2023 Cincinnati Bengals Part 1: Offseason

[Kingspoint]

If it were me, trade out.

Hope a team decides that Hendon Hooker is worth trading into the first round for like Baltimore did with Lamar Jackson. That would be ideal.

Not a bad idea if the opportunity is there and a targeted player doesn't fall to them. I hope it's being explored as all options should be. Could certainly use two Third's and two Second's instead of one First, one 2nd, and one 3rd, with both 2nd and 3rd acquired for the low first being better than their current draft spots in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.cleveland.com/bengals/2023/03/bengals-sign-free-agent-cody-guard-add-more-depth-up-front.html


In his first and only season with the Cardinals in 2022, Ford played in 11 games as a guard, starting just three of them to protect quarterback Kyler Murray. Prior to his brief stint in Arizona, Ford played three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Although Ford has mostly played a guard in his career, the Bengals have him listed as a tackle. The Bengals reportedly brought him in for a visit early on Thursday before deciding that they liked what they saw. Should the Bengals make Ford a tackle, the question would be whether he provides depth on the left or right side of the line, and/or if he’s used as a swing tackle. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Bengals plan to use Brown at left tackle and move Jonah Williams to right tackle. He added that a decision on injured right tackle La’el Collins would be made “down the line.”

A 2019 second-round draft pick out of Oklahoma, where he played with Brown and Bengals running back Joe Mixon, Ford started 15 games his rookie year. He split time between guard and tackle but mostly played at tackle down the stretch. He’s remembered for a controversial illegal blindside block that contributed to the Bills’ wild card loss to the Texans that year. While switching between right guard and left guard in 2020, Ford missed nine games mostly due to a torn meniscus. He would bounce back and play 15 games the following year but struggled to maintain the consistency he presented before his injury. The Bills traded him to the Cardinals for a fifth-round pick last August.

[Sea Ray]

It seems like a wash as he's likely just replacing Max Scharping. Don't know why they didn't want to bring him back

[Kingspoint]

I would be very happy to see them sign Rapp. He's my second choice after Love.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals, S Nick Scott Working Towards Deal

March 16th, 2023 at 7:31pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bengals are zeroing in on a deal with Nick Scott. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus tweets that Cincinnati is “working towards” a deal with the free agency safety. While the deal isn’t finalized, Spielberger says “progress [is] being made.” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirms (on Twitter) that the two sides are “working something up.” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted earlier today that Scott was visiting with the Bengals. Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic tweets that “it was a great visit today for all involved,” and the two sides are now moving towards a contract. The former seventh-round pick transformed from a special teamer into a starting-caliber defensive back during his time with the Rams. Scott only started one of his first 48 appearances for Los Angeles, although he took on a significantly larger role during the Rams’ run to a championship. Despite only starting one game during the 2021 campaign, Scott started all four playoff games for the Rams with Jordan Fuller out of the lineup. He compiled 14 tackles during that postseason run en route to a Super Bowl championship.

Scott mostly held on to his starting gig in 2022, starting 16 of his 17 appearances while setting career-highs in tackles (86), passes defended (five), forced fumbles (two), and interceptions (two). He only graded as Pro Football Focus’ 78th safety (among 88 qualifying players), although the site gave him one of the better grades at the position in rush defense. According to Rodrigue (on Twitter), the Rams had preliminary discussions with Scott about bringing him back for 2023. With Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell out the door, the Bengals have been hunting for a safety to play opposite 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill. The Bengals will surely bring in more depth at the position, but Scott will likely get the first look in the starting lineup.

- - - Updated - - -

D'Onta Foreman is gone to the Bears. The RB cupboard is getting bare.

[Kingspoint]

It seems like a wash as he's likely just replacing Max Scharping. Don't know why they didn't want to bring him back

He definitely seems to be a bad replacement for a bad player. I certainly hope he can be cut before the season starts if he's not showing in camp that he's good enough to block for Burrow and whoever our RB's will be.

[Kingspoint]

So, Rapp visited the Patriots today. Anyone know if his Bengals' visit is tonight or tomorrow?

[WrongVerb]

Bengals RB Joe Mixon won't be indicted, officials say (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35873725/bengals-rb-joe-mixon-indicted-officials-say)


Mixon's home was part of a crime scene investigation where a teenager was shot while playing "Nerf wars," a game involving toy guns. County prosecutors allege that Lamonte Brewer, who is listed as the boyfriend of Mixon's sister, Shalonda, fired 11 bullets at the teenager, who is Mixon's neighbor.

Brewer was indicted on multiple felonies -- one count of assault, one count of tampering with evidence and two counts of having weapons under disability. Shalonda Mixon was indicted on two felonies -- tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice. The Bengals running back will not be subject to any criminal punishment.

"No charges are being filed against him," Hamilton County prosecutor Melissa Powers said at a news conference in Cincinnati. "[Mixon] did not commit a crime."

note: I changed "He" to "Mixon" in that last sentence for clarity

[KoryMac5]

Jonah Williams officially requests a trade per Rap

That may have been what pushed the Ford signing for depth

[Roy Tucker]

Jonah Williams officially requests a trade per Rap

That may have been what pushed the Ford signing for depth

Getting moved off LT is costing him a lot of money. But he’s crazy if he thinks anyone will play him there. He has no leverage.

If I were his agent, I’d tell him to shut up, get healthy, and prove it on the field.

[Todd Gack]

Jonah Williams officially requests a trade per Rap

That may have been what pushed the Ford signing for depth

At some point, it has to more important to find someone to develop our OL instead of constantly trying to pay/trade for new ones.

[RiverRat13]

At some point, it has to more important to find someone to develop our OL instead of constantly trying to pay/trade for new ones.

I'll steal Joe Goodberry's take here and say that they need to stop drafting guys who are limited athletically or weren't able to test during the draft process due to injury.

[CTA513]

Jonah Williams officially requests a trade per Rap

That may have been what pushed the Ford signing for depth

Maybe we'll get lucky and get a decent player in return?

[RiverRat13]

Maybe we'll get lucky and get a decent player in return?

We'll see if Katie takes as kindly to trade demands as her father did. Then again, trading Jonah may have already been the plan when they signed Brown.

[Redhook]

Why would anyone trade for Jonah? He's due over $12 million this year, he's below league average and he's coming off two dislocated knees. I guess a team with a lot of cap space might trade a 5th-7th for him.

On the Bengals side, I'd trade him in a heartbeat. Then, they could sign someone who is actually a full-time RT.

And, as Roy said, Jonah has no leverage here, but playing one year at RT wouldn't lower his value much overall. He just needs to have a healthy season and he'd be paid well.

[Sea Ray]

I can't imagine another team would pay him his guaranteed $12mill. This needs to be explained to him and his agent. If they can find such a team, let's talk

[Todd Gack]

I'll steal Joe Goodberry's take here and say that they need to stop drafting guys who are limited athletically or weren't able to test during the draft process due to injury.

Sure. And wouldn't the OL Coach have a lot of say in which OL they draft?

[WVRed]

I wouldn’t be disappointed if they took Anton Harrison. Both tackles would be set for awhile.

LT:Brown
LG:Volson
C-Karras
RG:Cappa
RT:Harrison

[KoryMac5]

I can't imagine another team would pay him his guaranteed $12mill. This needs to be explained to him and his agent. If they can find such a team, let's talk

Rap said today there is interest but that a big piece of it is the salary which is 12 million dollars...he said he sees something happening soon with Jonah.

[WrongVerb]

I wouldn’t be disappointed if they took Anton Harrison. Both tackles would be set for awhile.

LT:Brown
LG:Volson
C-Karras
RG:Cappa
RT:Harrison

I'm thinking Dawand Jones. Imagine 2 6'8" tackles bookending the line for Burrow.

[WVRed]

Seahawks signed Julian Love. Another safety off
the market.

[Redhook]

Rap said today there is interest but that a big piece of it is the salary which is 12 million dollars...he said he sees something happening soon with Jonah.

So, does that mean the Bengals would have eat some of his salary?

[RedEye]

Seahawks signed Julian Love. Another safety off
the market.

At this point, its either CJGJ or Rapp. That or a bargain basement option. For a second, it looked like they might sign the entire Rams safety room...

[Tony Cloninger]

I like both of the Rams players. Maybe they can convince them on 1-2 year contracts.

[KoryMac5]

So, does that mean the Bengals would have eat some of his salary?

League is starved for lineman and left tackles don’t become available often I don’t see the Bengals eating salary here.

[WrongVerb]

Jalen Carter showed up at Georgia pro day overweight and unable to complete drills in front of scouts.

Do you take him if he's there at 28?

Jalen Carter's maturity is being judged, along with physical traits, as NFL draft approaches (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2023/03/17/jalen-carter-georgia-accident-maturity-judged-nfl-draft/11493176002/)

[Kingspoint]

Jonah Williams officially requests a trade per Rap

That may have been what pushed the Ford signing for depth

Good riddance! What an ungrateful Turd with a Capital "T"! He's never earned a Starting Spot. Every year it was handed to him. Every year he failed miserably for expectations for that season. He's never stayed healthy. He owes the franchise a boatful of money for his crappy play and undressed games over the years. He's never been a leader. Get his ass out of the lockerroom.

First time Jonah gets told that he has to earn a spot, he cries like a little baby.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP. V7xK2SZCBBjbRHSc0gDHjQHaEc%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=f48b7eb00985ba599ae731f130866af3dfaa69d1162857 a399297f9dc4bb14c0&ipo=images

[Kingspoint]

Jalen Carter showed up at Georgia pro day overweight and unable to complete drills in front of scouts.

Do you take him if he's there at 28?

Jalen Carter's maturity is being judged, along with physical traits, as NFL draft approaches (https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/bell/2023/03/17/jalen-carter-georgia-accident-maturity-judged-nfl-draft/11493176002/)

No.

We're a Championship-caliber team, not a baby-sitting company teaching boys how to be men (and that's an insult to all of the hard-working adolescents who learned to grow up when they were supposed to....when they were in their growing up years....adolescence).

[Kingspoint]

Bengals RB Joe Mixon won't be indicted, officials say (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35873725/bengals-rb-joe-mixon-indicted-officials-say)



note: I changed "He" to "Mixon" in that last sentence for clarity

Still not going to change that $12M price tag that is utterly ridiculous for him.

- - - Updated - - -


Maybe we'll get lucky and get a decent player in return?

Maybe we'll get even luckier and get someone to pay that $12M.

[Kingspoint]

We'll see if Katie takes as kindly to trade demands as her father did. Then again, trading Jonah may have already been the plan when they signed Brown.

Except this is different. We want to get rid of his contract.

- - - Updated - - -


I can't imagine another team would pay him his guaranteed $12mill. This needs to be explained to him and his agent. If they can find such a team, let's talk

That's what you get when you hand someone a starting position four seasons in a row without them earning it. They get an inflated image of themselves.

- - - Updated - - -


Sure. And wouldn't the OL Coach have a lot of say in which OL they draft?

Pollack is good. We're fine in that department.

[Kingspoint]

Seahawks signed Julian Love. Another safety off
the market.

Which leaves Rapp as my #1 choice now. Sure hope he signs today.

- - - Updated - - -


Rap said today there is interest but that a big piece of it is the salary which is 12 million dollars...he said he sees something happening soon with Jonah.

Definitely the whale in the room, Jonah.

[Kingspoint]

I like both of the Rams players. Maybe they can convince them on 1-2 year contracts.

Rapp, at 25 years of age, would be a great signing for three years.

I'm pretty certain that the Bengals and Taylor and Anarumo are looking for a Veteran Safety who tackles well, can beat up any other Secondary player on the team (a true leader can), and has the smarts to teach the others where assignments are supposed to be for any play from any team. In other words, a smart (see Pulp Fiction Wallet).

[Kingspoint]

Current contracts for Bengals per spotrac:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/

Mixon and Jonah currently account for over 11% of this year's cap hit.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals just announced they signed OT Cody Ford to a one year contract.

Really good article by Hobson on Cody Ford....I couldn't find any good or bad articles on him, and certainly nothing recent, so this was good to see Hobson put together.

https://www.bengals.com/news/joe-burrow-s-transformed-offensive-line

[WVRed]

No.

We're a Championship-caliber team, not a baby-sitting company teaching boys how to be men (and that's an insult to all of the hard-working adolescents who learned to grow up when they were supposed to....when they were in their growing up years....adolescence).

I was going to respond but you put it better than I could.

1. Carter isn’t falling out of the top 10 unless more comes out. I thought Kancey would jump him with his combine but that hasn’t happened in any mocks.

2. Even if he does fall, Zac Taylor has changed the culture here to where players with baggage aren’t considered. Under Marvin Jalen Carter would probably be in stripes but things have changed for the better.

[Boss-Hog]

Bengals officially sign S Nick Scott to a 3 year, $12 million deal.

[Redhook]

League is starved for lineman and left tackles don’t become available often I don’t see the Bengals eating salary here.

Well, that'd be amazing. I think the Bengals would cut Jonah if his contract wasn't guaranteed so it'd be a bonus if they got any draft pick in return.

As Cincinnati fans, we're used to overvaluing our own so it'd be really nice to see the flip side of that with Jonah.

[Redhook]

Current contracts for Bengals per spotrac:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/

Mixon and Jonah currently account for over 11% of this year's cap hit.

Man, that's incredible. Then, add La'el Collins to that and it's probably around 15%. Being able to get all 3 off the books would help a great deal for this offseason and going forward.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals officially sign S Nick Scott to a 3 year, $12 million deal.

Glad Bengals were able to seal the deal Scott is a hammer…

[KoryMac5]

Good riddance! What an ungrateful Turd with a Capital "T"! He's never earned a Starting Spot. Every year it was handed to him. Every year he failed miserably for expectations for that season. He's never stayed healthy. He owes the franchise a boatful of money for his crappy play and undressed games over the years. He's never been a leader. Get his ass out of the lockerroom.

First time Jonah gets told that he has to earn a spot, he cries like a little baby.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP. V7xK2SZCBBjbRHSc0gDHjQHaEc%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=f48b7eb00985ba599ae731f130866af3dfaa69d1162857 a399297f9dc4bb14c0&ipo=images

There is no competition though Brown is the starting left tackle and Collins is a cut candidate. Williams has not played Right Tackle in 8 years and he is one step away from free agency. Why tank a possible future pay day by playing out of position. I don’t see an issue asking for a trade. It’s business.

[Redhook]

There is no competition though Brown is the starting left tackle and Collins is a cut candidate. Williams has not played Right Tackle in 8 years and he is one step away from free agency. Why tank a possible future pay day by playing out of position. I don’t see an issue asking for a trade. It’s business.

