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  1. Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer Mon, Mar 18, 2024, 10:43 AM CDT·5 min read It didn’t take long for defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to reminisce on his three-sack performance against the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow last season. In fact, Cincinnati’s new defensive tackle didn’t stop there as he cited every performance he’s ever had against the Bengals. Rankins has been so dominant against the Bengals’ offensive line; head coach Zac Taylor took to the podium to introduce Rankins with a beam of happiness. Rankins has recorded six sacks against the Bengals in his career so far. “Unfortunately, we played against him a number of times over the years, which leads us to today,” Taylor said on Monday. “It’s a guy that we’ve always pinpointed would be a great fit for us, be able to help us to really win a lot of games. Really excited to get Sheldon in our building. He’s a great fit for what we’re trying to do defensively as a team, in the locker room.” Sheldon Rankins contract with the Cincinnati Bengals The Bengals signed Rankins to a two-year deal worth $26 million after years of trying to court him in free agency. This time the money was “different” and that’s how the Bengals landed Rankins in free agency. After realizing the Bengals were likely to be outbid for DJ Reader’s services, Cincinnati’s front office came in with a strong offer to Rankins late in the night on March 14. Rankins gives the Bengals something they sorely missed in 2023 and that is a game-wrecking interior pass rusher. Cincinnati’s coaching staff has seen what he can do to a game time after time and the hope is that Rankins will bring the same type of production while donning orange and black. “Who Dey has been kind to me, whether they meant to be or not,” Rankins said.“They’ve been really kind to me. Now they’re kind to me now, I appreciate it.” A look back at all of the times Sheldon Rankins has made the Bengals life a pain https://t.co/5Nww1kT1dY Sheldon Rankins' NFL career thus far The former first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft is among the league’s best at putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks when healthy. Rankins, 29, is coming off the second-most productive year of his career in terms of sacks with six in 2023. “I just think being able to be healthy the last few years as really allowed me to just attack my craft and hone in on the things that I feel like I need to do to get better to really be the dominant player I know I can be,” Rankins said of how he’s been able to get better as the years pile up on him. “For me, I feel like when I watch last year, I had a really productive year but there is still so much more left for me to do. I feel like I am still ascending as a player.” In his eight-year career thus far, Rankins has logged 29.5 sacks with eight sacks being the most he’s had in one season (2018). Rankins’ most productive game last year came against the Bengals when not only sacked Burrow three times, he recorded five hurries. His Pro Football Focus grade for that game was a 93.8 – his highest grade of the season. Now a teammate of center Ted Karras and Burrow, Rankins joked about his in-game conversation with Cincinnati’s offensive line about their game plan against him. Rankins said the first thing he mentioned to Taylor when they first spoke was about why the Bengals didn’t adjust their protection plan against him as he dominated the interior of the Bengals’ offensive line. I said, “Why the f--- did you not slide (protections)? And we just kind of laughed about it,” Rankins recalled. “You know, (Taylor) was like, ‘You know what, man, you know, we probably should have.’” Why did Sheldon Rankins choose the Cincinnati Bengals? Rankins had offers from other teams but the opportunity to make more money and play for a team he believes has everything it needs to win is why he chose the Bengals. For the Bengals to get back to playing in the postseason, they’ll need a strong year from Rankins. The loss of Reader as the anchor in the middle of the defensive line is a big one. Cincinnati ranked No. 26 against the run (126.2) last season and finished No. 18 in total sacks (44) last season. The Bengals’ pass rush will consistent of a healthy Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Myles Murphy, Joseph Ossai and now Rankins in the upcoming season. It’s worth noting that Hendrickson and Rankins were teammates in New Orleans for several years and remain close to this day. The hope is with Rankins now in the fold, the Bengals’ defensive line ends up propelling the team to another Super Bowl run. In the end, that’s one of the reasons Rankins wanted to be in Cincinnati. “I just felt like it culminated everything I was looking for at this point in my career,” he said. “Obviously, stability, a place that wants me and sees me, not only part of the next six-month plan but sees me (as) part of the future. And then the team that wants to win. A team that has everything right in front of it.” https://sports.yahoo.com/why-sheldon-rankins-gives-bengals-154322410.html
