But, If the Bengals really want to prove that things are changing for the better than they need to target top free agent offensive linemen and not settle for a player that might be the 10th or 15th best lineman available.

[membengal]

Most of us have been advocating for signing two top FA lineman and then see how draft unfolds, yes. They spent the money last year, they can again this year.

[ScotlandRed]

For anyone not wanting to lose their minds, do not go and read the Hobson Q&A answers on the O-Line. It’s disturbing.

[WVRed]

For anyone not wanting to lose their minds, do not go and read the Hobson Q&A answers on the O-Line. It’s disturbing.

Defense. Defense. Defense.

I think I’m going to throw up.

[ScotlandRed]

16879


Defense. Defense. Defense.

I think I’m going to throw up.

[WVRed]

16879

He must really be trying to hold onto his press pass.

[RiverRat13]

I'd be more worried about the typical Hobspin story had they not gone out and spent last off-season.

[Kingspoint]

16879

Volume does not equate with quality, Mike Brown.

[Redsfaithful]

When Taylor came aboard I feel like I remember hearing Hobson and Lap might have a little less access and insight going forward. I remember thinking that would be good since Lap tips the Bengals first draft pick every year, something I've never understood. Hoping that's the case here.

[Todd Gack]

16879

What the hell? How much did we spend on a crappy defense last year?


Look, pretty much every year I've always said "Take the BPA." I really am for that 99% of the time. But we have a franchise QB who is being protected by, for all practical purposes, a bunch of average to mediocre lineman. I would sign 1-2 OL in FA and ALSO take an OL with our first pick. No questions asked. What good does it do if you can't protect your most valuable asset? Skill guys will eventually come to you.

[UKFlounder]

Per Ben Baby on Twitter:

Bengals announce Frank Pollack will be the team's new offensive line coach. Will also serve as run game coordinator.

[membengal]

That's great news on Pollack, in all respects.

As for Hobson, he's an idiot.

[RiverRat13]

Per Ben Baby on Twitter:

Bengals announce Frank Pollack will be the team's new offensive line coach. Will also serve as run game coordinator.Mixon is stoked and so am I.

[Kingspoint]

Per Ben Baby on Twitter:

Bengals announce Frank Pollack will be the team's new offensive line coach. Will also serve as run game coordinator.

Get some boxing gloves and a ring for camp, just in case.

[membengal]

And...Dunlap now 0-6 in the playoffs. Lol.

[Kingspoint]

What a wasted time. Had Pollack just been here all along, maybe Burrow isn't rehabbing.

[WVRed]

What a wasted time. Had Pollack just been here all along, maybe Burrow isn't rehabbing.

I just wonder how much say Zac had in this decision.

Pollack has been here and made an impression before Taylor. Considering Zac had to fire his buddy for this to happen I’d say somebody else called the shots.

[Bob Sheed]

Zac was going for Callahan so Pollack left. Callahan fell through. In a pinch, Zac Attack called in his good bud Jim Turner.

Bygones... I'm stoked. I assumed he wouldn't come back.

[Kingspoint]

I just wonder how much say Zac had in this decision.

Pollack has been here and made an impression before Taylor. Considering Zac had to fire his buddy for this to happen I’d say somebody else called the shots.

It was a great hire the first time. It's a greater hire this time around because they admitted their mistake. Pollack made himself available with that fight against his boss, so I'm glad to have someone here with that kind of fire in their belly.

[WVRed]

It was a great hire the first time. It's a greater hire this time around because they admitted their mistake. Pollack made himself available with that fight against his boss, so I'm glad to have someone here with that kind of fire in their belly.

I don’t disagree with you at all. I’m just wondering who made the call to do it.

[Boss-Hog]

Pollack made himself available with that fight against his boss, so I'm glad to have someone here with that kind of fire in their belly.Unless I missed something, I think you're thinking of the other NY team. Regardless, I like the (re)hire.

[membengal]

Point in fact, had Pollack been here all along, we might not have Burrow...

[Kingspoint]

I don’t disagree with you at all. I’m just wondering who made the call to do it.

I was agreeing with you.

[Kingspoint]

Unless I missed something, I think you're thinking of the other NY team. Regardless, I like the (re)hire.

I was wondering if I was. Just thought it was Pollack. I could certainly see it being Pollack. Bengals don't tend to hire rouge players or coaches, so that makes more sense. Pollack and Zimmer are the kind of Coaches they needs. Would be great if Zimmer was fired and came back here as D.C., but I could see him going to HOU as D.C. first. Zimmer would be great as a D.C. with the NYJ.

[RiverRat13]

I was wondering if I was. Just thought it was Pollack. I could certainly see it being Pollack. Bengals don't tend to hire rouge players or coaches, so that makes more sense. Pollack and Zimmer are the kind of Coaches they needs. Would be great if Zimmer was fired and came back here as D.C., but I could see him going to HOU as D.C. first. Zimmer would be great as a D.C. with the NYJ.I think Zim gets another year in Minnesota and then is the Bengals standby if Zac gets canned next year. I'd worry about his age but if you've ever seen pics of his girlfriend, you know there's still plenty in the tank...

[membengal]

Oh, hey there, Joe Burrow. #9 is back in the house. And walking freely and without a limp. Amazing in just five weeks...

https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1348657350245314560

[membengal]

Gonna go ahead and mentally move him to probable for week 1. I would imagine we will soon have stories about him having to be held back from doing more than they want him to. I bet he will be pushing to take some reps if they have mini-camp in June.