That and he’s doing the Bengals a favor. Win win.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals officially sign S Nick Scott to a 3 year, $12 million deal.

Not happy about this. Nothing I've seen indicates that he's worthy of more than a one-year non-gauranteed contract for the league minimum. I really wanted Rapp, who should have been very affordable. This sure seems like an overpay. Who were the Bengals competing against for Nick Scott's services, and at what price was someone else offering him a contract? Certainly nothing close to this, right?

That said, most of what the Bengals have done in the off-seasons the last four years have followed as closely to exactly what I want that I have to feel that they got this one right. Trust the process when the process is working, and it's really, really working well.

So, "Welcome to the Jungle!", Nick Scott!

[Kingspoint]

There is no competition though Brown is the starting left tackle and Collins is a cut candidate. Williams has not played Right Tackle in 8 years and he is one step away from free agency. Why tank a possible future pay day by playing out of position. I don’t see an issue asking for a trade. It’s business.

Pollack flat out stated yesterday that Williams would compete for the Starting Right Tackle job with Collins. That triggered his demand for a trade. (add in the fact that Cody will also be given equal opportunity to win that starting spot, and it's a true 3-man competition for RT...we also have recent draft picks that are also competing to start at RT. Nobody gets that job in 2023 unless they earn it)

[Redhook]

Anarumo flat out stated yesterday that Williams would compete for the Starting Right Tackle job with Collins. That triggered his demand for a trade. (add in the fact that Cody will also be given equal opportunity to win that starting spot, and it's a true 3-man competition for RT...we also have recent draft picks that are also competing to start at RT. Nobody gets that job in 2023 unless they earn it)

Are they really going to keep Collins? With his ACL surgery in January, he’s not going to be 100% for the entire 2023 season. At best, he’ll be 90% and I don’t foresee him being ready to play until mid-season.

[Kingspoint]

Guess Hobson doesn't work weekends in the off-season. Still no story on the signing of Scott.

- - - Updated - - -


Are they really going to keep Collins? With his ACL surgery in January, he’s not going to be 100% for the entire 2023 season. At best, he’ll be 90% and I don’t foresee him being ready to play until mid-season.

They have him for two more years at $7M per, so probably. They may or may not find a replacement. They could also draft his replacement in the 1st Rd this season. He also won't likely be ready until late in the season of 2023. A lot to consider. He had a very good Run-Blocking PFF grade this season, the most important function of a RT.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/lael-collins-17403/

We save $3.67M if we cut him this season for this season, plus there's still a dead cap hit of $1.67M for next season. I don't see us cutting him this season. He's good insurance for a playoff run if we have other injuries during the season.

[Kingspoint]

There's Jackson Carman and D'Ante Smith, also options at RT. Carman's probably fighting to be the LG, but it's not like they won't experiment with him there in training camp.

[Redhook]

There's Jackson Carman and D'Ante Smith, also options at RT. Carman's probably fighting to be the LG, but it's not like they won't experiment with him there in training camp.

Yeah, it feels like they’ll finally have some decent depth this year. The starting five should be in the top 15 and the depth should be in that ballpark too. Over the last few years, the ceiling was top 15 if no one got injured, but bottom 10 when injuries happened.

[KoryMac5]

Looks like Bengals were competing against Rams, Broncos, and Bucs for Scott...

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/18/bengals-fended-off-rams-broncos-bucs-nick-scott-free-agency/

[KoryMac5]

Not happy about this. Nothing I've seen indicates that he's worthy of more than a one-year non-gauranteed contract for the league minimum. I really wanted Rapp, who should have been very affordable. This sure seems like an overpay. Who were the Bengals competing against for Nick Scott's services, and at what price was someone else offering him a contract? Certainly nothing close to this, right?

That said, most of what the Bengals have done in the off-seasons the last four years have followed as closely to exactly what I want that I have to feel that they got this one right. Trust the process when the process is working, and it's really, really working well.

So, "Welcome to the Jungle!", Nick Scott!

Rapp is a box safety...so I can see why Lou brought him in second. Scott is faster and more versatile which allows Lou to do way more schematically. The safeties are interchangeable now much the way they were with Bates and Bell the only knock is they (Hill and Scott) haven't played together so I expect growing pains.

I remember Scott from his days at PSU...was originally a RB who converted to safety, big hitter sure tackler and will play special teams when needed. Also a team Captain and leader.

[Kingspoint]

Rapp is a box safety...so I can see why Lou brought him in second. Scott is faster and more versatile which allows Lou to do way more schematically. The safeties are interchangeable now much the way they were with Bates and Bell the only knock is they (Hill and Scott) haven't played together so I expect growing pains.

I remember Scott from his days at PSU...was originally a RB who converted to safety, big hitter sure tackler and will play special teams when needed. Also a team Captain and leader.

That marks all the checkboxes for what they were looking for, which would explain a 3-year contract instead of 2-years, but the 3-years and the higher money based on production and experience probably had more to do with other teams also being interested in him. I'll have to rewatch the Super Bowl and focus on him.

I think he's going to be that guy holding the pointer real soon.

[Kingspoint]

Looks like Bengals were competing against Rams, Broncos, and Bucs for Scott...

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/18/bengals-fended-off-rams-broncos-bucs-nick-scott-free-agency/

That link then provides a new Bengals 7-rd mock draft post Orlando Brown signing.

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/lists/bengals-7-round-mock-draft-orlando-brown-jonah-williams-trade/ However, I think they are wrong about "plenty of teams around the NFL are looking for Left Tackle help". I can't think of hardly any, and I can't think of a single one that would be interested in Williams playing Left Tackle instead of Right Tackle. I hope the Bengals quickly give him permission to seek a trade so that a reality-check can sink into his head. Would take this draft all day long. (A RB named, "Tank")

[Ohayou]

That link then provides a new Bengals 7-rd mock draft post Orlando Brown signing.

https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/lists/bengals-7-round-mock-draft-orlando-brown-jonah-williams-trade/

A 3rd round pick for Williams is very unlikely. I like the rest of the draft, though.

[Kingspoint]

A 3rd round pick for Williams is very unlikely. I like the rest of the draft, though.

Only if we paid half his salary. Maybe they could squeeze a 3rd for 2024. After Jets give up picks for Rodgers, they probably won't have much left for this year.

[Kingspoint]

Just when I thought the Bengals were done shopping...

March 18th, 2023 at 10:32am CST by Sam Robinson

For the second straight offseason, the Bengals let their starting tight end walk in free agency. After C.J. Uzomah left for a Jets deal in 2022, Hayden Hurst joined the Panthers earlier this week. Cincinnati’s search for a new first-string tight end led to a visit with former Darren Waller backup Foster Moreau. The four-year veteran met with Bengals brass, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. Moreau, 25, has played regularly for the Raiders due to Waller’s injuries over the past two seasons. The Raiders trading Waller to the Giants (for a third-round pick) this week leaves them in need at the position. The Raiders having already extended Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, to go along with Josh Jacobs‘ franchise tag and Jakobi Meyers‘ $11MM-per-year free agency agreement, likely will put them on the hunt for a low-cost veteran to potentially pair with a draft pick. The Raiders have only Jesper Horsted and 2022 UDFA Cole Fotheringham on the roster at tight end. Moreau led Raiders tight ends with 33 receptions for 420 yards last season, when Waller’s lingering hamstring injury sidelined him for eight games. Moreau caught 30 passes for 373 yards in 2021, a season in which Waller missed six games.

The Bengals non-tendered Mitchell Wilcox as a restricted free agent last week, and 2019 second-round pick Drew Sample is also a free agent. Hurst, who signed a one-year deal with the team in 2022, joined the Panthers on a three-year deal worth $21.75MM ($13MM fully guaranteed) on Wednesday. As a result, the Bengals will likely add multiple tight ends to their equation this offseason. A 2019 fourth-round pick out of LSU, Moreau joins Dalton Schultz and a few other notable names at the tight end spot in free agency. Following the Bears’ Thursday addition of ex-Packer Robert Tonyan, Friday brought more movement on the tight end market. The Patriots added Mike Gesicki, while the Browns signed Jordan Akins. The Chargers also brought back Donald Parham. These moves thinned the market, but Austin Hooper, Cameron Brate, Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr.. join Schultz in free agency.

[Kingspoint]

There's probably going to be about five 1000-thread posts to this season as the Bengals go all the way to the Super Bowl and win it. Maybe six.

- - - Updated - - -

We're also at the point where defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his Staten Island Stew scheme have become a destination point.

"I was able to meet with Coach Lou and once he walked me through all the things they do and how he likes to play, I thought this is a no-brainer. This is where I want to play ball," Scott said. "It was a little bit of everything. His reputation and how he presented his defense. He'd be somebody actually able to explain the defense to me, not just what we're doing, but why we're doing it. Anytime you get coaches that are good at explaining it that way and getting the team to understand that, it makes for some good football."

[KoryMac5]

Lost Hurst, Bell, Perine in the span of a few days...but what that did was free up $$$ to allow for an Orlando Brown signing. From what the Athletic said negotiations began with Brown Jr. Tuesday night. They never imagined he would be available...

Fascinating article...https://theathletic.com/4321963/2023/03/19/orlando-brown-jr-bengals-free-agent-zac-taylor/


“By not panicking or overspending at positions because you lost a guy allows you to be in a position to make this deal when players come available,” Taylor said. “This opportunity comes to you and you are able to take advantage of it.”

[Benihana]

My dream offseason from this point forward:

1. Extend Burrow and Higgins
2. Sign Foster Moreau (would’ve preferred Gesicki but Moreau is fine)
3. Trade Jonah to Tennessee for a 3rd round pick
4. Trade that 3rd round pick for Austin Ekeler
5. Release Joe Mixon and restructure Tyler Boyd
6. Draft wishlist:
1 Bijan Robinson RB
2 Dalton Kincaid TE
3 Michael Mayer TE
4 Anton Harrison OT
7. Draft BPA in rounds 2-7

[Sea Ray]

Lost Hurst, Bell, Perine in the span of a few days...but what that did was free up $$$ to allow for an Orlando Brown signing. From what the Athletic said negotiations began with Brown Jr. Tuesday night. They never imagined he would be available...

Fascinating article...https://theathletic.com/4321963/2023/03/19/orlando-brown-jr-bengals-free-agent-zac-taylor/

Incidently Hayden Hurst got $7mill/yr and $13mill guaranteed from the Panthers. In a salary cap league, the Bengals can't and shouldn't, pay him that much. That's nuts.

Also, Jonah Williams is currently the 4th highest paid Bengals player

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/

[WrongVerb]

Visit Cincy asks to host NFL Draft in Cincinnati (https://local12.com/news/local/visit-cincy-asks-host-nfl-draft-cincinnati-national-football-league-julie-calvert-headquarters-hotel-bid?-fbpost-bengals)


Visit Cincy has told the NFL it would like to host the NFL draft in 2027, 2028 or 2029, CEO Julie Calvert said Friday.

Calvert made her remarks at the annual Visit Cincy meeting.

For the NFL, "those are the next open years," Calvert said. "We wanted to sign the documents with the Bengals and let them know now that we're interested."

If the city did win a bid for the draft for those years, the region plans to have finished building a new headquarters hotel downtown by then.

[Kingspoint]

Lost Hurst, Bell, Perine in the span of a few days...but what that did was free up $$$ to allow for an Orlando Brown signing. From what the Athletic said negotiations began with Brown Jr. Tuesday night. They never imagined he would be available...

Fascinating article...https://theathletic.com/4321963/2023/03/19/orlando-brown-jr-bengals-free-agent-zac-taylor/

Carolina signed Bell, Hurst, Dalton, (Thielen, and is going after D. J. Chark, and also retained C Bozeman and MLB Thompson). They are setting up a nice team to prepare whatever QB they decide to go with.

[Kingspoint]

Lost Hurst, Bell, Perine in the span of a few days...but what that did was free up $$$ to allow for an Orlando Brown signing. From what the Athletic said negotiations began with Brown Jr. Tuesday night. They never imagined he would be available...

Fascinating article...https://theathletic.com/4321963/2023/03/19/orlando-brown-jr-bengals-free-agent-zac-taylor/

I felt exactly the same way. I never thought he'd be available. By available, that meant someone paying him Top-5 money to play LT, but it didn't happen and Brown was willing to get paid a salary that has matched his production instead of potential, as nobody but the Bengals stepped up to pay him to play LT. It all worked out so well. I just didn't think all the pieces could fall into place to make this happen, but it only happens, as Taylor said, if the Bengals were prepared to make it happen should the opportunity arise.

[Kingspoint]

Incidently Hayden Hurst got $7mill/yr and $13mill guaranteed from the Panthers. In a salary cap league, the Bengals can't and shouldn't, pay him that much. That's nuts.

Also, Jonah Williams is currently the 4th highest paid Bengals player

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/

Hurst was a good signing for Carolina, though. He knows the Division well. He's dependable as a TE for both Dalton, and for the young QB that Dalton will be a bridge for. Thielen is also as dependable a Receiver as one can get, another perfect compliment for a young QB. The only issue is Dalton leading Thielen and Hurst into devastating hits. There's potential for that, and hopefully, their new QB starts more games than Dalton starts.

[redsfan30]

Seeing CJ Gardner-Johnson only get a year at 8 million from Detroit stings a bit. He'd have looked REAL good in the secondary. Real good.

[Kingspoint]

Watch this 5-1/2 minutes of Nick Scott mic'd up to see the guy that will be leading the Bengals' Secondary for at least, the next three years...

https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-bengals-safety-nick-scott-002513636.html

We added just the right player for what we needed. He is going to heavily outplay that contract he signed.

[Kingspoint]

From Profootball Focus:

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed the best left tackle on the free agent market. Orlando Brown Jr. heads to Cincinnati on a four-year contract worth $64.09 million, a price tag that fell short of PFF’s projections. Brown gives the Bengals a proven pass protector with playoff experience who just won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has never earned a pass-blocking grade below 74.4 in any of his five seasons in the NFL, and his 76.8 grade in 2022 was far superior to the mark put up by Bengals left tackle Jonah Williams (62.8).

Orlando Brown Jr.: Pass-blocking grades and rank since 2018 (postseason included):

Season/Pass-blocking grade/Rank

2022 76.8 23 of 89
2021 74.4 29 of 88
2020 77.8 25 of 86
2019 83.3 11 of 88
2018 75.1 37 of 83

Brown allowed just four sacks across 893 pass-blocking snaps in 2022 and was at his best down the stretch. From Week 11 through the Super Bowl, his 79.0 overall grade and 85.5 pass-blocking grade were top-12 marks among players at the position. Pass protection has been Cincinnati’s weakness since Joe Burrow’s arrival in 2020, and it has arguably cost the team two Super Bowl trophies. Burrow is arguably the NFL's best pure passer when he is protected. In fact, his 96.0 passing grade from clean pockets is the best mark in the league since he was drafted in 2020. The problem is that Burrow has faced pressure on almost one-third of his dropbacks since entering the league, and he has taken 153 sacks over that time — 13 more than the next-closest quarterback.