  2. Cincinnati added multiple new faces in free agency. What's next? JAMES RAPIEN CINCINNATI — The Bengals added Zack Moss, Mike Gesicki, Sheldon Rankins, Geno Stone and Vonn Bell to their roster during the first week of free agency. Have they improved? What's next? Here are three thoughts on what they've done and what could be coming: Offensive Firepower The Bengals are hoping Mike Gesicki and Zack Moss give their offense some extra firepower. Gesicki's news conference was eerily similar to what we saw from Hayden Hurst a few years ago: A veteran tight end that is ecstatic to work with Joe Burrow in hopes of showing the NFL world that he can be a game changer on offense. Gesicki is the most talented pass catching tight end the Bengals have had in the Burrow era. He's essentially a 6-6, 249-pound wide receiver that can be a matchup nightmare for nickel cornerbacks, linebackers and safeties. "My favorite thing in the world is making a contested catch," Gesicki said. Burrow happens to be one of the best [if not the best] tight window throwers on the planet. If Gesicki earns his trust in 1-on-1 situations, he could have a huge season in Cincinnati and should give them an extra weapon in the middle of the field and red zone. Meanwhile, Moss gives off Giovani Bernard vibes. At 5-9, 205 pounds, the veteran running back has developed into a quality pass protector. He has solid hands out of the backfield and is great at breaking tackles or pushing the pile for an extra yard or two. "I would say I'm definitely a downhill, one-cut runner," Moss said. "However I can help this team, if it's catching the ball, running the ball, trying to keep Joe clean as much as I can with the big guys up front as well—whatever my role is that week, that's what I'm gonna try to do." Moss had 11 runs of 20 or more yards last season. He should fit well alongside Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams and anyone else the Bengals add to the running back room. Gesicki and Moss have the talent and skillset to be major contributors this season. Better on Defense There's no sugar coating it: The Bengals' defensive line took a step back when DJ Reader signed a two-year contract with Detroit. The veteran was a huge part of Lou Anarumo's defense for the past four seasons. They also improved two key areas: secondary and pass rush. Sheldon Rankins gives them a high-end interior pass rusher that should help get the most out of BJ Hill. It should also help alleviate pressure on a secondary that gave up plenty of explosive plays this offseason. The Bengals added Geno Stone and Vonn Bell to a young, but talented safety room that already had Dax Hill, Jordan Battle and Tycen Anderson. Anarumo will have to figure out how to put the pieces together on the back end and the defensive line is going to look different without Reader, but the Bengals' pass rush and secondary is better than it was a week ago. What's Next? Adding Teair Tart would be huge for the Bengals. He's clearly the best nose tackle left on the market. It's reasonable to expect the Bengals to add another defensive tackle and veteran offensive tackle in the near future. Tart was in town last week. Former first round pick Mekhi Becton also visited. Both guys would have a chance to be significant contributors on a contending team if they opted to sign with the Bengals. There are some other veteran offensive tackles the Bengals could target, including Trent Brown, but it sounds like they're focused on landing Tart and Becton. Don't be shocked if they add a veteran cornerback with Chidobe Awuzie signing a three-year contract with the Titans. It also wouldn't be shocking to see them kick the tires on a running back like Clyde Edwards-Helaire or a veteran interior offensive lineman. Max Scharping is still unsigned and even though they brought back Cody Ford, they would certainly be open to giving their center depth a boost behind Ted Karras. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/three-thoughts-on-bengals-free-agency-including-new-additions-whats-next#gid=ci02d8ae39f00026fc&pid=better-on-defense