[Reds Freak]

Gonna go ahead and mentally move him to probable for week 1. I would imagine we will soon have stories about him having to be held back from doing more than they want him to. I bet he will be pushing to take some reps if they have mini-camp in June.

I don't know. Bengals likely have an 8-8 ceiling season. I'd hesitate rushing him back for that. I'd wait until he's absolutely 100% to throw him out there and maybe even a week or two more. Sign a Mitch Tribusky-type for the first few games.

[membengal]

He's gonna be 100%. And he won't want to be held back. Plenty PLENTY of qbs have been back for week 1 who got that injury in his timeframe. Palmer was six weeks later than Burrow, and was back week 1. And was completely healthy that year - and that was 15 years ago. Deshaun Watson blew out his ACL mid-year in his rookie year too (Nov. 2, 2017), was back week 1 for his second season, didn't miss a beat. I see no reason to always be looking at the worst case scenario. Especially when we can see with our own eyes how he's clearly progressing very well so far. But I am not a doctor. Altho this guy is:


David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc
@ProFootballDoc

Just a snippet but knee looks good early on.
No brace, good gait, full extension, minimal swelling and good early muscle tone, all while not having to concentrate and looking at his phone.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Nobody asked me, but I'd do my best to sign Scherff (as a guard) and either Williams or Okung (as a would-be tackle) for big money.

Scherff does not make mistakes and is young enough to play up to his contract. (Or at least get close.) It may take $20M. He's worth it. (Scherff is almost assuredly staying in DC, but offering him that amount of money might make him change his mind.) If Scherff isn't available, I wouldn't mind them gambling on Lane Taylor staying healthy. He won't cost much, IMO, after two seasons and three games.

Okung's calf injury hobbled him most of the season, but he's good when he's healthy. He's another that typically doesn't beat the team with penalties. Due to injury, he may come relatively cheap. I'd see if he'd bite at $8 but go up to $12M.

Williams is a bigger gamble. He looked a little slow this season (five holding penalties), but he made the All-Pro team. Again. I'd offer multiple guaranteed years at decent money for Williams as well.

I'd then be free to take on whatever BPA there might be at #5 or, more likely, trade down to acquire more depth.

(I particularly like the WR depth this year. Same as last year, fwiw.)

[Redsfaithful]

Really impossible to know what the Bengals ceiling is before the draft and free agency, now that they are actual free agency participants.

[membengal]

My top T desire if he hits the market is Moton.

[RiverRat13]

Nobody asked me, but I'd do my best to sign Scherff (as a guard) and either Williams or Okung (as a would-be tackle) for big money.

Scherff does not make mistakes and is young enough to play up to his contract. (Or at least get close.) It may take $20M. He's worth it. (Scherff is almost assuredly staying in DC, but offering him that amount of money might make him change his mind.) If Scherff isn't available, I wouldn't mind them gambling on Lane Taylor staying healthy. He won't cost much, IMO, after two seasons and three games.

Okung's calf injury hobbled him most of the season, but he's good when he's healthy. He's another that typically doesn't beat the team with penalties. Due to injury, he may come relatively cheap. I'd see if he'd bite at $8 but go up to $12M.

Williams is a bigger gamble. He looked a little slow this season (five holding penalties), but he made the All-Pro team. Again. I'd offer multiple guaranteed years at decent money for Williams as well.

I'd then be free to take on whatever BPA there might be at #5 or, more likely, trade down to acquire more depth.

(I particularly like the WR depth this year. Same as last year, fwiw.)

I like your idea and prefer it to what I am going to post but I don't know if they'd be willing to spend that much on a guard. They might spend it at center. My pitch is Corey Linsley and Allejandro Villanueva. Hopkins won't be back Week 1, so let he and XSF fight it out at guard when he returns. Take the best tackle who can move inside at 37 and stick that guy at the other guard slot with the long term plan of replacing Villanueva in two to three years (the Whitworth route).

[WVRed]

I like your idea and prefer it to what I am going to post but I don't know if they'd be willing to spend that much on a guard. They might spend it at center. My pitch is Corey Linsley and Allejandro Villanueva. Hopkins won't be back Week 1, so let he and XSF fight it out at guard when he returns. Take the best tackle who can move inside at 37 and stick that guy at the other guard slot with the long term plan of replacing Villanueva in two to three years (the Whitworth route).

In your scenario, Alex Leatherwood makes the most sense at 37.

Scherff has no intention of leaving DC and even if he did the money would be insane to sign him.

Any combination of Thuney, Linsley, and Moton/Villanueva would make me happy.

Dream scenario:
LT:Penei Sewell
LG:Jonah Williams
C:Corey Linsley
RG-Joe Thuney
RT-Alejandro Villanueva/Alex Leatherwood

[RiverRat13]

In your scenario, Alex Leatherwood makes the most sense at 37.

Scherff has no intention of leaving DC and even if he did the money would be insane to sign him.

Any combination of Thuney, Linsley, and Moton/Villanueva would make me happy.

Dream scenario:
LT:Penei Sewell
LG:Jonah Williams
C:Corey Linsley
RG-Joe Thuney
RT-Alejandro Villanueva/Alex Leatherwood

This would be allocating too many resources towards the offensive line. The Bengals biggest problem last two years is having multiple bad players out there at the same time. You don't have to be above average at every OL position. If they can get 2-3 good offensive lineman and 2-3 average lineman, that should be sufficient with a QB like Burrow who understands the pocket and a $12 million dollar running back in Mixon. The Bills model should be the goal - they essentially have 2 Jonah Williams level tackles and 3 Trey Hopkins level IOL.