Brown’s signing now sets up the entire offensive line for greater success in 2023, and it will allow the unit to build off a year that showed promise when all five starters were healthy. Brown’s arrival also frees the Bengals up in the draft. They could still opt for an offensive lineman, but adding a top-10 left tackle allows them to focus on a dynamic tight end or defensive back if they choose to do so. Cincinnati’s primary goal this and every offseason should be to support Joe Burrow. Signing the best tackle on the market accomplishes just that. Burrow has proven to be elite when protected, while Orlando Brown Jr. is a durable, proven pass protector. The match couldn’t be more perfect, and it may be the most impactful signing of the entire offseason.

[KoryMac5]

Seeing CJ Gardner-Johnson only get a year at 8 million from Detroit stings a bit. He'd have looked REAL good in the secondary. Real good.

Not sure Lou and Taylor felt there was a fit...he has been punched twice once by a teammate and once by an opponent...so he has some fire to him.

The interest in him was very tepid...Eagles offered him a 3 year deal that was heavily backloaded.

He ends up on a prove it deal. He would have been interesting though....

[KoryMac5]

Scharping resigned to a 1 yr deal...good depth signing.

[Kingspoint]

Scharping resigned to a 1 yr deal...good depth signing.

I never knew he looked like Lumpy until today.

They could use a full training camp to work with him to really see what his potential is.

[WrongVerb]

In the Locked on NFL Scouting by The Draft Gurus podcast latest episode they discuss the market for Jonah Williams, as well as a deeper dive into offensive line construction and how different teams approach that.

Link to the episode: https://pca.st/h960hgn9

[WVRed]

What if the Bengals got the Jets or Patriots to bite for a third round pick and then flip the pick and no 28 to move up to the 18 range. Would guarantee they would get whoever they wanted to draft vs standing pat at 28.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

What if the Bengals got the Jets or Patriots to bite for a third round pick and then flip the pick and no 28 to move up to the 18 range. Would guarantee they would get whoever they wanted to draft vs standing pat at 28.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

The Bengals will definitely hold firm on the price which will be a Day 2 pick...

I think the market is dry though for him due to his season last year, his injury history, is he a guard or tackle...Goodberry brought up how slow the market is for Wynn currently, on twitter and I would have to think Jonah is in the same boat

Ultimately he comes back here and they try him at RT...or begin his transition to Guard...

[Benihana]

What if the Bengals got the Jets or Patriots to bite for a third round pick and then flip the pick and no 28 to move up to the 18 range. Would guarantee they would get whoever they wanted to draft vs standing pat at 28.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Agree it should be a Day 2 pick. And in addition to packaging that to move up, I'd also be elated if we flipped that pick to the Chargers for Austin Ekeler...

[Sea Ray]

If another team is willing to pick up the $12mill in guaranteed money, I don't think the Bengals can ask for much more than that

[Kingspoint]

"Great leader. He has experience playing at a high level. Versatile in the secondary. Highly explosive athlete. Very good range and ball skills. Plays with good instincts in both the run and pass game. Shows up as a tackler. Fits exactly what we're looking for as far as character in terms of intangibles, in terms of physical attributes."

Trey Brown, Senior Personnel Executive for the Cincinnati Bengals continues after it was brought up that he was only the 13th best-rated Safety available on PFF's Free Agent Rankings....

"We're trying to get the best players for the Bengals and we can't really worry about what everybody else is doing around the league," Trey Brown said. "Everybody has different schemes, different cultures, different fits, but he's a guy we identified early as a guy that could factor in for us and I thought it was an outstanding fit for what we're trying to do."



Nothing more really needs to be said. Yes, it would have been nice to keep Bates or Bell, but after that, Nick Scott is a perfect fit for the Bengals.


....and, maybe they need to get a nursing room for the wives.

- - - Updated - - -


If another team is willing to pick up the $12mill in guaranteed money, I don't think the Bengals can ask for much more than that

If they were to pick up $6M and toss us back a 5th Rd pick, that would be very acceptable, too.

[Kingspoint]

Ultimately he comes back here and they try him at RT...or begin his transition to Guard...

No thanks. He'll always have a chip on his shoulder against the organization where he thinks he hasn't been treated fairly and that he's underpaid.

[Kingspoint]

The last two players I wanted in Free Agency, Dalton Shultz and Damian Harris, are both gone.

I have to guess that with the Bengals not even looking at Schultz (Pollack would know his extremely well with Schultz having blocked in Pollack's system, in addition to Schultz being an excellent run-blocker and excellent Receiver), that the Bengals have their sites on a drafted TE starting for them in the Opening Game, especially with the number of supposedly quality TE's available when the Bengals get their 1st Rd pick. There's no longer a need to draft a Tackle, Safety or LB this season with their 1st Rd pick. So, TE or CB seems to be the two best options. I could be wrong and they draft a RB with their 1st pick, whether that's traded down a few spots to get a RB or TE, while adding an extra pick.

[Kingspoint]

It seems like we'll hire from within when Anarumo leaves and offer Safeties Coach Robert Livingston the job as Defensive Coordinator. That seems like a natural progression for today's upward movement. I do believe that's what Anarumo did before he was made temporary D.C. at Miami.

[Kingspoint]

If another team is willing to pick up the $12mill in guaranteed money, I don't think the Bengals can ask for much more than that

Absolutely true.

In fact, Jonah Williams' value is so low at the moment that the Bengals might have to include a 6th or 7th Rd pick just to get someone to pay that $12M. Now, if the Bengals were willing to split the difference and pay $6M themselves, then the Bengals could ask in return a pick of some type. So, basically, the Bengals would be buying a late pick for $6M while clearing $6M off of the books for this season that can be used elsewhere (and they certainly have needs where they could use it).

[KoryMac5]

Absolutely true.

In fact, Jonah Williams' value is so low at the moment that the Bengals might have to include a 6th or 7th Rd pick just to get someone to pay that $12M. Now, if the Bengals were willing to split the difference and pay $6M themselves, then the Bengals could ask in return a pick of some type. So, basically, the Bengals would be buying a late pick for $6M while clearing $6M off of the books for this season that can be used elsewhere (and they certainly have needs where they could use it).

We know how the Bengals operate though...they place a certain value on a guy and they wait it out. I am sure they have a number on Jonah that they feel is fair (most likely a day 2 pick). I think they would also deal Jonah for a player if they feel the player is of greater or equal value.

What they won't do is pay salary to get a lesser value...

Ultimately I think we see Jonah back here working on the right side...his FA market is not going to be any better sitting out a season. Especially given his last year of tape that is out there.

[Tony Cloninger]

I would have like Dan Freney as a backup G as well for 1 year. Good berry or Damian Harris for RB.

So rookies at RB and TE it is.

[KoryMac5]

Updated list of who Bengals met with at combine:

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/full-list-players-cincinnati-bengals-met-with-2023-nfl-combine#gid=ci02b98ee1a0002712&pid=cornerbacks

[WrongVerb]

Updated list of who Bengals met with at combine:

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/full-list-players-cincinnati-bengals-met-with-2023-nfl-combine#gid=ci02b98ee1a0002712&pid=cornerbacks

Here are some more visits according to Walter Football (https://walterfootball.com/ProspectMeetings/ByTeam) (some overlap between lists):

Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State (COM)
Bryan Bresee, Defensive Tackle, Clemson (COM)
Keondre Coburn, Defensive Tackle, Texas (COM)
Gervon Dexter, Defensive Tackle, Florida (COM)
Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State (COM)
Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End, Notre Dame (COM)
Dawand Jones, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (PRI)
Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah (COM)
Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame (COM)
Ivan Pace, 3-4 Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati (COM)
Clark Phillips, Cornerback, Utah (COM)
Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia (COM)
Nolan Smith, Outside Linebacker, Georgia (COM)

[Ohayou]

In his newest mock draft, Kiper has us taking Darnell Washington. He has both Mayer and Kincaid going before our pick, as well as Bijan Robinson to the Bills one pick before.

[RedTeamGo!]

Washington would be a perfect pick for the Bengals. He is like having a 6th OL on the field.

[WVRed]

Washington would be a perfect pick for the Bengals. He is like having a 6th OL on the field.Highly underrated as a pass catcher too. Didn't get to see it much with Brock Bowers at Georgia but I'd be happy with either Washington or Darnell Wright at 28.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[WrongVerb]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Bengals have had trade conversations centered around LT Jonah Williams, sources say, as the interest heats up in the player who has 47 career starts. Williams requested a trade following the signing of Orlando Brown, and Cincy has heard from several possible suitors.
9:33am · 22 Mar 202

[Kingspoint]

In his newest mock draft, Kiper has us taking Darnell Washington. He has both Mayer and Kincaid going before our pick, as well as Bijan Robinson to the Bills one pick before.

And, they just picked up Damien Harris, so that may not be the case now.

[KoryMac5]

Dehner selected Dawand Jones in the Athletics mock...

[Wonderful Monds]

Washington would be a perfect pick for the Bengals. He is like having a 6th OL on the field.

I had that thought, but then I saw his catch numbers posted, didn’t realize he was used so little. Concerns me that he’ll be another Drew Sample.

[RedTeamGo!]

I had that thought, but then I saw his catch numbers posted, didn’t realize he was used so little. Concerns me that he’ll be another Drew Sample.

Darnell's response to being compared to Drew Sample:

https://images.rivals.com/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto,t_large/lvwgvgw7krx6x0tlpqik

But for real, most of Georgia's offense runs through the run game and Brock Bowers.

- - - Updated - - -


Dehner selected Dawand Jones in the Athletics mock...

As an OSU fan that has watched pretty much every snap of Dawand's career: No, just say no, Bengals. Dude is going to get destroyed by NFL DLs

[WVRed]

I had that thought, but then I saw his catch numbers posted, didn’t realize he was used so little. Concerns me that he’ll be another Drew Sample.Sample isn't 6'7 and 270 lbs and moves like a gazelle.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Benihana]

Pass on both Darnell Washington and Dawand Jones.

Give me Robinson, Mayer, Kincaid, Harrison or Darnell Wright.

ESPN suggested the Bengals and Jets swap Jonah Williams for Mekhi Becton. I'd be all for that- a RT with serious upside and $7M of cap savings. If we could swap 3rd round picks as well, all the better.

My ideal would be to draft Bijan Robinson, sign Foster Moreau, trade Jonah for Becton, and go all in in next year's draft for Brock Bowers.

[RiverRat13]

As an OSU fan that has watched pretty much every snap of Dawand's career: No, just say no, Bengals. Dude is going to get destroyed by NFL DLs

He didn't test today, at the Combine, and left the Senior Bowl after one practice. That's a little worrisome, IMO.

[Sea Ray]

Pass on both Darnell Washington and Dawand Jones.

Give me Robinson, Mayer, Kincaid, Harrison or Darnell Wright.

ESPN suggested the Bengals and Jets swap Jonah Williams for Mekhi Becton. I'd be all for that- a RT with serious upside and $7M of cap savings. If we could swap 3rd round picks as well, all the better.

My ideal would be to draft Bijan Robinson, sign Foster Moreau, trade Jonah for Becton, and go all in in next year's draft for Brock Bowers.

Jets just traded their 3rd rd pick to Cleveland

[KoryMac5]

Pass on both Darnell Washington and Dawand Jones.

Give me Robinson, Mayer, Kincaid, Harrison or Darnell Wright.

ESPN suggested the Bengals and Jets swap Jonah Williams for Mekhi Becton. I'd be all for that- a RT with serious upside and $7M of cap savings. If we could swap 3rd round picks as well, all the better.

My ideal would be to draft Bijan Robinson, sign Foster Moreau, trade Jonah for Becton, and go all in in next year's draft for Brock Bowers.

I think in the mock that Dehner did with all the beat writers the above had all been picked

Robinson 26th
Mayer 21
Wright 19
Kincaid 15

Harrison was still on the board.

[Tony Cloninger]

Pass on both Darnell Washington and Dawand Jones.

Give me Robinson, Mayer, Kincaid, Harrison or Darnell Wright.

ESPN suggested the Bengals and Jets swap Jonah Williams for Mekhi Becton. I'd be all for that- a RT with serious upside and $7M of cap savings. If we could swap 3rd round picks as well, all the better.

My ideal would be to draft Bijan Robinson, sign Foster Moreau, trade Jonah for Becton, and go all in in next year's draft for Brock Bowers.


Becton has played 1 game in 2 years. Why would you trade for someone who makes Sean Brewer look like Jim Marshall. Even with the savings you get.
If the Jets want to give up a 4th round pick along with it ok. They are not going to give up any higher as they need them for Rodgers trade.

[Redsfaithful]

He didn't test today, at the Combine, and left the Senior Bowl after one practice. That's a little worrisome, IMO.

I hate saying anything negative because the Bengals are crushing it in most areas in recent years, but this sounds like a Bengals o-line draft pick.

[UKFlounder]

Moreau just found out he has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will seek to cure that while stepping away from football.



Pass on both Darnell Washington and Dawand Jones.

Give me Robinson, Mayer, Kincaid, Harrison or Darnell Wright.

ESPN suggested the Bengals and Jets swap Jonah Williams for Mekhi Becton. I'd be all for that- a RT with serious upside and $7M of cap savings. If we could swap 3rd round picks as well, all the better.

My ideal would be to draft Bijan Robinson, sign Foster Moreau, trade Jonah for Becton, and go all in in next year's draft for Brock Bowers.

[KoryMac5]

Irv Smith Jr might be a target...still pretty green and not a great run blocker...but he runs well

[Redhook]

At this point, it seems like it all systems go towards the Bengals drafting Mayer, Kincaid or Washington in the first round. I think would rank them in that order, but I don’t know enough about them to know for sure.

[WVRed]

I hate saying anything negative because the Bengals are crushing it in most areas in recent years, but this sounds like a Bengals o-line draft pick.Under this regime it's been Jonah who I think was a reach only because the Steelers leaped them for Devin Bush and Jackson Carman who was definitely taken a round or two before he should have been.

I kinda like the idea of Burrow having two 6'8 tackles protecting him but if we go OL then Darnell Wright seems like a pick this regime would make. Four year starter in college who has already played against some of the top pass rushers in college who will be playing on Sundays.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Todd Gack]

Under this regime it's been Jonah who I think was a reach only because the Steelers leaped them for Devin Bush and Jackson Carman who was definitely taken a round or two before he should have been.