  3. By Michael David Smith Published March 8, 2024 04:22 PM The NFL has announced 34 compensatory picks added to the 2024 NFL draft, and the 49ers are the team that did the best. San Francisco got a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick, a fifth-round pick and two sixth-round picks this year, adding the most draft capital of any team in the league. The 49ers were one of two teams, along with the Rams, that benefited from the NFL rule awarding a third-round compensatory picks to teams that develop a minority candidate who gets hired away as a head coach or G.M. on another team. The other 32 compensatory picks were awarded by the league’s longstanding formula that sends extra draft picks to teams that lost more free agents than they signed, with the free agents who signed the biggest contracts yielding the highest compensatory picks. This year the top compensatory pick, No. 96 overall, goes to the Jaguars after they lost tackle Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million deal with the Chiefs last year. Here’s the full list of compensatory picks: Round 3, Pick 96: Jacksonville Round 3, Pick 97: Philadelphia Round 3, Pick 98: Los Angeles Rams Round 3, Pick 99: San Francisco Round 4, Pick 132: San Francisco Round 4, Pick 133: Buffalo Round 4, Pick 134: Baltimore Round 5, Pick 167: New Orleans Round 5, Pick 168: Green Bay Round 5, Pick 169: New Orleans Round 5, Pick 170: Philadelphia Round 5, Pick 171: Philadelphia Round 5, Pick 172: Kansas City Round 5, Pick 173: Dallas Round 5, Pick 174: New Orleans Round 5, Pick 175: San Francisco Round 6, Pick 208: Cincinnati Round 6, Pick 209: Los Angeles Rams Round 6, Pick 210: Philadelphia Round 6, Pick 211: San Francisco Round 6, Pick 212: Jacksonville Round 6, Pick 213: Los Angeles Rams Round 6, Pick 214: Cincinnati Round 6, Pick 215: San Francisco Round 6, Pick 216: Dallas Round 6, Pick 217: Los Angeles Rams Round 6, Pick 218: New York Jets Round 6, Pick 219: Green Bay Round 6, Pick 220: Tampa Bay Round 7, Pick 253: Los Angeles Chargers Round 7, Pick 254: Los Angeles Rams Round 7, Pick 255: Green Bay Round 7, Pick 256: New York Jets Round 7, Pick 257: New York Jets profootballtalk.com
  4. Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterMar 4, 2024, 03:47 PM ET CINCINNATI -- Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was far from surprised when the Kansas City Chiefs made another deep playoff run that ended with a Lombardi Trophy. In 2021 and 2022, the Bengals faced Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game, splitting those postseason matchups. In 2023, with Burrow sidelined with a season-ending right wrist injury, Cincinnati missed the playoffs, while Kansas City won its third Super Bowl in the past five seasons. "They're the gold standard right now," Burrow told ESPN on Sunday as part of a marketing appearance with Guinness. "They've been to what, six straight AFC championships and four of the last [five] Super Bowls? "So that's where we want to be." The lone exception came during the 2021 playoffs, when the Bengals beat Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1988 season. Cincinnati fell short, 23-20, to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. But when Burrow plays, the Bengals have been one of the few teams to enjoy sustained success against Kansas City during its dynastic run. They're 3-1 against Kansas City with him in the lineup. When Kansas City beat Cincinnati in their second AFC championship matchup, it snapped a three-game losing streak to the Bengals. In those losses, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes registered a 12.9 Total QBR in the second half and overtime and was held to a completion percentage of 56.8, according to ESPN Stats & Information. "It's a team game, so it's a team rivalry," Burrow said. "But I'm cognizant of the fact that we're going to be paired together in those conversations for the foreseeable future as long as we both continue to do what we're capable of and continue to grind and put ourselves in those positions." Both have recently signed lucrative contracts. Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension before the start of 2023 that paid him the highest annual average salary in NFL history. Eleven days after Burrow's news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Mahomes restructured his contract to receive $210.6 million between 2023 and 2026, the most ever earned by an NFL player in a four-year span. Joe Burrow is 3-1 vs. the Chiefs, but Kansas City has won three Super Bowls in the past five years, and that's the success Burrow covets. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports And for the record, Burrow said last offseason that Mahomes is the best in the NFL. Part of Burrow's self-evaluation this offseason is figuring out what lessons he can take from his injury-plagued fourth season as he gets ready for the upcoming one. He suffered a strained right calf in training camp that didn't heal until the middle of the season. That preceded the season-ending wrist injury in his throwing hand in Week 11. Burrow said he is currently considering potential changes in his approach leading up to the next season. "I'm still kind of deciphering that in my mind, thinking about how I can mitigate that going into this year," Burrow said. "Whether it's gaining weight, changing my training, changing my lead-up to training camp that month before, we're still working through all that and seeing where I want to be." When the Bengals played Kansas City in Week 17 of last season, Burrow was recovering from his surgery to repair the torn ligament. Kansas City won 25-17 and eliminated Cincinnati from playoff contention. At the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last week, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said the franchise was disappointed in its inability to make a Super Bowl run for a third straight season. "We expect to be there at the end, so it's hard to pick out bright spots when you're not where you want to be," Tobin said. "Ultimately, we want to make the playoffs [and] put ourselves in a position to win it all." Burrow echoed those sentiments when reflecting on Kansas City's success. "The blueprint is right in front of us," Burrow said. "We watched it unfold. "I feel really good about that matchup for our team. We just have to put ourselves in that position next year to have that opportunity at the end to go and win it." https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39653900/bengals-joe-burrow-eyes-patrick-mahomes-chiefs-blueprint
  5. Ben Baby, ESPN Staff Writer Mar 3, 2024, 03:48 PM ET CINCINNATI -- Joe Burrow is still sketching out his recovery timeline after surgery to repair a torn wrist ligament in his throwing hand. But if things continue to go according to plan, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has a date set on when he is likely to be completely cleared this offseason. "I think middle of May is when I am expecting to kind of be cleared for full contact and everything," Burrow told ESPN on Sunday. "Over the next month [to] month and a half, we'll kind of decide all those things." Burrow said Cincinnati's organized team activities is when he anticipates returning to full throwing sessions. He has started throwing small medicine balls as he returns from the season-ending surgery he suffered Nov. 16 in the team's Week 11 loss to Baltimore. The quarterback, who just wrapped up his fourth NFL season, said the timeline isn't far off from what an offseason has looked like for him the past couple of years. Burrow said he normally doesn't start throwing until OTAs. The time off has given him an extra 12 weeks to recover and work on any "inefficiencies and weaknesses" as the Bengals look to bounce back from missing the playoffs in 2023. "I can lift basically normally now, which I'm excited about," Burrow said in comments following a marketing event for his work with Guinness. "So the next two months, I'll basically be just doing what I've done for the last couple of years Just the 12 weeks of extra work in the rearview." Last season, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft played in 10 games before the ligament tear. He completed 66.8% of his passes for 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. Burrow's season was bookended by injury issues. He had suffered a strained right calf on the second day of training camp, an injury that didn't fully heal until the middle of the season. Burrow had a five-game stretch at full health before he suffered the wrist injury following a hit. Last season also marked a step back for the Bengals. After reaching the Super Bowl at the end of the 2021 season and the AFC Championship Game the following year (along with winning their division both seasons), the Bengals did not make the playoffs and finished last in the AFC North. On Sunday, Burrow acknowledged the injury problems but said they were only partially to blame for Cincinnati's woes in 2023. When asked what it will take for the Bengals to become AFC contenders again, he said the youth on the roster will play a big role. "We need the guys that we draft to come in and be productive and take on the leadership roles that we've lost the last couple of years," Burrow said. "And we need to bring in the right pieces this offseason too, whether it's the draft or free agency. "Like I said, the injuries