I believe an offense of Jonah/Leatherwood/Linsley/Hopkins/Villanueva with Chase/Higgins/Boyd at WR is going to score more points than the dominant line without a playmaker like Chase.

[Kingspoint]

Nobody asked me, but I'd do my best to sign Scherff (as a guard) and either Williams or Okung (as a would-be tackle) for big money.

Scherff does not make mistakes and is young enough to play up to his contract. (Or at least get close.) It may take $20M. He's worth it. (Scherff is almost assuredly staying in DC, but offering him that amount of money might make him change his mind.) If Scherff isn't available, I wouldn't mind them gambling on Lane Taylor staying healthy. He won't cost much, IMO, after two seasons and three games.

Okung's calf injury hobbled him most of the season, but he's good when he's healthy. He's another that typically doesn't beat the team with penalties. Due to injury, he may come relatively cheap. I'd see if he'd bite at $8 but go up to $12M.

Williams is a bigger gamble. He looked a little slow this season (five holding penalties), but he made the All-Pro team. Again. I'd offer multiple guaranteed years at decent money for Williams as well.

I'd then be free to take on whatever BPA there might be at #5 or, more likely, trade down to acquire more depth.

(I particularly like the WR depth this year. Same as last year, fwiw.)

Wish we had added Sherff the first time we had a chance to do so.

No thank you on Okung.

Seriously, though, I wish they'd spend big money on a C, not a G.

[membengal]

https://twitter.com/Ben_Baby/status/1348827129346191360


Bengals QB Joe Burrow said the feedback from doctors suggests he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery six weeks ago. In an interview with Fox on Monday, Burrow said his left knee “looks like it’s about 10 to 12 weeks out from surgery.

[membengal]

Marisa Contipelli
@BengalsMarisa
·
1m
Joe Burrow expects to begin throwing around the middle of February. About 12 weeks out from surgery.

[membengal]

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
·
3m
I'll be able to start throwing around the middle of Feb. That's when the next phase of rehab will start - Joe Burrow

[Bourgeois Zee]

I suspect Burrow will be ready by the time football starts up again.

I suspect his offensive line will continue to be a work in progress.

[membengal]

He's just six weeks removed from surgery. This is all very good news.


Ben Baby
@Ben_Baby
·
8m
Joe Burrow said the first two weeks of the rehab process was "pretty miserable." Said he's not at 100 percent obviously but he feels pretty good.
Ben Baby
@Ben_Baby
·
7m
Joe Burrow said the knee is at about 15%. Said he has done some body weight squats but has a long way to go in the rehab process.

[membengal]

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
·
56s
It has been the goal from the beginning - the first game is exactly nine months from my injury - we are on track and it's looking as good as it could where I'm at in the rehab process - Joe Burrow on being ready for Week 1

[membengal]

Charlie Goldsmith
@CharlieG__
·
3m
Replying to
@CharlieG__
“They say it’s a 9-12 month recovery, and the first game (of 2021) is nine months from my injury.”

“As far as right now, it’s looking as good as it could."

- - - Updated - - -

Ben Baby
@Ben_Baby
·
6m
Joe Burrow said he'll start running around week 10 or 12.

[oregonred]

Hopefully Smith played himself into the #2-4 pick discussion for the Jets, Phins or Falcons. Fields performance may have dropped him outside the top 5, but I think he still goes top 5 given Fields clearly not 100% last night plus his raw talent upside and high leadership character.

I think he will be a very good NFL player, but not the fit for the AFC North and the Bengals. I can see him being dinged up perpetually as a Bengal while flourishing in more creative, open and (lucky) franchises. I like the size of Chase for the physical AFC North, colder weather and to reunite with Burrow. Higgins, Boyd and Chase would be fabulous.

Dream Draft top 5
TL
Fields or Wilson
Smith
Parsons or Wilson/Fields
Sewell (Chase as backup)

I am on board with Sewell (no brainer) and Chase at #5 as the backup option.

[membengal]

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
·
17m
I was excited about it - I think Zac is going to be a really really good coach - with one more offseason next year is going to be a lot of fun and we will take a big step - Joe Burrow on Zac Taylor returning

[membengal]

Tyler Dragon
@TheTylerDragon
·
18m
QB Joe Burrow (knee), C Trey Hopkins (knee) and TE C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) are rehabbing together in Cincinnati. #Bengals

- - - Updated - - -

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
·
22m
It was tough be away from the guys. I was in a meeting every Saturday night and watching film every week to stay involved as much as I could - Joe Burrow

[oregonred]

Burrow is special.

Sucks for the Bengals that the NFL is unbalanced and the AFC + AFC North is just loaded for the next few years with most of the young and future QBs. Seven playoff teams helps balance the tough AFC North and adding TL to the usually weak AFC South and the rise of the Bills/Dolphins in the AFC East should balance those two divisions.

AFC
Allen
Tua (yeah I know a big ?)
TL
Watson
Mayfield
Lamar
Burrow
Patrick "State Farm Price" Mahomes
Herbert
Fields/Wilson (possibly)

[membengal]

Paul Dehner Jr.
@pauldehnerjr
·
6m
Joe Burrow on his knee and rehab: Week 1 is the target. No preseason, would use practices to create comfort. Is 9-12 month injury and all signs have him on that nine-month timeline which would be back for the opener.

He sounds laser-focused on that endgame.

[membengal]

Paul Dehner Jr.
@pauldehnerjr
·
12m
Good anecdote from Joe Burrow that he watched the Browns-Steelers game on Sunday night with a few of the Bengals coaches after getting back into town that day.