I kinda like the idea of Burrow having two 6'8 tackles protecting him but if we go OL then Darnell Wright seems like a pick this regime would make. Four year starter in college who has already played against some of the top pass rushers in college who will be playing on Sundays.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I don't understand. I thought TE was very deep this draft? Why would we draft a TE in R1 (unless he was BPA)? I'd rather look for Jonah's replacement if he was available or BPA.

[Tony Cloninger]

Moreau just found out he has Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will seek to cure that while stepping away from football.


Did the Bengals not give him a full physical? Just talk and particulars.

Can we all get these type of physicals every 6 months.

[WVRed]

I don't understand. I thought TE was very deep this draft? Why would we draft a TE in R1 (unless he was BPA)? I'd rather look for Jonah's replacement if he was available or BPA.Darnell Wright is an OT from Tennessee

Darnell Washington is the TE from Georgia that's been mocked to the Bengals.

TE is very deep but the top three are projected to go in the first round. After that you have either Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft or Sam LaPorta.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[WVRed]

Speaking of Devin Bush:

I think we all missed on that one. The meltdown on this board was pretty epic at the time. The Bengals needed a LB and Bush had blown away the combine.

As disappointing as Jonah Williams had been I think the Steelers trading up for Bush and creating misery for the Bengals didn't exactly transpire.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Todd Gack]

Darnell Wright is an OT from Tennessee

Darnell Washington is the TE from Georgia that's been mocked to the Bengals.

TE is very deep but the top three are projected to go in the first round. After that you have either Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft or Sam LaPorta.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Ohhhhhh I see. Thanks for the clarification.

[WrongVerb]

I see I'm not the only one trying to keep Darnell Washington, Darnell Wright, and Dawand Jones all straight.

I think, if he's there, the Bengals will take Wright in the 1st. Regardless, he'll be the last of the plug-and-play tackles in this draft taken.

[WVRed]

This is kind of my ideal draft scenario:

1. Darnell Wright. If gone then any of the three TEs. Kincaid was available here. Only player higher on the PFF board was Calijah Kancey who to my knowledge the Bengals haven't worked out.

2. Bergeron could be a developmentmental type of player but he has the tools to be a starting RT long term. If not available here then there are plenty of players available in the secondary in the second round. Garrett Williams, Bergerons teammate from Syracuse, was also considered here.

3. Tomlinson gives them insurance at CB with Awuzie coming back and CTB in his second year. Jammie Robinson, a safety from Florida State also would have made sense here.

4. Several RBs to consider here:
Deuce Vaughn
Sean Tucker
Roschon Johnson
Zach Evans
Chase Brown
Keaton Mitchell

5. Jalen Moreno-Cropper would be a solid receiver if they decide to move on from Boyd. Two receivers plus Vaughn would be an improvement to the offense.

6. Ventrell Miller is a solid depth piece at LB. Could make a case for a punter here.

7. I think the Bengals use the 7th round to invest
in a backup for Burrow to develop. Stetson Bennett. Aidan OConnell and Clayton Tune would all be options. If Burrow does go down again then it would be nice to have a Brock Purdy type of option available instead of Brandon Allen.
19317

[RiverRat13]

I see I'm not the only one trying to keep Darnell Washington, Darnell Wright, and Dawand Jones all straight.
.

The Bengals should try to draft all three at 28 and see if anyone notices.

[KoryMac5]

The Bengals should try to draft all three at 28 and see if anyone notices.

With the 28th pick the Bengals select the Darnell's...

Which one...all of them.

[Tony Cloninger]

They still should have signed a TE. Schultz or Hooper for 1 year was reasonable. That Rams guard that was just signed would have been a great depth piece and keeps Akiim off the roster. He’s bad. Rams guard was a FT starter but last year lost time due to concussion issue. He was signed cheaply too.

[Danny Serafini]

Ezekiel Elliott is apparently choosing between the Eagles, Jets and Bengals for next year.

[WVRed]

Ezekiel Elliott is apparently choosing between the Eagles, Jets and Bengals for next year.Not sure how I feel about this one.

Thinking Zeke is past his prime. Might as well just resign Mixon at this point.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Redsfaithful]

Zeke would be replacing Perine, he's a great pass blocker. Probably an upgrade there and maybe he has some juice left if he's on a light workload.

[WVRed]

Zeke would be replacing Perine, he's a great pass blocker. Probably an upgrade there and maybe he has some juice left if he's on a light workload.Is he going to be happy being a complimentary piece instead of a feature back? Then again none of the three teams listed are going to give him that chance, maybe the Eagles.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Redsfaithful]

Is he going to be happy being a complimentary piece instead of a feature back? Then again none of the three teams listed are going to give him that chance, maybe the Eagles.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

If he's smart then he knows he's at that point in his career. Given he seems to want to go to teams that have a shot at winning a ring I think he does.

[Kingspoint]

I don't understand. I thought TE was very deep this draft? Why would we draft a TE in R1 (unless he was BPA)? I'd rather look for Jonah's replacement if he was available or BPA.

I'm sure the Bengals see it this way.

- - - Updated - - -


Speaking of Devin Bush:

I think we all missed on that one. The meltdown on this board was pretty epic at the time. The Bengals needed a LB and Bush had blown away the combine.

As disappointing as Jonah Williams had been I think the Steelers trading up for Bush and creating misery for the Bengals didn't exactly transpire.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Makes me want to go reread that thread.

[Kingspoint]

Is he going to be happy being a complimentary piece instead of a feature back? Then again none of the three teams listed are going to give him that chance, maybe the Eagles.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Two positives. Zeke ran behind our O-Line Coach's designs for years and our O-Line Coach knows him better than Zeke knows himself. Another reason we should have made certain we added Dalton Schultz for two years. I have to assume that the Bengals are really, really high on at least one of the 1st Rd TE prospects and that it's a 90% chance that they are taking one of those that they highly covet with their 1st pick. Are they willing to trade up to get the TE that they want? Don't know about that, but it depends upon how much they highly covet that player. I don't know why, but the Notre Dame TE strikes me as a bust. I hope it's not him. Think I'd rather go with Georgia's TE. Even if they had done that, with the difficulty that exists of TE's learning to block in the NFL, they still should have paid the price for Schultz, an 82.5 PFF Graded Run-Blocker last season. Makes whoever we place on the right side of our new, and likely not very good, RT, much less of a liability.

[WVRed]

Add Michigan State WR Jayden Reed to those the Bengals are watching.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[WVRed]

I'm sure the Bengals see it this way.

- - - Updated - - -



Makes me want to go reread that thread.I, for one, have no prob-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 2ND DOWN-lem with Hart. I think he get-FALSE START, #68, 5 YARD PENALTY -s a bad rap. He's actually not tha-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -t bad. I don't understand where all th-ILLEGAL FORMATION, LINED UP IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -e hate comes from. Really just a misunderstood guy.

Best post in that thread.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

I, for one, have no prob-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 2ND DOWN-lem with Hart. I think he get-FALSE START, #68, 5 YARD PENALTY -s a bad rap. He's actually not tha-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -t bad. I don't understand where all th-ILLEGAL FORMATION, LINED UP IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -e hate comes from. Really just a misunderstood guy.

Best post in that thread.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I love this one I posted March 7th (not because I posted it, but because of the Rotoworld commentor's comments about "this has the looks of a freight train", but he meant to say a freight train that is going to crash, as it surely has with that albatross contract that they gave to Murray, dooming the franchise until the gauranteed money is gone, and then probably for a while after that).

Easy to see why Arians ran away from Phoenix...

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

CBS' Jason La Canfora reports it is the "worst kept secret in the history of the world" that the Cardinals will take Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick.

Per La Canfora, "people close" to Murray are "thoroughly convinced" he will end up in the desert. It has certainly felt that way, with the Cardinals barely even bothering to deny their interest. New coach Kliff Kingsbury is on video saying Murray should be the No. 1 overall pick. He has the same agent as Murray. It is still early in the process, but this has the feel of a freight train.

SOURCE: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

This was pretty prophetic by West Virginia Red...

Say what you want about the NFL but it’s not a player driven league like the NBA. Brown just forced his way out of his situation, literally got to pick where he wanted to go, and screwed the Steelers over in the process.

Who’s to say OBJ doesn’t try to do the same with the Giants? It’s annoying when an Anthony Davis or Paul George situation happens in the NBA. I’d prefer it not happen anywhere else. At least in the NBA George and Leonard were traded somewhere other than where they tried to force.

[Kingspoint]

March 24th, 2023 at 4:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

MARCH 24: Pouring water on the potential of an Elliott-to-Philadelphia move, John Clark of NBC Sports tweets that the Eagles have not yet talked with the three-time Pro Bowler about a contract. He adds that the reigning NFC champions are “happy” with their current situation in the backfield. That update illustrates the reality that Elliott’s preferred destinations represents a wish list on his part, more so than a shortlist of interested suitors.

[Bob Sheed]

I, for one, have no prob-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 2ND DOWN-lem with Hart. I think he get-FALSE START, #68, 5 YARD PENALTY -s a bad rap. He's actually not tha-FALSE START, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -t bad. I don't understand where all th-ILLEGAL FORMATION, LINED UP IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE, #68, REPEAT 3RD DOWN -e hate comes from. Really just a misunderstood guy.

Best post in that thread.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Borrowed very heavily from


https://youtu.be/oZ6tGZF3SYY

[KoryMac5]

Hart was a decent swing tackle who should have never started. Plus they gave him 3 yrs 21 luckily only 5 was guaranteed.However what it does show you is how desperate teams are for offensive lineman as he is still in the league.

I wonder if we can find the posts secretly hoping Taylor takes the Nebraska job or comparing him to David Shula…

I would much rather talk about pick 28

[KoryMac5]

Bengals put Blake Freeland through drills at his pro day…someone to keep an eye out for at pick 60. Tall kid who moves well his RAS is off the charts.

[WVRed]

Bengals put Blake Freeland through drills at his pro day…someone to keep an eye out for at pick 60. Tall kid who moves well his RAS is off the charts.Really surprised they haven't looked at Cody Mauch. He has the glass eater Pollack mentality.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

Really surprised they haven't looked at Cody Mauch. He has the glass eater Pollack mentality.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

They could feel set on the interior Mauch is expected to go 2nd round though he may sneak into the first. Bengals probably go Tackle and corner first 2 rounds.

[Redhook]

They could feel set on the interior Mauch is expected to go 2nd round though he may sneak into the first. Bengals probably go Tackle and corner first 2 rounds.

While that would be ideal, who’s going to play TE? I’m not a fan of drafting a TE early in the draft, but they have a glaring hole and there aren’t many free agents options left.

There’s still some time this off-season, but it’d be nice if they filled a couple more holes before the draft so they don’t reach for anyone. I trust them, but it’s been a slow off-season for them not counting the one big bang.

[KoryMac5]

While that would be ideal, who’s going to play TE? I’m not a fan of drafting a TE early in the draft, but they have a glaring hole and there aren’t many free agents options left.

There’s still some time this off-season, but it’d be nice if they filled a couple more holes before the draft so they don’t reach for anyone. I trust them, but it’s been a slow off-season for them not counting the one big bang.

I think they would jump at Mayer or Kincaid if they are there at 28...but there is a good chance both are gone...Laporta or Kuntz could be fall backs. 3rd round feels like there sweet spot if they miss out on Mayer and Kincaid.

I am a bit shocked they have not brought in Irv Smith Jr for a look especially considering he was supposed to be the hot name for TE's.

[Redhook]

I think they would jump at Mayer or Kincaid if they are there at 28...but there is a good chance both are gone...Laporta or Kuntz could be fall backs. 3rd round feels like there sweet spot if they miss out on Mayer and Kincaid.

I am a bit shocked they have not brought in Irv Smith Jr for a look especially considering he was supposed to be the hot name for TE's.

I agree and I’d only draft one of those two in the first (I like Mayer better due to his blocking skills). With the deep TE class, there’s a chance they can get near a first round talent in the 2nd.

Do they even have one TE on the roster right now not counting the practice squad? Hurst, Sample and Wilcox are all signed or free agents. It’s a massive hole right that needs to be addressed asap.

[UKFlounder]

Isn’t Kincaid the one with a back injury and is not even working out for teams yet?

I’d be very nervous about taking another injured player in the 1st round, especially with a bad back.

[Redhook]

Isn’t Kincaid the one with a back injury and is not even working out for teams yet?

I’d be very nervous about taking another injured player in the 1st round, especially with a bad back.

Good call: https://clutchpoints.com/utah-football-news-utes-dalton-kincaid-nfl-draft-combine-injury

Yeah, I wouldn’t draft any player in the first with any injury concern. The Bengals have been burned by that way too many times in the last 10 years. Hard pass on Kincaid.

[bucksfan2]

I wonder if the Bengals are waiting for the next cut down date to sign a TE, or are going to trade for one. It just seems odd, or that they missed the boat on TE completely.

I feel like 1st round TE's are often a mixed bag. The Bengals have take two over the past decade or so, and both had their ups and downs. But even when you dive in further, most successful TE's are taken in the mid to later rounds of the draft. The best 3 TE's in the game today, Kelce, Kittle, and Andrews were all 3rd round or later guys. The first rounders that everyone was drooling over seem to be a mixed bag. Kyle Pitts had a disaster of a second season, and I fell like you see Noah Fant's name as being traded more than you do for his on field success.

I think they need to go BPA in the 1st, but they have kinda backed themselves into a corner needing TE, RB, as well as a future Tackle. If you can get something for Williams, that could give them more draft capital to fill their needs.

[WrongVerb]

'You think the mayor helped recruit him?': Kelce brothers react to Orlando Brown signing with Bengals (https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-orlando-brown-travis-kelce-podcast-mayor-jabroni/43420812)


In the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, hosted by former Cincinnati Bearcats Jason and Travis Kelce (the latter a former teammate of Brown's in KC), the brothers talked about Brown's move to "the dark side."
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

"It stings," Travis said. "It hurts. It hurts my soul, man. It's like watching your best friend just turn evil on you.

"Obviously the past, like, two years we've struggled beating the Bengals, so there's been a lot of build up in emotion of like, I wouldn't say 'hate' but dislike towards the Bengals because they keep beating us and they keep talking about it every time they do," the younger Kelce continued. "To see him go to the dark side, it's an awkward feeling."

Travis continued to wish Brown the best in orange and black, wishing his friend success with his new club.

