Last thread was at 300 comments and now that its April its time to fully focus on the draft. Big Storylines:
- First Round Open-Bengals have filled their roster really well in free agency. They have the chance to focus on best player available. They could get a RT or CB for the future, a TE, or really whatever they want
- Running Back-Bengals lost Perrine and didnt go get another player so its pretty clear they will be drafting one at some point. They will want a guy who fits the pass first offense(pass blocker and receiving ability)
- Tight End-Bengals are on the third TE in three years and the room isnt very deep. They focused heavily on this position at the combine.
- DL/WR-These arent the biggest needs but with guys like DJ Reader and Tyler Boyd moving on soon they could potentially find replacements in the draft this year.
- Draft Picks-Bengals have every pick, huge opportunity considering they have made the AFC championship game in back to back years.
My Draft Simulation(PFN)
- DT Calijah Kancey Pitt-Happy to have him fall to me and I think this is best case scenario right now. Kancey is an elite pass rusher at DT. He is fantastic athlete but could fall because he is smaller and wont be an everydown DT. Still he would give the Bengals the pass rush specialist on the interior that could take the defense from really good to elite.
- RB Zach Charbonnet UCLA-Many have speculated this as the Bengals target. Really good player who can play all 3 downs but has power. High floor pick
- TE Zack Kuntz ODU- At 6'7" 255 he tested as an elite athlete with a 4.55 40 and 40 inch vertical. Didnt play much in college after not playing his first 2 years, sitting out covid, and then getting hurt this year. Over the past two seasons he was awesome when he did play though.
- WR Charlie Jones Purdue-Probably the most underratted player in the draft. Had a breakout season after transfering from Iowa and just went nuts with 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Also tested really well at the combine. Here is your slot receiver of the future and gives depth this year.
- TE Luke Schoonmacher Michigan-Didnt want to double up at TE but why not. At 6'5" 255 he also tested really well but wasnt super productive during his career. Better blocker than receiver gives you a different type of TE than Kuntz and gives you two shots at finding a starter in this draft. Maybe even both pan out and you dont have to sign another TE for 4 years.