[membengal]

Paul Dehner Jr.
@pauldehnerjr
·
16m
Joe Burrow says he wore shorts Monday because with rehab he would have to take the sweats right off when he gets inside. Wears shorts everywhere. Wanted to make sure, however, everyone knows he is pro-sweats and can't wait to wear them regularly again. Speaking my language. - Dehner

[membengal]

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson

23m
Added he'll be watching draft night and wouldn't mind adding former teammate Ja'Marr Chase


Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
· 23m
He's a really good player - he's an exciting player and great friend and is fun to play with - Joe Burrow on Ja'Marr Chase

[membengal]

Laurel Pfahler
@LaurelPfahler
·
27m
Replying to
@LaurelPfahler
“We’re on pace to do it now.” -Burrow on trying time be back for start of 2021 season. Also notes, “The worst part is over.”

[membengal]

Tyler Dragon
@TheTylerDragon
·
2m
Joe Burrow on returning Week 1: That's been the goal for me from the beginning ... We are on pace to do it right now. There is obviously a long road...but as far as right now, it's looking as good as it could for where I am at in the rehab process. #Bengals

[membengal]

I think that's the big stuff from twitter from his presser. All good news as near as I can tell.

[oregonred]

Good stuff membengal

Yes the offseason, usually the best season for Bengals fans.

While other franchises only have 4-5 months of in-season, winning games, playoff victories and turning over coaching staffs to excite and keep the Sept-January interest, we get a solid 8 months every year for the offseason!

Burrow is special, the time for action is over the next 12-24 months to build a capable OL and offense around him

[membengal]

Keenan Singleton
@KJMSingleton
·
4m
Burrow does a better job protecting his line than they him. Says he watched the play that ended his season a few times and described it as "they got some penetration."

- - - Updated - - -


Good stuff membengal

Yes the offseason, usually the best season for Bengals fans.

While other franchises only have 4-5 months of in-season, winning games, playoff victories and turning over coaching staffs to excite and keep the Sept-January interest, we get a solid 8 months every year for the offseason!

Burrow is special, the time for action is over the next 12-24 months to build a capable OL and offense around him

Seriously, him back in town puts a spring in my step as a fan. Just him re-surfacing with that video of him walking around Christmas did that. As long as he he is here, we get to have hope as a fanbase.

[RiverRat13]

It is ridiculously early to look at mock drafts, but I'm doing it anyway. More than I thought have Sewell dropping to 5.

[WVRed]

It is ridiculously early to look at mock drafts, but I'm doing it anyway. More than I thought have Sewell dropping to 5.

Just about every mock I’ve seen has the Bengals mixed on Sewell or Chase.

[oregonred]

Just about every mock I’ve seen has the Bengals mixed on Sewell or Chase.

That is the dream top 5, end up with one of those two available at #5

Assuming Smith is now into the top 4. I much prefer Chase over Smith as fit for the AFC North and given the Bengals 1st round injury bad luck

Need both of Wilson/Fields to get into the top 4 mix

[HokieRed]

If he's available, how do you not take Devonta Smith?

[oregonred]

I prefer the bigger body for the AFC North and given the Bengals snakebit injury luck. Give me the same height, speed and 30 more lbs to absorb NFL contact

Maybe just scarred from Peter Warrick and the inexpilcable John Ross picks

[RiverRat13]

If he's available, how do you not take Devonta Smith?

Devonta Smith dominated when he was 22. Ja'marr Chase dominated when he was 19.

[Kingspoint]

Tyler Dragon
@TheTylerDragon
·
18m
QB Joe Burrow (knee), C Trey Hopkins (knee) and TE C.J. Uzomah (Achilles) are rehabbing together in Cincinnati. #Bengals

- - - Updated - - -

Lindsay Patterson
@LndsPatterson
·
22m
It was tough be away from the guys. I was in a meeting every Saturday night and watching film every week to stay involved as much as I could - Joe Burrow

Would love to see Burrow to Uzomah for 100 receptions in a season. That could slow the pass-rush some. All the Receivers need to be able to recognize when their coverage is sending a blitzer so Burrow can make them pay for it. Burrow can handle it. Our Receiving groups, other than Housh, have been terrible at it, though I don't know about Boyd's ability with this. Burrow can read Defenses better than Dalton already, I think.

[Kingspoint]

I prefer the bigger body for the AFC North and given the Bengals snakebit injury luck. Give me the same height, speed and 30 more lbs to absorb NFL contact

Maybe just scarred from Peter Warrick and the inexpilcable John Ross picks

Was it ever revealed who was the most influential voice on the Ross pick?

[Kingspoint]

It is ridiculously early to look at mock drafts, but I'm doing it anyway. More than I thought have Sewell dropping to 5.

95% of them live East of the Mississippi is why. No other reason.

[KoryMac5]

Was it ever revealed who was the most influential voice on the Ross pick?

I think I read Duke wanted Ross Marvin preferred OJ Howard.

[Hillsdale87]

95% of them live East of the Mississippi is why. No other reason.

I think it just comes down to need. There's a solid case for Jax, NYJ, and ATL to take QBs. Miami probably won't go QB, but they need both WR and OT. If they want to stick with Tua, I would prioritize a receiving weapon over an OL, especially because he's shown hesitance to throw into tight windows, so getting a guy who can separate could be very helpful.

I don't necessarily expect Sewell to make it to 5, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

- - - Updated - - -


I think I read Duke wanted Ross Marvin preferred OJ Howard.

So we would have gotten a bust either way...