[Wonderful Monds]

“They keep talking about it” dude you run your mouth worse than anyone in the league :rolleyes:

[UKFlounder]

Bengals sign CB Sidney Jones for 1-year, possibly/probably replacing Eli Apple

[KoryMac5]

Bengals sign CB Sidney Jones for 1-year, possibly/probably replacing Eli Apple

Good depth move for the Bengals...when he was cut last year a few of us wanted him...liked his numbers in Seattle and only 26.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals sign CB Sidney Jones for 1-year, possibly/probably replacing Eli Apple

I'm guessing not. Pretty sure they want to keep Apple. Just looks like more depth in training camp and they can keep the those who look the best. Jones is more of a maybe he makes the club, maybe he doesn't.

Bills have done a really good job with their secondary. They'll get Micah Hyde back from injury. They were able to keep Jordan Poyer. They just added Taylor Rapp for one year today. They also have another DB coming back after missing an entire season.

I didn't think the Bengals had enough bodies at CB for camp, at least not with experience. Jones adds to that and he's definitely going to try to compete for #3 on the depth chart trying to beat out Apple.

[Redsfaithful]

Loving the moves this week. Irv Smith Jr. at age 24 is a great signing. Apparently he had offers from multiple teams but wanted to come to Cincinnati. Jones is a great corner signing. A+ offseason from me so far.

[KoryMac5]

Irv Smith 1 year deal had other offers but wanted to play with Burrow...

Solid grades blocking and untapped potential as a receiver...nice signing.

[Redhook]

Irv Smith 1 year deal had other offers but wanted to play with Burrow...

Solid grades blocking and untapped potential as a receiver...nice signing.

Good call on him a few days ago. This is a good signing considering the slim TE pickings in FA. And now, they can draft they don’t have a force a TE pick (starter) in the draft.

[RiverRat13]

Irv Smith 1 year deal had other offers but wanted to play with Burrow...

Solid grades blocking and untapped potential as a receiver...nice signing.

Smart man. Joe Burrow gets tight ends paid.

[KoryMac5]

Smart man. Joe Burrow gets tight ends paid.

I saw on Twitter folks congratulating him (Smith) on his future 3 yr deal...

Smith's big issue from what I understand has been health so fingers crossed

[membengal]

Loving the moves this week. Irv Smith Jr. at age 24 is a great signing. Apparently he had offers from multiple teams but wanted to come to Cincinnati. Jones is a great corner signing. A+ offseason from me so far.

SIX teams. We got him when he had offers from six teams. New day and what not.


had offers from Dolphins, Vikings, Jags, Bengals, Atlanta and Washington.

[MilotheMayor]

The Athletic's latest mock have the Bengals taking Bijan...

[Sea Ray]

The Athletic's latest mock have the Bengals taking Bijan...

Mocks vary, especially this time of year. This one has him going #9 to the Bears

https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bears/nfl-mock-draft-bears-pick-bijan-robinson-no-9

[Ohayou]

Still need another TE. Might not be in the first round, but Irv Smith is not a player I'd immediately pencil in as the #1 option. Good signing, though.


My early prediction is Emmanuel Forbes. The Bengals want players in the backfield with a knack for making plays on the ball. Forbes is that guy, with 14 INT's in 25 games, 6 of which were returned for touchdowns.

Mike Tannenbaum has Forbes going to us in his latest mock draft...but he also has Hendon Hooker going #5 overall to the Seahawks. :dunno:

[membengal]

Kelsey Conway
@KelseyLConway
·
20m
Spoke with Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell about the #Bengals new TE Irv Smith:

“Great with the football in his hands and is very rarely going to get tackled by the first defender.”

“I think there’s a lot of really, really good football in front of Irv.”

[RedTeamGo!]

I feel like the name Irv Smith just sounds like a bruiser of an NFL TE.

[WVRed]

Kinda curious why Sam LaPorta isn't getting any love.

He came from TE U (Kittle, Hockenson, Fant). Figured he'd be projected higher.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

Kinda curious why Sam LaPorta isn't getting any love.

He came from TE U (Kittle, Hockenson, Fant). Figured he'd be projected higher.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Some of the scouting reports state that he has issues in blocking which amazes me as he went to Iowa..

His strengths are after the catch...

[membengal]

PFF

Explosive play rate over the last 3 seasons:


Irv Smith Jr - 21.4%
C.J. Uzomah - 18.2%
Hayden Hurst - 17.6%

[Ohayou]

Kinda curious why Sam LaPorta isn't getting any love.

He came from TE U (Kittle, Hockenson, Fant). Figured he'd be projected higher.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

Always been a fan. Round 2, I'm cool with. His stock is trending up after his combine performance.

[Redhook]

Kinda curious why Sam LaPorta isn't getting any love.

He came from TE U (Kittle, Hockenson, Fant). Figured he'd be projected higher.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

He was mocked in the first in one of the hundreds of mock drafts I’ve seen, but finding that one would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I’d love it if he fell to the Bengals in the 2nd, but I’m guessing he’s gone by then.

[Kingspoint]

Irv Smith, while I see him at this point of his career as being on par with Drew Sample, as far as his ability to contribute positively on the field, he was probably the best FA TE they could acquire at this time. He fits into several categories that the Bengals covet right now...one-year conract, some starting experience, upside because of age, relationship ties with players and coaches, knowledge of his psyche through Bengals' relationships with his prior coaches,...and currently healthy. This is very similar to the Sidney Jones signing.

The Bengals are trying to set themselves up for taking the BPA with their 1st Rd pick. If all players are approximately the same as far as grading when their turn comes up, it's still going to be TE 1st, OT 2nd, CB 3rd.

There obviously has to be in play the possibility that they grab the only 1st Rd rated RB should he be there when they pick, if on their draft board a superior TE or OT or CB are not there. If none of these are there, they have done well to set themselves up to trade down and acquire more picks.

[Kingspoint]

Irv Smith 1 year deal had other offers but wanted to play with Burrow...

Solid grades blocking and untapped potential as a receiver...nice signing.

Just curious. Where do the "solid grades blocking" come from? Any sources? He's a small TE. I wouldn't expect Irv Smith to have ever received anything greater than "below average" as a blocker from PFF during either of his 1-1/2 seasons that he played. I know he had an overall grade of below average last year from PFF, and Receiving is supposed to be his strong suit. I also wonder why his reception rate was so low last season from a QB who is usually in the top-three in the NFL in completion percentage, and where a TE should have an even higher rate caught receptions than Wide Receivers because of the routes that he runs and his ability to use his body as a shield to make a catch (though Irv Smith's small body prevents that).

[Kingspoint]

I saw on Twitter folks congratulating him (Smith) on his future 3 yr deal...

Smith's big issue from what I understand has been health so fingers crossed

It's more than just health. MIN didn't give up on him because of his health.

[Kingspoint]

SIX teams. We got him when he had offers from six teams. New day and what not.

In the end, those "six" other offers were not probably very good ones. I doubt if we signed him for very much, while we only had to come up with one year. Not many of those offers were for him to be a Starter, but to compete for a Starting job, or compete for a backup job, probably all one-year offers, and probably none for over $3.5M.

- - - Updated - - -


The Athletic's latest mock have the Bengals taking Bijan...

The Athletic has about 200 writers. Which one?

[Kingspoint]

Kelsey Conway
@KelseyLConway
·
20m
Spoke with Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell about the #Bengals new TE Irv Smith:

“Great with the football in his hands and is very rarely going to get tackled by the first defender.”

“I think there’s a lot of really, really good football in front of Irv.” So, why were they so quick to let their high investment walk for nothing?

- - - Updated - - -


Some of the scouting reports state that he has issues in blocking which amazes me as he went to Iowa..

His strengths are after the catch...

100% of TE's that enter the NFL can't block.

[Kingspoint]

He was mocked in the first in one of the hundreds of mock drafts I’ve seen, but finding that one would be like finding a needle in a haystack. I’d love it if he fell to the Bengals in the 2nd, but I’m guessing he’s gone by then.

https://walterfootball.com/draftdata.php

[KoryMac5]

Just curious. Where do the "solid grades blocking" come from? Any sources? He's a small TE. I wouldn't expect Irv Smith to have ever received anything greater than "below average" as a blocker from PFF during either of his 1-1/2 seasons that he played. I know he had an overall grade of below average last year from PFF, and Receiving is supposed to be his strong suit. I also wonder why his reception rate was so low last season from a QB who is usually in the top-three in the NFL in completion percentage, and where a TE should have an even higher rate caught receptions than Wide Receivers because of the routes that he runs and his ability to use his body as a shield to make a catch (though Irv Smith's small body prevents that).

Folks doing film review felt he was an above average blocker...here are stats from his rookie season which show a lot of potential.

Irv Smith Jr, compared to other rookie TEs this year:

1st in PFF overall grade, 83.2 (next best 64.0)
1st in PFF receiving grade, 77.4 (63.4)
1st in PFF run block grade, 80.9 (79.2)
1st in yards per route run, 2.03 (1.81)

In 2020 he graded out as a 70.0 overall...

From doing some more reading on him he only played 8 games the last 2 seasons which is a concern (knee thumb and ankle). Plus last season he struggled with catches which could be due to coming back from injuries. Smith has potential can the Bengals unlock it...passes from Burrow help.

[membengal]

I see Kingspoint has decided to hate the Smith signing.

A few quick notes:

---Smith is still just 24. At the draft next month, current draft talking heads TE draft crush Dalton Kincaid upon being drafted will be just one year younger than Smith (only Smith will have four years of NFL experience while Kincaid will be a rookie).
---The injuries don't seem to have a pattern - so - the usual element of flukiness and bad luck. No particular reason to suspect that will necessarily continue. It could, because...the NFL is about injuries. But other than bad luck...no reason to predict it necessarily.
---Hurst had 52 catches for 414 yards and 2 TDs last year. In 2021 Uzomah had 49 catches for 493 yards and 5 TDs. I can glean from that, that under this version of the offense roughly 50 catches for TE 1 are available. Smith certainly is more athletic than Uzomah was and roughly on par with Hurst's athleticism. I see no reason to think he can't be in the range of these numbers.
---The price was certainly right and people can pooh pooh him picking the bengals over other options, but the fact remains, he picked the Bengals over other options. Didn't used to happen. Likely did so because the last two TEs in this offense putting up those rather pedestrian numbers have gotten weirdly PAID. Also, chance to, yaknow, WIN.
---This signing takes SOME pressure off what to do at pick 28. If there is a TE there they love, then they can still take him. But this opens up more comfortably waiting to rounds 3 or 4, say, and getting one of the 11 top 100 ranked TEs to work their way into the TE room without as much pressure to immediately be useful.

So, all around, pretty necessary and good signing from my perspective. Same with Sidney Jones. They are doing a good job in FA - even in second wave FA - at giving themselves legit options in the draft as opposed to having desperate needs that need to be fulfilled at 28...

[KoryMac5]

More about Jonah:



Kelsey Conway
@KelseyLConway
·
11h
New on the Jonah Williams trade request:

The #Bengals didn’t communicate with Jonah before they were planning to sign Orlando Brown. He was blindsided. The team didn’t tell him ahead of time they were thinking of moving him to RT, a source close to the situation tells me

Hard stop... things move quick with signings like this and FO's don't have time to check in with a Tackle operating on a 1 year deal...

[membengal]

Who gives a **** that Jonah wasn't given a heads up (other than Jonah apaprently)...

They don't/didn't owe him that. They owe him $12.6 million dollars - beyond that? Not so much anything else.

[Redhook]

Who gives a **** that Jonah wasn't given a heads up (other than Jonah apaprently)...

They don't/didn't owe him that. They owe him $12.6 million dollars - beyond that? Not so much anything else.

Exactly. And, we’re seeing that he’s putting himself ahead of the team. He certainly has the right to do that because it’s business, but moving to RT for one year will not hurt his value. On top of that, another team might view that as a positive if he shows he’s versatile and a team player.

[KoryMac5]

Exactly. And, we’re seeing that he’s putting himself ahead of the team. He certainly has the right to do that because it’s business, but moving to RT for one year will not hurt his value. On top of that, another team might view that as a positive if he shows he’s versatile and a team player.

Exactly because no one other than the Bengals view him as a LT anymore so it might be more beneficial for him long term to show he can play RT.

[bucksfan2]

Exactly. And, we’re seeing that he’s putting himself ahead of the team. He certainly has the right to do that because it’s business, but moving to RT for one year will not hurt his value. On top of that, another team might view that as a positive if he shows he’s versatile and a team player.

Jonah may have felt blindsided, that is fair. But nothing over the course of his career has shown that he is an irreplaceable player.

Jonah at this point is a good, not great, player. When you have the chance to get a great, or better player, you do that. Sorry Jonah.

[Oxilon]

If Jonah feels blindsided, atleast he now knows how Joe Burrow feels when he plays left tackle.

[WVRed]

Just read the team has scheduled a private workout with Aidan OConnell.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Wonderful Monds]

I feel like the name Irv Smith just sounds like a bruiser of an NFL TE.

His dad was also in the NFL apparently, from what I discovered trying to find this dude’s twitter last night, and finding Sr.’s instead.

[Wonderful Monds]

Who gives a **** that Jonah wasn't given a heads up (other than Jonah apaprently)...

They don't/didn't owe him that. They owe him $12.6 million dollars - beyond that? Not so much anything else.

Most sacks allowed in the league by a left tackle. If he couldn’t tell he was on the hot seat, then he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.

[Big Red Smokey]

I have a weird feeling they're taking Bijan at 28 if he's there.

[BuckeyeRed27]

I have a weird feeling they're taking Bijan at 28 if he's there.

Shouldn’t they?

[WVRed]

Shouldn’t they?Depends on who's avaliable.

I think he will be long gone before 28. Bucs, Chargers, and Cowboys could all use RBs.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

Bijan is tough to mock...most scouts say he is better than Saquon and a generational talent...yet teams don't value first round running backs so he ends up falling.

Knowing where the Bengals are and being right on the cusp having a generation talent in the backfield makes the Bengals that much more dangerous. I would probably pull the trigger and cut Mixon in June.

[MWM]

I'd totally draft Bijan if he's there, but some team is going to grab him before 28 I've got to believe. While I agree in principle on not using high draft picks for RBs, if you look at some of the ones who have been drafted in the last decade or so, I think many of them would be considered worth the pick in hindsight. People sometimes point to examples of RBs drafted in later rounds that wind up being great players. While that's totally true, you can say that about a lot of positions. If you have a talent that doesn't come along very often, then I say you go for it.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Depends on who's avaliable.

I think he will be long gone before 28. Bucs, Chargers, and Cowboys could all use RBs.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I agree, but if he is there at 28 it’s hard to see how he’s not BPA at that point.

[WVRed]

Bijan is tough to mock...most scouts say he is better than Saquon and a generational talent...yet teams don't value first round running backs so he ends up falling.

