That is arguably the largest offseason in current historical past for the Cincinnati Bengals with a number of massive contract negotiations approaching and within the works.
The Bengals have already positioned a second franchise tag on extensive receiver Tee Higgins, although each side proceed to work on getting a long-term deal achieved.
Whereas it could take a number of months, I consider they’ll in the end get a deal achieved.
Higgins’ deal is only one of some that followers and gamers are pleading to the entrance workplace to complete this offseason. There are nonetheless a number of different positions that the staff clearly wants assist with.
Professional Soccer Focus is one of some websites that put a plethora of information and statistics into their mock drafts. Right here’s how one PFF simulation went that I consider might work out for the Bengals.
Spherical 1: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Nolen has been a transparent alternative by many for the Bengals. Exterior of Trey Hendrickson, they lacked firepower all 12 months lengthy on the line of defense. With Sheldon Rankins not returning and BJ Hill additionally doubtlessly departing, the staff is left with McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins Jr.
Nolen has the possibility to be a direct risk on this line.
Spherical 2: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
That is an aggressive second-round choose with different requirements on the desk, however the linebacking unit is slim. Logan Wilson is coming off an injury-plagued season that was going poorly even earlier than he went down. Germaine Pratt is requesting a commerce, and it appears like Akeem Davis-Gaither might depart by way of free company.
Thus, a linebacker is an underrated necessity for this staff, and Schwesinger is likely one of the finest on this 12 months’s draft class.
Spherical 3: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
The Bengals’ secondary was, at occasions, nonexistent. Possibly not essentially all the time a participant difficulty, and perhaps a communication difficulty, but it surely nonetheless lacked. Vonn Bell was solely on a one-year deal, and he wasn’t fairly the identical as he was once.
Geno Stone lastly confirmed up within the latter a part of the season, and Daijahn Anthony nonetheless wants some fine-tuning. Ransom was an enormous a part of the Buckeyes championship-winning staff however helped present some main assist in the secondary.
Spherical 4: Willie Lampkin, G, North Carolina
Higher late than by no means, and I can’t see them ready this late for offensive line assist, however this 290-pound guard might present much-needed depth on the road. Final season was one other the place it appeared like Burrow was most of the time operating for his life on account of poor guard play.
Spherical 5: Tyler Cooper, G, Minnesota
If we waited this lengthy, why not go back-to-back guard? Contemplating the offensive line doesn’t want a lot assist, it undoubtedly wants some fine-tuning, as I can see the Bengals changing each guards and beginning contemporary on the inside. They’ve already reduce Alex Cappa, and Cordell Volson shouldn’t be allowed to maintain a beginning job, even when he might be a pleasant backup piece.
Spherical 6: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
With Zack Moss getting injured final season, there’s a chance he gained’t return. In the course of the season, the Bengals picked up Khalil Herbert from Chicago, and when given the possibility, he proved worthwhile. The staff nonetheless has Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans, however they nonetheless don’t have a transparent RB2. Brooks might assist clear up that drawback as a late-round pickup.
Spherical 7: Choose traded to Chicago Bears for Khalil Herbert
As I stated, there are many areas the place the Bengals might use some bolstering, however hopefully, the entrance workplace can get offers achieved and make the most of free company in order that the staff isn’t counting on the draft.
Tell us what you assume.
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