[WVRed]

I think it just comes down to need. There's a solid case for Jax, NYJ, and ATL to take QBs. Miami probably won't go QB, but they need both WR and OT. If they want to stick with Tua, I would prioritize a receiving weapon over an OL, especially because he's shown hesitance to throw into tight windows, so getting a guy who can separate could be very helpful.

I don't necessarily expect Sewell to make it to 5, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

- - - Updated - - -



So we would have gotten a bust either way...

It comes down to the Jets and Dolphins. The Jets could move on from Darnold but they could go with Sewell as well. Atlanta would be more likely to go defense if they don’t go QB.

FA will likely give us an idea of where the draft is headed at least with Miami. Keep an eye on Allen Robinson or even Kenny Golladay.

[oregonred]

Yep the hope is 3 QBs in the top 4 and the Phins fall in love with Smith (or Chase). 3 qbs ensures one of Chase or Sewell woild be available.

Another factor may be an abundance of projected OT in the mid to late first which might reduce the chances someone trades up unless needing a QB

Its a hope for sure but I think more realistic than it appeared a week ago

[KoryMac5]

I think it just comes down to need. There's a solid case for Jax, NYJ, and ATL to take QBs. Miami probably won't go QB, but they need both WR and OT. If they want to stick with Tua, I would prioritize a receiving weapon over an OL, especially because he's shown hesitance to throw into tight windows, so getting a guy who can separate could be very helpful.

I don't necessarily expect Sewell to make it to 5, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

- - - Updated - - -



So we would have gotten a bust either way...

I still like Howard he has been wasted in TB...Ross was a straight up head case...fragile body and mind.

[WVRed]

I still like Howard he has been wasted in TB...Ross was a straight up head case...fragile body and mind.

I’ve always said Ross will have a career like Ted Ginn Jr. The next team that picks him up will figure out how to utilize him properly and he will have a productive career outside of Cincinnati and probably bounce around.

[WrongVerb]

Hopefully Smith played himself into the #2-4 pick discussion for the Jets, Phins or Falcons. Fields performance may have dropped him outside the top 5, but I think he still goes top 5 given Fields clearly not 100% last night plus his raw talent upside and high leadership character.

I think he will be a very good NFL player, but not the fit for the AFC North and the Bengals. I can see him being dinged up perpetually as a Bengal while flourishing in more creative, open and (lucky) franchises. I like the size of Chase for the physical AFC North, colder weather and to reunite with Burrow. Higgins, Boyd and Chase would be fabulous.

Dream Draft top 5
TL
Fields or Wilson
Smith
Parsons or Wilson/Fields
Sewell (Chase as backup)

I am on board with Sewell (no brainer) and Chase at #5 as the backup option.

What I'm hoping is that the Dolphins and Texans match up for a trade where they flip first round picks, with Tua going to Houston and Watson going to Miami. Then the Texans, who already have Tunsil at T, decide to re-connect Tua with Smith.

[Ohayou]

Houston/Miami absolutely should make that trade. Houston, especially - they have no 1st/2nd round picks this year and Miami has a ton of draft capital. Houston could get Tua + 3rd pick + potentially 18th & more or 35th & more. Miami gets arguably a Top 5 QB and are instant contenders.

[WVRed]

What I'm hoping is that the Dolphins and Texans match up for a trade where they flip first round picks, with Tua going to Houston and Watson going to Miami. Then the Texans, who already have Tunsil at T, decide to re-connect Tua with Fields.

Uhh, two QBs?

[WrongVerb]

Uhh, two QBs?

Oops. I meant Smith.

[WrongVerb]

I expect the Bengals decision tree will be something like this:

Draft Sewell
Draft Chase
Trade down
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hell freezes over
.
.
.
.
.
Trade up

[WVRed]

I expect the Bengals decision tree will be something like this:

Draft Sewell
Draft Chase
Trade down
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hell freezes over
.
.
.
.
.
Trade up

Draft Sewell
Draft Chase
Reach for Slater

[RiverRat13]

Both Hobson and Lap have downplayed the Bengals being active in free agency. Meanwhile Dehner believes they will go after guys. If Dehner is right, it signals the other two don't have the access under Zac that they used to have.

[membengal]

They downplayed them being active in FA last year too. I think after 20 years of inactivity they are just stating how it always was. Hope they are wrong again.

[Bob Sheed]

Hobson will tell you they are already at the cap ceiling.

[WVRed]

Marion Hobby named D-Line coach:

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-hire-marion-hobby-as-defensive-line-coach?fbclid=IwAR2YQakpdWlQ_uTgzN7RiH6foZkG5C2C-LMDpUa7ppE7cT6cp0ajIKvsBR

I’d trust nothing from Hobson or Lapham at this point. I don’t think the Bengals are tipping their hand anymore to the press like they’ve done in the past and the media isn’t going to be anywhere as accurate as they’ve been before.

[membengal]

That d-line coach hire is hella solid. He was at Clemson as d-coordinator when Reader was there. His lines in Miami were really good.

[RiverRat13]

Chris Olave is staying at OSU. He doesn't fit the profile of what the Bengals need at WR, but that does mean one less receiver could get pushed down to 37.

[membengal]

On o-line depth in the draft...


Matt Miller
@nfldraftscout
·
45m
I have 13 offensive tackles ranked in my Top 100.

That's ridiculously good.

[WrongVerb]

If they don't get Sewell, I want them to draft Darrisaw.

[membengal]

If they don't get Sewell, I want them to draft Darrisaw.

That's in the tradeback scenario - one of my favorite scenarios. 12, 44, 113 and something in 2022 from SF would get them to Darrisaw range and some fun extra picks to work with.