Knowing where the Bengals are and being right on the cusp having a generation talent in the backfield makes the Bengals that much more dangerous. I would probably pull the trigger and cut Mixon in June.Correct me if I'm wrong but have the Bengals worked him out at all?

I'm fine if they take him (if he's there) but if they haven't scouted him at his pro day or the combine then there is probably nothing there.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[MWM]

Why would they need to scout him? I don't think all players require some kind of detailed scouting report by an individual team. I don't think they needed to scout Joe Burrow either. It was an easy pick.

[WVRed]

Why would they need to scout him? I don't think all players require some kind of detailed scouting report by an individual team. I don't think they needed to scout Joe Burrow either. It was an easy pick.I don't disagree but it would indicate whether or not they are actively looking at him or not.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[MWM]

I don't disagree but it would indicate whether or not they are actively looking at him or not.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I could be wrong on this, but they didn't really talk to Dax Hill much last year did they? I remember there being a lot of surprise with the pick because the Bengals hadn't really talked about him, or been in contact with him much. But after they picked him they said they didn't think there was a way he would drop to them.

[Benihana]

I have a weird feeling they're taking Bijan at 28 if he's there.

Would make me ecstatic

[WVRed]

I could be wrong on this, but they didn't really talk to Dax Hill much last year did they? I remember there being a lot of surprise with the pick because the Bengals hadn't really talked about him, or been in contact with him much. But after they picked him they said they didn't think there was a way he would drop to them.I Googled it to see if they had talked with Hill any and couldn't come up with anything.

It probably means more when it's players they are targeting in later rounds. Jayden Reed and Aidan OConnell for example.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Boss-Hog]

I could be wrong on this, but they didn't really talk to Dax Hill much last year did they? I remember there being a lot of surprise with the pick because the Bengals hadn't really talked about him, or been in contact with him much. But after they picked him they said they didn't think there was a way he would drop to them.I agree with you, and as much as these visits and interviews often get reported, I'm sure there are plenty that occur without being publicly known.

[Kingspoint]

Jonah Williams Trade Market Limited; Bengals T Blindsided By Brown Signing

March 29th, 2023 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jonah Williams requested a trade out of Cincinnati shortly after the team gave Orlando Brown a four-year, $64MM contract. While many around the league view Brown’s best position as right tackle, the Bengals are accommodating the former Ravens and Chiefs blocker’s wish to play on the left side. When the Bengals signed Brown, Williams learned about it like the rest of the football world did. The three-year Cincinnati left tackle starter was “blindsided” by the move, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer tweets. The Bengals have talked about wanting Williams at right tackle, but Conway adds they did not communicate those plans to the former first-round pick ahead of time.

Rest of article here...

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2023/03/jonah-williams-trade-market-limited-bengals-t-blindsided-by-orlando-brown-signing

[Kingspoint]

...

[Redsfaithful]

Jonah gets a lot of deserved heat here, but I can cut him some slack given he dislocated both of his knees last season and pretty much played through it the first time. He isn't great and this is a weird attitude he's having, but I'm not just not going to get up in arms about a guy who has given that kind of effort.

[WrongVerb]

Jonah gets a lot of deserved heat here, but I can cut him some slack given he dislocated both of his knees last season and pretty much played through it the first time. He isn't great and this is a weird attitude he's having, but I'm not just not going to get up in arms about a guy who has given that kind of effort.

I can even understand the attitude. Free agent left tackles get paid an average around $12M per year. Right tackles around $6M per year. That's a lot of money.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.outkick.com/nfl-annual-meeting-league-boasts-great-2022-burrow-hurts-herbert-headed-for-extensions-but-not-tua-who-will-go-no-1-trade-market-at-a-standoff/

But a funny thing has happened to Williams en route to being traded: No one has so far been interested in giving up a high draft pick for the 25-year-old player.

“He’s not a big man with long arms and he plays like it,” one NFL general manager told OutKick. “He might not even be a tackle.”

[Redhook]

https://www.outkick.com/nfl-annual-meeting-league-boasts-great-2022-burrow-hurts-herbert-headed-for-extensions-but-not-tua-who-will-go-no-1-trade-market-at-a-standoff/

But a funny thing has happened to Williams en route to being traded: No one has so far been interested in giving up a high draft pick for the 25-year-old player.

“He’s not a big man with long arms and he plays like it,” one NFL general manager told OutKick. “He might not even be a tackle.”

No surprise. I’m not even sure where I stand in this situation now. Would it better for the Bengals to trade him for virtually nothing or keep the disgruntled player for one more year? I’m guessing he’ll be back this year with his tail between his legs after realizing no other team values him.

[Kingspoint]

Jonah gets a lot of deserved heat here, but I can cut him some slack given he dislocated both of his knees last season and pretty much played through it the first time. He isn't great and this is a weird attitude he's having, but I'm not just not going to get up in arms about a guy who has given that kind of effort.

What kind of effort? The effort that ranked him last in most categories among left tackles over the last four seasons?

The lack of self-evaluation that couldn't see the writing on the wall and wants to run away the first time he's asked to prove himself?

He was handed a job he never earned for four straight seasons, and the first time he's asked to earn his job, he runs away like a little baby.

I have zero sympathy for him. If he thinks so highly of himself, then he'd have the cahones to come in, earn the RT job in training camp, hold onto the job in the regular season by playing better than he ever did at LT, and then he'll have created a market for himself next off-season to play either LT or RT, and right now, the only thing he's done, as far as effort is concerned, is shown that he has no market.

I wanted to be a professional baseball player, but when I knew it wasn't going to happen, I didn't whine about it and make a fuss (and I was never handed a 3rd Base job for four seasons that I never earned). So, no. I have zero sympathy for Jonah Williams and I'm pretty pissed at him for not appreciating all that the Bengals did for him the last four seasons. He owes us one season where he actually has to earn his job at a position that the team feels he best fits.

Suck it up and be a man, Jonah, and earn your paycheck.

[Kingspoint]

No surprise. I’m not even sure where I stand in this situation now. Would it better for the Bengals to trade him for virtually nothing or keep the disgruntled player for one more year? I’m guessing he’ll be back this year with his tail between his legs after realizing no other team values him.

I figured before this started is that the Bengals would have to pay half his salary in order to move him, and in return, they could get a 5th Rd pick for this season or a 4th Rd pick for 2024. From the Bengals' viewpoint, they can let some time go by and let the reality set it, let him cool off, possibly hope that he sees his situation for what it is (he needs to prove himself capable of playing Tackle, Right or Left, this season, and then he can offer his services next year and see what his value is, as he won't have the $12M price tag attached to his signing), and that Williams is insurance in case Carmen doesn't prove to be better than Williams at RT, and/or Collins doesn't recover in a timely manner from his injury. We also have D'Ante Smith and a possible draft pick who can compete with that spot. When the draft is over, or during the draft and the Bengals have taken a Tackle in the 1st Rd, then Williams could get traded on draft weekend, as Carmen, Smith, Collins and the draft pick would be enough to move on from Williams.

It's up to Williams, in a way what happens. He embraces what opportunities lie before him with the Bengals and his future in the NFL, or he doesn't.

[Kingspoint]

Folks doing film review felt he was an above average blocker...here are stats from his rookie season which show a lot of potential.

Irv Smith Jr, compared to other rookie TEs this year:

1st in PFF overall grade, 83.2 (next best 64.0)
1st in PFF receiving grade, 77.4 (63.4)
1st in PFF run block grade, 80.9 (79.2)
1st in yards per route run, 2.03 (1.81)

In 2020 he graded out as a 70.0 overall...

From doing some more reading on him he only played 8 games the last 2 seasons which is a concern (knee thumb and ankle). Plus last season he struggled with catches which could be due to coming back from injuries. Smith has potential can the Bengals unlock it...passes from Burrow help.

Thank you. I didn't have access to Irv Smith's blocking information and couldn't find it anywhere the last three years. I watched him a lot his rookie season, and it seemed like MIN didn't utilize him as much as a Receiver as I thought they should have. There were a lot of things going on with that Offense that season. So, it was hard to get a read on his results.

But, there's sugar coating or down-grading a run-blocking grade of 80.9 for any TE, yet alone a Rookie, even if it may have only been about 125 run-blocking snaps (my estimate based on my memory of how often he was on the field for run-blocking plays). I questioned all season MIN's play-calling that year. I'd wager to guess that there haven't been five Rookie TE's with run-blocking grades above 80 over the last six seasons. So, for me, this is a great signing. Whoever wins the RT job is going to need some help with run-blocking. On pass-plays, he'll chip and go out, or go straight out. His having missed so much time will have hindered his learning curve for run-blocking. He also changed Coordinators at least twice. He was definitely the best option the Bengals had left, and he fits that upside with Starting experience criteria the Bengals have stayed focused on as far as Free Agents are concerned the last couple of years.

Smith can definitely catch, so that catch-rate should be closer to Boyd's than it will be what it was last season. When we need a 1st Down next season, we can always turn to Boyd or Chase or Higgins. What we have to have is a TE who can quickly split the Safeties for a 20-yard seam pass when they are cheating too much towards Chase and/or Higgins. Smith can definitely do that.

[Kingspoint]

I see Kingspoint has decided to hate the Smith signing.


No, no, no, no, no. I wanted more information. I got it. I love the signing. It was the best we could do at TE at this time, while also being a positive signing.

[Redsfaithful]

What kind of effort?

The effort of playing through a gruesome, incredibly painful injury.

[Kingspoint]

If Jonah feels blindsided, atleast he now knows how Joe Burrow feels when he plays left tackle.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse4.explicit.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid% 3DOIP.BPMy-unwgZK1LrZQPtGFGQHaFj%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=b7336a478d76f5e98d7a421840e87e986f8e0e328e52b3 920db5a67ce0dae22e&ipo=images

- - - Updated - - -


The effort of playing through a gruesome, incredibly painful injury.

Welcome to professional sports. Try being a coal-miner in West Virginia.

[Redsfaithful]

Welcome to professional sports. Try being a coal-miner in West Virginia.

I'm a couple generations out but I can promise my relatives who were would have looked at a dislocated kneecap as a pretty painful injury. Didn't realize you were the talk radio sort.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2023/03/27/joe-burrow-ezekiel-elliott-jonah-williams-joe-mixon-tight-end-zac-taylor-on-bengals-offseason-plans/70053518007/

"It’s unclear at the moment what Burrow is looking for in this next contract. Bengals owner Mike Brown hinted he liked the way the Chiefs structured Patrick Mahomes’ deal in the number of years the contract extends over. Mahomes signed a 10-year deal worth $450 million in 2020, giving him an average annual value of $45 million. It’s one thing for the Bengals to say they want to model this new deal in a similar way, but it’s not a one-sided process. Burrow and his agent have to agree to it."

[Kingspoint]

I'm a couple generations out but I can promise my relatives who were would have looked at a dislocated kneecap as a pretty painful injury. Didn't realize you were the talk radio sort.

Dislocated kneecaps are all different. Painful? That's football. To be an issue for four years of sub-par play and some really bad play is not acceptable, nor does it excuse his reaction to the change of position. His reaction does speak more to why he hasn't reached his potential, or even met it halfway. He clearly thinks he's better than he is.

[WrongVerb]

NFL Rumors
@nflrums

#Chiefs Travis Kelce: "It hurts my soul" to lose Orlando Brown to the #Bengals.
7:32am · 31 Mar 2023

[Roy Tucker]

Katie Blackburn when asked about a Burrow extension:


“We’ve been thinking about it,” Blackburn said. “And so again, we know we’ve had some preliminary discussions, but there’s free agency and such. So, we’ll see if we can get into it a little bit more maybe. But again, well, it’s hard to say exactly what the pace (is) but we hope that there’s something that can get done. We sort of said we won’t talk about it much until there’s something to talk about.”

She has the GM vague-speak down pat.

[Tony Cloninger]

It hurts me to hear this guy talking just like Eli Apple.

Anyways. The Bengals don’t give in to players. Jonah will play or sit. But they will not move him was Mike has no say in it. He can out stubborn anyone and cut a nose to spite a face better than most.

[Hillsdale87]

What kind of effort? The effort that ranked him last in most categories among left tackles over the last four seasons?

The lack of self-evaluation that couldn't see the writing on the wall and wants to run away the first time he's asked to prove himself?

He was handed a job he never earned for four straight seasons, and the first time he's asked to earn his job, he runs away like a little baby.

I have zero sympathy for him. If he thinks so highly of himself, then he'd have the cahones to come in, earn the RT job in training camp, hold onto the job in the regular season by playing better than he ever did at LT, and then he'll have created a market for himself next off-season to play either LT or RT, and right now, the only thing he's done, as far as effort is concerned, is shown that he has no market.

I wanted to be a professional baseball player, but when I knew it wasn't going to happen, I didn't whine about it and make a fuss (and I was never handed a 3rd Base job for four seasons that I never earned). So, no. I have zero sympathy for Jonah Williams and I'm pretty pissed at him for not appreciating all that the Bengals did for him the last four seasons. He owes us one season where he actually has to earn his job at a position that the team feels he best fits.

Suck it up and be a man, Jonah, and earn your paycheck.

Jonah has not been last in most categories... He was not very good in 2022, but his PFF grade in 2021 was 77.9, which was actually higher than Orlando Brown's. He's an average LT, which is valuable, but also means you look to upgrade if you can. So I don't feel sorry for him, but I also understand why he would want a trade going into a contract year. If he has a repeat of his 2021 season, he'd be getting a massive contract at LT. I know PFF grades aren't everything, but Jawaan Taylor just signed a 4/$80MM contract with the Chiefs coming off a season where he had a lower PFF grade than Jonah Williams. Jonah's concern isn't about this season, it's about the next 4. And playing LT in 2023 sets him up to make millions more than playing RT. So maybe he's being a baby and lashing out because his feelings are hurt, but I think it's more than likely that the trade request is just a logical outcome of him wanting to maximize his earning potential.

[Tony Cloninger]

No, no, no, no, no. I wanted more information. I got it. I love the signing. It was the best we could do at TE at this time, while also being a positive signing.


They could have signed more depth for G and the TE from Pittsburgh who can block would have been another signing that was doable. I don’t know how Cleveland is able to sign just about anything and everyone. Not that winning the off season means anything.

I just think that once they start winning they pull back as always. Even Brown had to come to them. The issue at Safety. TE and better depth on the OL remains. Trying to trade Mixon for even a 5th or 6th to get rid of that salary along with Williams for the same. Mixon can’t block and needs 80s Bengal OL to run behind to succeed consistently.

Before they know it Pittsburgh gets better and Pickett becomes the new young gun especially with the way the NFL allows the most average QB to succeed. It’s comical how easy it’s become. Even if you watched 70s. 80s. 90s football it’s still hard to understand how much harder it was. They are rebuilding their defense that’s already good and turning it into the way BAL succeeds at it.