[WrongVerb]

That's in the tradeback scenario - one of my favorite scenarios. 12, 44, 113 and something in 2022 from SF would get them to Darrisaw range and some fun extra picks to work with.

I hope this year the Bengals show that kind of creativity and forethought.

[WrongVerb]

On o-line depth in the draft...

That might also mean teams pass on OT if they believe they can get quality lower in the draft, increasing the chance that Sewell gets passed to the Bengals.

[membengal]

It does indeed mean that. I like where the bengals sit at 5 actually.

[membengal]

PFF's top 5 OTs:

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

1. Penei Sewell, Oregon
2. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
3. Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
4. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
5. Samuel Cosmi, Texas

Christian Darrisaw is a name you’re going to hear a lot more of in the coming months, and he could even come off the board as high as the top 10 when all is said and done. He earned the second-highest grade we’ve ever given to a Power Five tackle, posting a 95.6 overall mark. And he wasn’t exactly going up against slouches. He faced draftable edge defenders such as Carlos Basham (Wake Forest), Quincy Roche (Miami), and Victor Dimukeje (Duke) and shut them all down.

[RiverRat13]

I've seen chatter on Twitter that some would have had Sewell outside of their top 3 tackles if he were in last year's draft. I think there's a better chance he will be there at 5 then we thought a few weeks ago. I'd still prefer to fix the offensive line in free agency and take Chase (if he's there) at 5 just because I'd rather have known commodities protecting Joe coming off of surgery.

[redsfandan]

I've seen chatter on Twitter that some would have had Sewell outside of their top 3 tackles if he were in last year's draft. I think there's a better chance he will be there at 5 then we thought a few weeks ago. I'd still prefer to fix the offensive line in free agency and take Chase (if he's there) at 5 just because I'd rather have known commodities protecting Joe coming off of surgery.

Since there's expected to be a lot of good offensive linemen available in the draft I'd go for a top 5 free agent offensive lineman, Chase with the 1st round pick, and then an offensive lineman with their 2nd round pick.

[reds77]

Edit, oops I was wrong with post. Bengals Twitter has some graphic of eyes looking around. I guess some news is forthcoming.

[Redsfaithful]

New uniforms coming this spring.

[reds77]

New uniforms coming this spring.

Helmet stays the same and minor changes to jersey is the news.

[membengal]

Helmet stays the same and minor changes to jersey is the news.

Not sure any of that is official, though? I have seen some alluding to that but nothing from the Bengals that confirms that is the extent of it..

[KoryMac5]

Hue Jackson interviewed with the Steelers for OC...

[Boss-Hog]

Not sure any of that is official, though? I have seen some alluding to that but nothing from the Bengals that confirms that is the extent of it..Hobson has a story that confirms the helmet isn't going to change (and likely never will) but doesn't mention anything about the extent of the uniform changes.

[membengal]

Thanks.

[CTA513]

New uniforms coming this spring.

I wish they would get rid of that ugly B logo on the field.

[WVRed]

With the viral Bernie Sanders memes here’s a Bengals one:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210122/896cd07900435d06fdfdd4589c6e4b87.jpg

[Bob Sheed]

Hue Jackson interviewed with the Steelers for OC...

He actually wasn't bad as a OC.

I hope he gets the job.

- - - Updated - - -

I always felt they should switch to white helmets with dark stripes.

[Reds Freak]

I wish they would get rid of that ugly B logo on the field.

I agree. The B is a lazy mark. The helmets are iconic and I hope they stay. I'm hoping for a more professional, clean-looking jersey. The current ones have always felt too cartoonish, which is coincidentally how the team has usually played.

[WVRed]

I’m hoping for some variation of the color rush white jersey.

[Redsfaithful]

Leaping tiger at the 50 was pretty good, I doubt it'll happen but I'd bring that back.

[WrongVerb]

So, assuming the Bengals select Sewell at 5, who are some candidates for them to take at 37?

Do they take another lineman? A weapon for Burrow? A first-round defensive player who slipped to the 2nd?

Two names I like on the offensive side are WR Kaderius Toney, and TE Pat Freiermuth. Of course, there's no guarantee they'll be there. So who would you like to see as the 2nd round pick?

[KoryMac5]

Depends on who they let walk and who they sign...Josh Reynolds or Fuller might be a nice fit to take the top off.

If they let Lawson and WJ III go...CB and DE become huge.

One of the beat writers speculated OL and DE in the 1st 2 rds...

[membengal]

If they take a TE in two again, I may lose it. No to TE in 2.

They should be hitting the d-line or o-line in round 2, even if they take Sewell in 1. There will be a TON of really good value and targets in those position groups at 37 that would immediately improve the team.

[Ohayou]

I actually really like the edge class - pretty deep class overall, there just isn't "that guy" at the top. Everybody thought it was Rousseau, but he didn't exactly help himself by sitting out. His projections are all over the place. Jaelan Phillips might be the most talented, but him as well I've seen projected Top 10 some places and 2nd round others. I think he's a guaranteed 1st rounder. I also really like Patrick Jones and Carlos Basham.

As for corner, I feel like this position is pretty tough to evaluate. Eric Stokes is one of my favorites in the draft, IDK if he makes it past the 1st. Same goes for Asante Samuel. Kary Vincent I like - he sat out this past season.

There will probably be some talented WR's on the board in the 2nd, but I'm still for other positions first over a third WR. Just depends what they do outside the draft.

[Kingspoint]

So, assuming the Bengals select Sewell at 5, who are some candidates for them to take at 37?