[WrongVerb]

Bengals sign DE Tarrell Basham

[KoryMac5]

Irv Smith contract details...1.75 million base incentives could bring it up to 2 million...great low cost high reward signing.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals sign DE Tarrell Basham

He played for Burrow's dad at Ohio U...so some good scouting reports on him.

[WrongVerb]

Seems like the Bengals are setting up to have no real holes to fill, per se, through the draft. That will allow them to take BPA in each round. Right now, the only must take is a TE in the early-mid rounds, and perhaps doubling up late. They'll also look to take a DT3 early, perhaps in the first (Kancey or Bresee). Every other "need" is basically for someone developmental (CB, S, RT, LB, WR).

[Kingspoint]

Seahawks Withdraw Ryan Neal’s RFA Tender

March 31st, 2023 at 10:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

Seattle rescinded Neal’s RFA tender Friday afternoon, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). This will make Neal an unrestricted free agent. The four-year Seahawk is coming off a season in which he started a career-high 10 games. Neal will almost certainly generate immediate interest on the open market. Pro Football Focus graded his 2022 work quite well, slotting the 6-foot-3 cover man as the No. 4 overall safety last season. Neal, 27, made 66 tackles (four for loss), deflected eight passes an intercepted another during a season in which the Seahawks played 16 games without Adams. PFF graded Neal as the No. 3 overall safety in coverage last season, which represented by far his most favorable marks from the advanced metrics site. A Southern Illinois alum, Neal started 19 games with the Seahawks from 2020-22.

With Love in the fold, Henderson notes the Seahawks are planning to use Adams more at the line of scrimmage. The former Jets All-Pro will work as a pseudo-linebacker more often, per Henderson, opening the door for Adams, Diggs and Love to see the field together. Box work has generally been best for the aggressive defender, who makes his living in that capacity rather than as a pure coverage player. Adams set a safety record with 9.5 sacks in 2020 but did not register any in 2021. Even with this tender off the books, the Seahawks are set to allocate an NFL-leading $41MM at the safety position. It will be interesting to see where Neal lands.



So, with SEA leading the NFL in Safety costs, anyone can see that this was only about money and not talent that they let him go. I hope Cincinnati comes knocking at this opportunity that presented itself Friday Afternoon.

- - - Updated - - -

March 31st, 2023 at 7:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

Nearly three weeks into free agency, Joe Mixon remains on the Bengals‘ roster. The team having seen Samaje Perine turn down an offer to stay and instead choose Denver thinned out its running back room. But Mixon’s status for a seventh Bengals season is not yet a lock. Bengals executive VP Katie Blackburn stopped short of guaranteeing the six-year Cincinnati starter will be back, reminding of comments player personnel VP Duke Tobin made at the Combine.

“Right now, he’s on the team and we are going count on him until that wouldn’t be the case,” Blackburn said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway. “Right now, he’s our starting guy. You’ve seen other teams have to make moves. Could we get to that point? Maybe. But it would be down the road here and we’d have to see if that’s what makes sense or not.”

This situation could hinge on how the Bengals approach the position in the draft. Mixon, 26, is due a $9.4MM base salary and is tied to the third-highest cap figure ($12.8MM) on the team. Blackburn did not rule out the possibility of a post-June 1 cut designation, which would save Cincy $10MM, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated recently (h/t Bleacher Report) the Bengals are looking to add at running back. (They were linked to Ezekiel Elliott, but little has emerged on that front since.) The Perine offer may have been indicative of Mixon plans. The team could still pair Mixon with a rookie, but it does have some pricey deals — most notably for Joe Burrow — on the horizon. Mixon’s $12MM-per-year deal could be used to create more cap space.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals sign DE Tarrell Basham

March 31st, 2023 at 1:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Working to bolster their edge-rushing depth, the Bengals are adding a six-year veteran to the mix. Tarell Basham agreed to terms with the team Friday, according to his agency (on Twitter).

The former third-round pick who played for two teams last season will return to Ohio, where he played his college ball. The ex-Ohio Bobcat spent last season with the Cowboys and Titans. Basham, 29, will now prepare to vie for a rotational role behind starting Bengals defensive ends Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. Basham has already played for four teams in his career, beginning with the Colts before moving to the Jets. He has twice been waived in-season, seeing the Colts and Cowboys cut bait. Dallas did so last year, having seen Basham go down with a quad injury in Week 1 and the likes of Dante Fowler and Sam Williams become its preferred edge-rushing depth pieces. The Cowboys attempted to dangle Basham in trades but found no takers.

The Cowboys gave Basham a two-year, $5.5MM deal in 2021. He helped Dan Quinn revive Dallas’ defense that year, registering 3.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits. That came after he totaled 3.5 sacks and 13 QB hits for the Jets in 2020, creating a modest market. Basham forced three fumbles for the 2020 Jets and added another with the ’21 Cowboys. The ’22 Cowboys’ depth at the position left no room for Basham, who played five games for an injury-riddled Titans team to close out the season. Cincinnati rosters Joseph Ossai as a backup edge option, but the 2021 draftee was playing through a torn labrum during the final games of last season. Ossai underwent surgery early this offseason. Basham will join Ossai, a former third-round pick, and Cam Sample (Round 4, 2021) as backup options going into Cincy’s offseason program. Ossai and Sample combined for 5.5 sacks in 2022.

[Kingspoint]

Jonah has not been last in most categories... He was not very good in 2022, but his PFF grade in 2021 was 77.9, which was actually higher than Orlando Brown's. He's an average LT, which is valuable, but also means you look to upgrade if you can. So I don't feel sorry for him, but I also understand why he would want a trade going into a contract year. If he has a repeat of his 2021 season, he'd be getting a massive contract at LT. I know PFF grades aren't everything, but Jawaan Taylor just signed a 4/$80MM contract with the Chiefs coming off a season where he had a lower PFF grade than Jonah Williams. Jonah's concern isn't about this season, it's about the next 4. And playing LT in 2023 sets him up to make millions more than playing RT. So maybe he's being a baby and lashing out because his feelings are hurt, but I think it's more than likely that the trade request is just a logical outcome of him wanting to maximize his earning potential.

Jonah Williams is not "average". He ranked in the bottom 5% of all tackles last season, and last season is all that matters. The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league. While he finally was average one season, 2021, he quickly regressed to his old form, even though he had the addition of three good Offensive Linemen to help him out that he didn't have the year before, in addition to being in a contract season, which should have vaulted his game to above-average or better. His body of work in the NFL is why there are crickets on the trade front for him, and why you get a quote from another team's G.M. that says, "he may not even be a Tackle". The Bengals jumped all over the chance to replace him when the opportunity arose. They got that deal done with Orlando Brown in 48 hours. They couldn't move the paperwork fast enough, while they got the entire organization involved (except for Jonah) in the negotiations.

The only way Jonah can come out of this looking good is to shut up, work his ass off during the off-season (which he should have been doing since the day after his surgery), earn the starting RT job, keep the starting RT job (because he'll lose it if he doesn't, as there are three other players waiting to take that spot, not counting whoever we might add during the 2023 draft), and make the offers for contracts come to him by multiple teams. He had one average season and is trending downward fast. Not one Offensive Lineman let his Quarterback get hit more than Jonah Williams did this season, and that was with Burrow changing his rate of throw after the 2nd game to a very fast pace (so he could survive). When we moved our Rookie LG to LT, he did better than Williams did in 2023 at that position. That spoke volumes.

[Kingspoint]

They could have signed more depth for G and the TE from Pittsburgh who can block would have been another signing that was doable. I don’t know how Cleveland is able to sign just about anything and everyone. Not that winning the off season means anything.

I just think that once they start winning they pull back as always. Even Brown had to come to them. The issue at Safety. TE and better depth on the OL remains. Trying to trade Mixon for even a 5th or 6th to get rid of that salary along with Williams for the same. Mixon can’t block and needs 80s Bengal OL to run behind to succeed consistently.

Before they know it Pittsburgh gets better and Pickett becomes the new young gun especially with the way the NFL allows the most average QB to succeed. It’s comical how easy it’s become. Even if you watched 70s. 80s. 90s football it’s still hard to understand how much harder it was. They are rebuilding their defense that’s already good and turning it into the way BAL succeeds at it.

They have been consistent where they are keeping certain players for insurance until after they find a replacement first. They weren't expecting to get Orlando Brown, so they were keeping Jonah to compete for the LT position with whoever they ended up signing for competition along with giving their LG a chance at both tackle spots. But, the unthinkable happened and Brown became available as there weren't teams going after him to play LT at the expected price it would take to sign him. They couldn't pay what the Chiefs paid for their LT, but after talking with Brown, the price was in the ballpark (thanks to Brown being reasonable), and that let them go to plan B with Jonah, who now is insurance for RT, not LT. They are still looking for his replacement through the draft, if the draft falls into place that his replacement is there when they pick [but it could be a TE, RB, or CB that is a better pick, too, as you say, all areas of need, though you said Safety, and I say Cornerback, not Safety, especially if they go after the just-released Neal from Seattle (#4 overall Safety per PFF last season, but an outlier as it's the first year he's excelled, making his next contract still affordable, though)].

Same goes with TE. They could go into the season with Irv Smith, Jr to start. There's not a negative to that. They will draft a TE, whether that's a 1st Rd TE that still has to beat out Irv Smith, or a later round TE pick.

They've set themselves up really well for BPA, as they have a lot of flexibility during this draft as far as need.

It's almost certain that Mixon becomes a designated June 1st cut after the draft (unless they come up with a deal with Elliott or Hunt or someone else along the same price-tag that Perine got). Evans is still in the mix at RB. Elliott wants to start. He's not a Starter anymore. Whether that realization has come to him or not, I don't know. I do know that the Cowboys never offered to renegotiate Elliott's deal, and I'm guessing because they didn't want the distraction in the lockerroom of who is the lead back. Roles in that lockerroom are defined when it comes to the lead back. That seems to be the case in Cincinnati, too. The Bengals like to have a workhorse who is complimented sparingly by others. Seems to always be the case with us. Seems crazy to use a 1st Rd pick on a RB who may not make it to his next contract, as few do in the NFL. I think Cincinnati still views that differently, though. Do we give Burrow a Receiver, a Tackle or a RB in the 1st Rd? Do we bypass all of that because a CB we highly covet is there? I'm certain they'd rather have Apple as a Dime CB instead of a Starter, especially with the departure of Bell and Bates.

- - - Updated - - -


No surprise. I’m not even sure where I stand in this situation now. Would it better for the Bengals to trade him for virtually nothing or keep the disgruntled player for one more year? I’m guessing he’ll be back this year with his tail between his legs after realizing no other team values him.

I think it all depends who we take with our 1st Rd pick, which the Bengals won't know until it happens. He could get traded Thursday Night.

[Redsfaithful]

They could have signed more depth for G and the TE from Pittsburgh who can block would have been another signing that was doable. I don’t know how Cleveland is able to sign just about anything and everyone. Not that winning the off season means anything.

I just think that once they start winning they pull back as always. Even Brown had to come to them. The issue at Safety. TE and better depth on the OL remains. Trying to trade Mixon for even a 5th or 6th to get rid of that salary along with Williams for the same. Mixon can’t block and needs 80s Bengal OL to run behind to succeed consistently.

Before they know it Pittsburgh gets better and Pickett becomes the new young gun especially with the way the NFL allows the most average QB to succeed. It’s comical how easy it’s become. Even if you watched 70s. 80s. 90s football it’s still hard to understand how much harder it was. They are rebuilding their defense that’s already good and turning it into the way BAL succeeds at it.

This is just a wild post after the last two years. They'll be alright man, another 12-14 win season is coming up with another great chance to win a Super Bowl.

[WVRed]

This is just a wild post after the last two years. They'll be alright man, another 12-14 win season is coming up with another great chance to win a Super Bowl.Agree. They still have the draft to plug a lot of holes and with what they have done in FA they can go BPA.

Pittsburgh is just another game in the AFC North. The Bengals aren't going to have any easy games in the division and we all know that. All three teams though outside of the Bengals have problems that will impact their season.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Tony Cloninger]

This is just a wild post after the last two years. They'll be alright man, another 12-14 win season is coming up with another great chance to win a Super Bowl.

I’m a Wild Card man. Someone has to be.

You can’t say they don’t pull back and start relying too much on what worked and get stagnant. They are counting on Lou to work his magic. On any player. Which I’m not discounting. They used to do that with the OL and Jim McNally as the coach in the 80s into the 90s.

I just can’t see them relying on Hill and Scott then a draft pick or even worse with the CB situation. It’s not a comfortable situation right now unless the DL puts more pressure than last year.

[WVRed]

I’m a Wild Card man. Someone has to be.

You can’t say they don’t pull back and start relying too much on what worked and get stagnant. They are counting on Lou to work his magic. On any player. Which I’m not discounting. They used to do that with the OL and Jim McNally as the coach in the 80s into the 90s.

I just can’t see them relying on Hill and Scott then a draft pick or even worse with the CB situation. It’s not a comfortable situation right now unless the DL puts more pressure than last year.This isn't the 80s or even the 90s.

Mike Brown is letting his kids run the team. They are spending money in ways that we have never seen. They have a once in a lifetime QB and a real chance to possibly compete for Super Bowls.

Sit back, relax. and enjoy the ride.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[KoryMac5]

I’m a Wild Card man. Someone has to be.

You can’t say they don’t pull back and start relying too much on what worked and get stagnant. They are counting on Lou to work his magic. On any player. Which I’m not discounting. They used to do that with the OL and Jim McNally as the coach in the 80s into the 90s.

I just can’t see them relying on Hill and Scott then a draft pick or even worse with the CB situation. It’s not a comfortable situation right now unless the DL puts more pressure than last year.

I would expect growing pains this season as you have 2 new safeties who have not played together, took Bell and Bates 3 years to develop the chemistry they had.

Chido most likely will be out or not back to prime Chido until week 4 or 5...

I see reason to be concerned in the secondary...

Getting Pratt back was huge though he and Wilson are really good at getting the D lined up and in the right spots...if they can get the kid from Pitt to help bolster the line I think the D will be pretty good.

[WrongVerb]

Cancey is falling on most boards. My guess is he goes top of third round. That said, Bresee is the DT3 guy you want in the first. Upside is Chris Jones, but he's falling because he won't be able to give his team that until year 2.

[Boss-Hog]

Cancey is falling on most boards. My guess is he goes top of third round. That said, Bresee is the DT3 guy you want in the first. Upside is Chris Jones, but he's falling because he won't be able to give his team that until year 2.Where are you hearing that about Kancey? I don't pay too much attention to mock drafts, but recent ones I've seen have him going no later than late first round.