Do they take another lineman? A weapon for Burrow? A first-round defensive player who slipped to the 2nd?

Two names I like on the offensive side are WR Kaderius Toney, and TE Pat Freiermuth. Of course, there's no guarantee they'll be there. So who would you like to see as the 2nd round pick?

If they get Sewell at 5, they can all go home. The draft will go down in Bengals history as a great one.

[WVRed]

I really don’t want to double dip on o-line. The Bengals did that in 2015 and IMO is a large reason for where they are today.

If Sewell is there go BPA in the second. I’m with membengal on no TE. Either a WR or defensive line.

If Sewell is gone and Chase is there go with Chase. If both are gone DeVonta Smith. If they do go receiver in round one, OL is a priority in round 2.

[WVRed]

Here’s a mock that will make Kingspoints head explode:

https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2021-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-zach-wilson-to-jets

[Kingspoint]

Here’s a mock that will make Kingspoints head explode:

https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2021-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-zach-wilson-to-jets

Daniel Jeremiah = https://xenlife.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Loser-Symbol-on-Forehead.gif

[Kingspoint]

So, seriously,...if Watson goes where he wants to (though if he had a brain he would want to go to MIA with all of their assets), then HOU would have the #2 pick, plus more, and would more likely take a QB. That now pushes Sewell to #3.

[WVRed]

So, seriously,...if Watson goes where he wants to (though if he had a brain he would want to go to MIA with all of their assets), then HOU would have the #2 pick, plus more, and would more likely take a QB. That now pushes Sewell to #3.

And Miami would likely go with Chase.

[redsfandan]

Here’s a mock that will make Kingspoints head explode:

https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2021-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-zach-wilson-to-jets


Kyle Pitts would be tempting right here

I've read that Pitts could be a late 1st/early 2nd pick but tempting at 5?

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals can be dumb, but I can't imagine they are "TE at 5" dumb. I think they are really bullish on Uzomah (unless his injury is worse than we know) and they have spent too much draft capital lately on the position as it is.

[WVRed]

The Bengals can be dumb, but I can't imagine they are "TE at 5" dumb. I think they are really bullish on Uzomah (unless his injury is worse than we know) and they have spent too much draft capital lately on the position as it is.

Ive been high on Pitts but not enough to take him 5th overall. He’s very athletic when healthy but the latter part is the key.

[RiverRat13]

Kelce or Gronk in their prime may have been worth a top 5 pick. Dominant tight ends are unstoppable. The problem is that the league hasn't done a good job taking tight ends high in the draft. Vernon Davis is the only top 10 TE I can remember who delivered value.

[WVRed]

Another name I’ve been thinking about for second round:

Tommy Togiai.

I don’t know much about him but I know Buckeye fans would. With Geno being a non factor and likely to be cut he would make sense.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals will be staring at 1 of 2 players at 5

Sewell or Chase...

sign a RG and RT in FA...and it will be Chase.

[WVRed]

Bengals will be staring at 1 of 2 players at 5

Sewell or Chase...

sign a RG and RT in FA...and it will be Chase.

If they sign Josh Reynolds or Will Fuller in FA, it will be Sewell.

[Todd Gack]

The Bengals can be dumb, but I can't imagine they are "TE at 5" dumb. I think they are really bullish on Uzomah (unless his injury is worse than we know) and they have spent too much draft capital lately on the position as it is.

Which TE have they drafted lately?

[Benihana]

No combine or in person workouts allowed will probably hurt Sewell’s stock quite a bit I’d imagine given teams haven’t seen him on the field in over a year.

The ideal situation for me would involve trading back with the Lions to 7 or Panthers to 8 and still getting Sewell while picking up an early 2nd round pick. The Lions will need a QB if they’re really trading Stafford, so maybe they’d be desperate enough if there’s only one top guy left on the board. Ditto for the Panthers who may now look to leapfrog Detroit.

This is assuming 3 QBs plus Chase go top 4. If Sewell is gone but Chase is there at 5 I’d be happy with him.

[WVRed]

Which TE have they drafted lately?

Drew Sample

[Todd Gack]

Drew Sample

Who? I think you're using the "TE" label a little too loosely. Athletic OL would work better.

[RedTeamGo!]

Another name I’ve been thinking about for second round:

Tommy Togiai.

I don’t know much about him but I know Buckeye fans would. With Geno being a non factor and likely to be cut he would make sense.

Togiai is a monster in the middle. Folks within the OSU program are saying he’s going to turn heads at the combine with the strength numbers he puts up and that is the real reason he declared early with such little game tape.

That’s the issue with me. He was very good this season and, in my opinion, the best player on the OSU defense by far. However, it was only 6 games (he was out for the national championship game against Bama with COVID. I am not a combine person, I think the results are overrated, but I guess NFL scouts know way more than I do.

[RedTeamGo!]

Which TE have they drafted lately?

Drafting a tight end at 5 is not dumb. It’s insane.

Drafting TEs that early is what the Detroit Lions are known for. Enough said. TE is a position you draft one in the middle to late rounds every year and wait until you hit the lottery while signing cheap veterans until you do. It’s a luxury position.

[WVRed]

Drafting a tight end at 5 is not dumb. It’s insane.

Drafting TEs that early is what the Detroit Lions are known for. Enough said. TE is a position you draft one in the middle to late rounds every year and wait until you hit the lottery while signing cheap veterans until you do. It’s a luxury position.

They took Hockenson 8th but they are mostly known for taking WRs that early. Point still stands though.

The problem is people see teams taking players like Gronk, Andrews, or Kelce and think they are getting that player or something similar by spending a first round pick on them. Nobody bothers to look and see where those players are drafted.

[RedTeamGo!]

They took Hockenson 8th but they are mostly known for taking WRs that early. Point still stands though.

The problem is people see teams taking players like Gronk, Andrews, or Kelce and think they are getting that player or something similar by spending a first round pick on them. Nobody bothers to look and see where those players are drafted.

The lions drafted Eric Ebron 10th overall in 2014 and Brandon Pettigrew 20th overall in 2009. Drafting TEs in the first round is absolutely a Lions thing.

[WVRed]

The lions drafted Eric Ebron 10th overall in 2014 and Brandon Pettigrew 20th overall in 2009. Drafting TEs in the first round is absolutely a Lions thing.

Never as high as 5th though but yeah.

Bengals took Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert in the first but they were both later and when the needs weren’t as pressing.

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals need more speed.

[WVRed]

The Bengals need more speed.

John Ross is a FA.

[Kingspoint]

What's anyone's best guess as to how long it will take to decide Watson's future, thus setting up one of the dominoes?

[KoryMac5]

What's anyone's best guess as to how long it will take to decide Watson's future, thus setting up one of the dominoes?

Jets and Miami are his top two choices...anything that would happen needs to take place before April with the number of picks involved.

Stafford is on the market as well which puts Detroit in need of a QB too so perhaps they will attempt to trade up.

[UKFlounder]

Guess - that’s all it is- is that it will be close to the draft, once free agency has started and teams see better what they need and which prospects impress in any workouts. Maybe somebody looks great and a team decides not to trade a high pick, or perhaps others are less impressive and teams are more willing to deal.



What's anyone's best guess as to how long it will take to decide Watson's future, thus setting up one of the dominoes?

[RiverRat13]

If the Jets and Houston make the trade, Houston will obviously go QB at 2. Miami then has an interesting decision. They will be offered plenty to trade out of 3 by QB needy teams. But I'd argue they are good enough already that I'd be hesitant to pass up a chance to get the best non-QB in the draft. If they trade back after the Bengals, that's the spot they will be in.

[Bob Sheed]

Detroit now needs a QB and sits at 7. They might want to leapfrog Philadelphia (at#6), who may or may not want a QB as well (Wentz not really cutting it).

I wonder what the Lions would offer the Bengals to do so?

Maybe not much since the top 2 QBs will be off the board at that point.

One thing is for sure... It's a really good offseason to NOT need a QB this time.

[RedTeamGo!]

Detroit now needs a QB and sits at 7. They might want to leapfrog Philadelphia (at#6), who may or may not want a QB as well (Wentz not really cutting it).

I wonder what the Lions would offer the Bengals to do so?

Maybe not much since the top 2 QBs will be off the board at that point.

One thing is for sure... It's a really good offseason to NOT need a QB this time.

Idk, depending on who you view as the number 2 QB (I think it’s Fields), a lot of smoke the jets are going to take Zach Wilson. I’ve even seen some mocks having Lance go before Fields. I don’t know if this is just silly season stuff, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility the Lions move up to 5 and Fields is available.

[membengal]

Lawrence

Fields/Wilson

Lance


I think those are the general tiers. Lawrence for sure #1 - and then Wilson and Fields pretty much ranked together. A LOT of mocks have 3 qbs gone in top 4. The trade back scenario that works for the Bengals is if either Fields or Wilson is there at 5 and one of the QB needy teams between 7 and 12 wants to come up.

That will all be impacted by where some of the big name QBs available on the trade market end up. I am looking more at Stafford potentially impacting this than Watson even, as Stafford to SF or Carolina would take a trade up partner off the board. And that's setting aside if Rodgers is trying to slide out of Green Bay. A lot in flux right now. For once the Bengals preferred inertia will probably be helpful as where they are at 5 looks plum as things shake out across the league.

[Ohayou]

In Mel Kiper's first mock draft, he has DeVonta Smith going #2 to the Jets and J'Marr Chase next to the Dolphins. Sewell falls to us. Also, Brett Favre thinks the Jags should draft DeVonta Smith #1 overall.

[HokieRed]

In Mel Kiper's first mock draft, he has DeVonta Smith going #2 to the Jets and J'Marr Chase next to the Dolphins. Sewell falls to us. Also, Brett Favre thinks the Jags should draft DeVonta Smith #1 overall.

Don't see how anybody can pass on DeVonta Smith except for Lawrence

[RiverRat13]

In Mel Kiper's first mock draft, he has DeVonta Smith going #2 to the Jets and J'Marr Chase next to the Dolphins. Sewell falls to us. Also, Brett Favre thinks the Jags should draft DeVonta Smith #1 overall.

Doesn't Kiper have the rule to not mock trades when he does his?

[Ohayou]

Doesn't Kiper have the rule to not mock trades when he does his?

I've never seen him move teams up in his mock drafts, and he doesn't have anybody moving up for Wilson, Fields, or Lance. He has those three going to Atl>Det>Car.

Only a few surprises in his draft. He has OT Samuel Cosmi, DT Daviyon Nixon (weird considering he ranked him as his 10th best prospect a month ago), and edge Joseph Ossai falling out of the 1st, along with OT Teven Jenkins, CB Aaron Robinson, and edge Joe Tryon being bumped up.

If Cosmi did fall to the 2nd, and we missed out on Sewell and opted for Chase, I'd be cool with him as our 2nd pick.

[membengal]

Daniel Jeremiah in his first mock gave the Bengals Slater at #5 and Sewell came off the board 10 overall. He also spit in kingspoints general direction I would imagine...