[WrongVerb]

Where are you hearing that about Kancey? I don't pay too much attention to mock drafts, but recent ones I've seen have him going no later than late first round.

Listening to draft podcasts, teams are really wary that he is way undersized for the position. Other than Donald and to a lesser degree Atkins, no DT as small as him has had sustained success since at least 2000. Remember a few years ago when Andrew Billings was consistently mocked in the first and the Bengals got him with a late third? Same issue, and he's much bigger than Kancey. Some team will take a chance that he does become the next Donald, but not in the first.

[Boss-Hog]

Listening to draft podcasts, teams are really wary that he is way undersized for the position. Other than Donald and to a lesser degree Atkins, no DT as small as him has had sustained success since at least 2000. Remember a few years ago when Andrew Billings was consistently mocked in the first and the Bengals got him with a late third? Same issue, and he's much bigger than Kancey. Some team will take a chance that he does become the next Donald, but not in the first.He may not go first round but I'd be shocked if he lasted until the third. Billings is a good example of a player who fell relative to predicted / mocked draft position, but it wasn't for that reason (concerns over size). I'd take him at 28 if I were the Bengals and he's available.

[KoryMac5]

Listening to draft podcasts, teams are really wary that he is way undersized for the position. Other than Donald and to a lesser degree Atkins, no DT as small as him has had sustained success since at least 2000. Remember a few years ago when Andrew Billings was consistently mocked in the first and the Bengals got him with a late third? Same issue, and he's much bigger than Kancey. Some team will take a chance that he does become the next Donald, but not in the first.

I think his pro day has some reconsidering their stance...measured in at 6 ft 1 and 280+...I think he has room to get up to 290...but his game is similar to Geno in that he uses speed and power. Though he did not bench at the combine or his pro day.

His three cone drill and shuttle were incredibly fast, 6.82 and a 4.33 which is insane.

He did have shoulder surgery last year and the lack of weight I think will have some teams move him lower. It will be interesting to see if the Bengals bring him in for a visit. The Darnold comparisons seem unfair and the Athletic recently had an article that said he was closer to Ed Oliver, which I tend to agree with.

He is definitely a wild card though...I think he still ends up in the first or early 2nd..

Breese is more versatile which fills what the Bengals look for in a Tackle he can play both spots.

[WrongVerb]

Jeremy Fowler today reported that teams are pushing hard to trade for Higgins, but the Bengals have refused all offers and say he's unavailable.

[Kingspoint]

Jeremy Fowler today reported that teams are pushing hard to trade for Higgins, but the Bengals have refused all offers and say he's unavailable.

They can push all they want. It only justifies how good he is considered to be by others.

Bengals' brass are chomping at the bits to see Joe Burrow throw to Chase, Higgins, Boyd and Irv Smith with actual time to throw for the first time in his career.

I can't think of one Defense that can keep this team under 30 points.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals bringing in QB Trevor Siemien for a looksee.

[Kingspoint]

In Hobson's annual media mock draft he takes with the 28th pick a TE, based on what's left when he picks, but he follows that up with this...

"But the reality is, the player they're going to end up with is probably one of the 27 preceding names. As they found out last year when Michigan safety Dax Hill was there at No. 31, somebody always seems to be there whom you had rated higher than where you're picking. The nice thing is, just like last year, the Bengals are drafting for depth and development. They don't need an Opening Day starter at No. 28."

Everything points to that. The Bengals have set themselves up really well to take the BPA, in the 1st Rd, for certain, and in further rounds, too.

So, who is the most likely, that the Bengals will have ranked when they are done in their Top-20, who will fall to them because of whatever reasons (and not Carter)? Most other teams will be drafting for needs and that sets it up for players to fall.

[Kingspoint]

Updated: April 6, 2023


This is a compilation of draft prospect visits sorted by prospect. The data was acquired via Charlie Campbell (@draftcampbell) and other media sources.

SR - Senior Bowl meeting.
EW - East-West Shrine meeting.
COM - Combine meeting.
INT - Interested.
VINT - Very Interested.
PRO - Pro Day or campus meeting/workout.
LOC - Local visit. Prospect making a local visit.
PRI - Private visit. Prospect making an official 30 visit.
WOR - Private Workout. Members of an organization working out a player in private.
STM - Some Type of Meeting.
VIR - Virtual Meeting.
% - indicates more than one meeting at an event.
^ - has met with team at more than one event.
# - indicates meeting set up outside of the 2023 Senior Bowl or the 2023 East-West Shrine Game

Cincinnati Bengals

Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State (COM)
Bryan Bresee, Defensive Tackle, Clemson (COM)
Cameron Brown^, Cornerback, Ohio State (PRI, LOC)
Keondre Coburn, Defensive Tackle, Texas (COM)
Jeremy Cooper, Offensive Guard, Cincinnati (WOR)
Gervon Dexter, Defensive Tackle, Florida (COM)
Emmanuel Forbes^, Cornerback, Mississippi State (COM, PRI)
Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End, Notre Dame (COM)
Kahlef Hailassie, Cornerback, Western Kentucky (PRI)
Desjuan Johnson, Defensive End, Toledo (VIR)
Dawand Jones, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State (PRI)
Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah (COM)
Tyler Lacy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma State (PRI)
Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame (COM)
Aidan O'Connell, Quarterback, Purdue (WOR)
Ivan Pace, 3-4 Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati (COM)
Clark Phillips, Cornerback, Utah (COM)
Jordan Rhodes, Offensive Guard, Arkansas State (WOR)
Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia (COM)
Nolan Smith, Outside Linebacker, Georgia (COM)
B.J. Thompson, Defensive End, Stephen F. Austin (PRI)
Carrington Valentine, Cornerback, Kentucky (LOC)
Xazavian Valladay, Running Back, Arizona State (PRI)

That's 16 on the Defensive side of the ball and 7 on the Offensive side of the ball.

I'm certain there's others that aren't listed here as Charlie Campbell doesn't have a direct line to who Cincinnati sees and interviews. And, of course, we have scouts who have attended a ton of games and broken down film from many, many more games, so this is just a very tiny picture of whom the Bengals have been looking at over the last four years.

[KoryMac5]

Lots of smoke around Emmanual Forbes for the Bengals...fast corner but so thin...like 165lbs thin. He feels like he has some dawg in him though like Mike Hilton.

[WrongVerb]

Lots of smoke around Emmanual Forbes for the Bengals...fast corner but so thin...like 165lbs thin. He feels like he has some dawg in him though like Mike Hilton.

If you look at what the Bengals like physically in their cornerbacks, Forbes isn't even on their board. They like their CBs to be thicker than his build.

[KoryMac5]

If you look at what the Bengals like physically in their cornerbacks, Forbes isn't even on their board. They like their CBs to be thicker than his build.

He has the height they like, good ball skills, and tackles well. I wonder if they think he can put on weight without losing speed. Either way they spoke with him at the combine and are bringing him in for an official visit.

[membengal]

If you look at what the Bengals like physically in their cornerbacks, Forbes isn't even on their board. They like their CBs to be thicker than his build.

LouA talked to him at the combine and then the bengals had him in for a workout so...I am guessing the film shows he is physical despite the size. He's also liquid fast and had 6 INTs this last year at 6'1". I've seen some clips that show he is very much not afraid to come up and hit.

If Lou is interested enough for two long looks at him, I am guessing he's on their board...

[KoryMac5]

Good article in the Athletic detailing Bengals hits in the draft and swings and misses...its mostly misses when drafting for need. Which mirrors what a lot of us have said in the past always go BPA.

I could also see them trading back to get an extra 3rd...

Less than 3 weeks away.

[Kingspoint]

It's hard to argue against the Bengals having the best front office and scouting department and player personnel people in the NFL over the last 4+ years.

Hobson's article today highlights some of that...

https://www.bengals.com/news/how-scouting-for-2023-nfl-draft-can-pay-off-in-future

Jones' pro day injury has turned from one of those sad draft stories to one of the more inspiring. He has been up front about his battles with depression and anxiety and has reached back into the community to tell his story and help others. And, like he says, "I'm young. I've got plenty of ball left." He turns just 27 next month.

"To be honest, that was tough," says Jones of that awful day his life ripped along with his Achilles. "I didn't know how tough it was going to be until stuff just wasn't going the way I thought. Looking back at it, coming into the league and having that hovering over my head and having to get through the hurdles of that, I'm grateful to do what I've been able to do and overcome that and continue to put years into the league. "I'm looking to re-set myself and show everybody what I can do." He already got a good sign when word got out he was coming to Cincinnati. Vontaze Burfict, the Bengals Pro Bowl linebacker from a decade ago, is a relative by marriage and reached out. "He said I would love it there," Jones says.

[Kingspoint]

If you look at what the Bengals like physically in their cornerbacks, Forbes isn't even on their board. They like their CBs to be thicker than his build.

Yet, he is only one of two players that they have had two different visits with, including a Private Workout (the other is CB Cameron Brown from Ohio State, but he was a Local Visit since he was already in their area, so Forbes is the only player to have multiple visits with the Bengals that includes a Private Workout, that Charlie Campbell was able to find out). He slots right into where they pick into the 1st as his average draft spot is the end of the 1st Rd, beginning of the 2nd.

That 6'-8" RT from Ohio State is very intriguing.

[Kingspoint]

So, I'm rewatching just Orlando Brown and the rest of the Chiefs' O-Line from this year in Cincinnati (Game 10, 12, or something like that), and there is not a single play where Orlando Brown doesn't grab a facemask put his hands to the face of his opponent, wrap his arm around his opponent's neck, wrap his arm around his opponent's body, grab his opponent's shoulder pads, and most of the time perform some combination of these fouls on every play. Every Chiefs' O-Lineman did it every play. Yet, no penalties were ever called. I hope he gets away with that stuff when he's a Bengal because if he doesn't, he doesn't look like he has the technique to pass-block without committing a penalty.

- - - Updated - - -


LouA talked to him at the combine and then the bengals had him in for a workout so...I am guessing the film shows he is physical despite the size. He's also liquid fast and had 6 INTs this last year at 6'1". I've seen some clips that show he is very much not afraid to come up and hit.

If Lou is interested enough for two long looks at him, I am guessing he's on their board...

Right now, I'm thinking there's a 20% chance that he's their pick. Don't know who will fall, so... He may also be a guy who's top-20 on many boards.

[Todd Gack]

Good article in the Athletic detailing Bengals hits in the draft and swings and misses...its mostly misses when drafting for need. Which mirrors what a lot of us have said in the past always go BPA.

I could also see them trading back to get an extra 3rd...

Less than 3 weeks away.

Really makes you nervous about the Dax Hill pick.

[KoryMac5]

Really makes you nervous about the Dax Hill pick.

Dax was the only player left when they drafted at 31 with a first round grade…so he was BPA and a need pick but not an immediate need. With a year in the system I think Hill will impress this season.

[WVRed]

Dax was the only player left when they drafted at 31 with a first round grade…so he was BPA and a need pick but not an immediate need. With a year in the system I think Hill will impress this season.It's kinda like Forbes in that sense.

Probably won't make an impact with Awuzie and Hilton in front of him but once those two leave after this season he will be ready to contribute (assuming he is the pick).

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

[Boss-Hog]

It's kinda like Forbes in that sense.

Probably won't make an impact with Awuzie and Hilton in front of him but once those two leave after this season he will be ready to contribute (assuming he is the pick).

Sent from my SM-S911U using TapatalkHilton isn't a free agent until after the 2024 season.

[Todd Gack]

Dax was the only player left when they drafted at 31 with a first round grade…so he was BPA and a need pick but not an immediate need. With a year in the system I think Hill will impress this season.

For a versatile guy and such a creative coordinator, he played very little for a reason.

Meanwhile, another rookie in the secondary sure played a lot more.

[KoryMac5]

For a versatile guy and such a creative coordinator, he played very little for a reason.

Meanwhile, another rookie in the secondary sure played a lot more.

Different situations though...

Hill was stuck behind Bates and Bell...

Cam Taylor Britt was stuck behind Eli Apple...and when Chido went down they got real thin at corner forcing Britt to learn on the fly.

I do grant that Hill looked completely lost but it took both Bell and Bates a solid year to learn how to operate in Lou's defense...

I think Hill will be fine he just needs reps.

[Redsfaithful]

There are always injuries in the secondary too. When you're basically looking at a 1-2 game season vs. Patrick Mahomes &/or Josh Allen going down a couple of corners can burn your entire season. They need a ton of depth there.

[Fil3232]

There are always injuries in the secondary too. When you're basically looking at a 1-2 game season vs. Patrick Mahomes &/or Josh Allen going down a couple of corners can burn your entire season. They need a ton of depth there.

Agree with this. And I’d add edge rushers too.

[Kingspoint]

Different situations though...

Hill was stuck behind Bates and Bell...

Cam Taylor Britt was stuck behind Eli Apple...and when Chido went down they got real thin at corner forcing Britt to learn on the fly.

I do grant that Hill looked completely lost but it took both Bell and Bates a solid year to learn how to operate in Lou's defense...

I think Hill will be fine he just needs reps.

...and Eli Apple remains a Free Agent.

- - - Updated - - -


Agree with this. And I’d add edge rushers too.

We certainly don't need a 1st Rd TE with Irv Smith signed for a season and so many quality TE's available AFTER the 2nd Rd.

[Kingspoint]

....also, can't have enough 6'-8" Tackles.

Basically, can't have enough of everything.

[Redhook]

It’s hard to believe Mixon hasn’t been cut yet. The Bengals just received another get out of jail free card, no pun intended, with him being recharged in the January threat case. He’s not good anymore, he’s expensive and he’s had some off field issues this off-season. Move on and use that money to add some depth at CB, DL, OL, etc.

[Redsfaithful]

It’s hard to believe Mixon hasn’t been cut yet. The Bengals just received another get out of jail free card, no pun intended, with him being recharged in the January threat case. He’s not good anymore, he’s expensive and he’s had some off field issues this off-season. Move on and use that money to add some depth at CB, DL, OL, etc.

He's a post-June 1st cut, it would be very expensive to do it now.

[Kingspoint]

He's a post-June 1st cut, it would be very expensive to do it now.

...and, for right now, he's insurance in case they aren't able to replace his abilities via the draft or free agency. Same is true with Jonah, though they have to trade him.

[Redhook]

He's a post-June 1st cut, it would be very expensive to do it now.

I could be wrong, but this is what Jason Williams from The Enquirer posted: “The Bengals can save the maximum $10 million by cutting Mixon now. The club doesn’t have to wait until the June 1 cut date, thanks to an NFL rule that lets teams release up to two players each year before the deadline.”