were what they were last year, but we weren't good enough in a lot of different places to make a Super Bowl run in my opinion." Over the past few years, Burrow's input has been valued by coach Zac Taylor, executive Duke Tobin and other decision-makers in the front office. Burrow said those conversations will occur as the Bengals reposition themselves to improve next season. At last week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Taylor said the dialogue between he and Burrow is wide open. "I always ask a lot of questions and he always gives me the information I need anytime I've asked him," Taylor said. Cincinnati has started the process of retooling the roster for 2024. Last Monday, the Bengals gave wide receiver Tee Higgins the franchise tag. In his final news conference of the season, Burrow voiced how critical Higgins was to the team on the field and in the locker room. In his conversation Sunday with ESPN, he reiterated Higgins' importance, noting that their time together dates back to 2020, when the receiver was drafted at the top of the second round. "Having him back this year," Burrow said, "obviously, I hope we're going to have him longer, but it's exciting for me to have him this year and then it's a nice little payday for him. Then hopefully he gets another one here soon." As Burrow prepares for the upcoming season, he said what excites him most about the process is what faces himself and the Bengals as they chase the first Super Bowl win in franchise history. "I'm excited about the challenge that we have," Burrow said. "I'm excited about the challenge that I have coming back from injury. "When you're injured, your only rebuttal to the narrative is what you put on the field and how you produce, and when you're injured, there's no dialogue between the narrative and yourself. So I'm excited to kind of handle that in my own way and get back out there in a much better place." https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39647613/bengals-joe-burrow-expects-cleared-injury-may
  6. Dave Clark Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja'Marr Chase sat courtside with teammates DJ Reader and Sam Hubbard for Sunday's NBA game between the Lakers and Suns in Phoenix, and Los Angeles superstar and Ohio native LeBron James chatted with both players after the game. LeBron may have asked Chase how the Fruity Pebbles-themed cleats he sent as a gift last November are working out for him. Chase wore the cleats during a Thursday Night Football loss in Baltimore, and in practice earlier the same week. The Suns' Devin Booker and Bradley Beal greeted the Bengals' players in attendance before the game. YouTube video of Burrow and Chase at Sunday's game: From the NBA via Twitter/X: Burrow appeared Saturday night at Rip Valley Hobby Shop in Phoenix as part of Fanatics Collectibles' Topps Hobby Rip Night. The Suns' Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were at Paycor Stadium for the Bengals' home opener against the Ravens, sitting in Burrow's suite. Burrow, Booker and Durant all attended billionaire Michael Rubin's Fourth of July "White Party" in the Hamptons. Former Suns player Chris Paul, now with the Golden State Warriors, sent a signed jersey to Chase after tweeting that he needed a Chase jersey. And former Suns player Cam Johnson, now with the Brooklyn Nets, wore a Chase jersey in 2022 as he declared on ESPN's "NBA Today" that his love for the Bengals grew from a hatred of the Pittsburgh Stealers and the fact that Chad Johnson also is a "C. Johnson." https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2024/02/25/joe-burrow-jamarr-chase-watch-lakers-suns-nba-in-phoenix-hug-lebron-james/72740605007/?utm_source=cincinnati-bengals-news-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sportsbaseline&utm_term=hero&utm_content=pcin-cincinnati-nletter01
  7. Greg Wilson Sun, Feb 25, 2024, 1:02 PM CST·1 min read After 14 seasons of Kevin Huber keeping the punting game mostly consistent for the Cincinnati Bengals, there were some struggles at the position with Drue Chrisman and 2023 rookie Brad Robbins getting a chance. The Bengals drafted Robbins with their sixth-round pick in last year’s draft, but he didn’t perform like they hoped he would for the most part. Now after the Kansas City Chiefs signed Matt Araiza, it seems as if they won’t be re-signing their punter Tommy Townsend. Over the past four seasons, Townsend has been one of the better punters in the league for the Chiefs and has proven he belongs on an NFL roster, earning first-team All-Pro in 2022 and a Pro Bowl appearance. Throughout his career, he has averaged 47.4 yards per punt and has had 80 punts inside the 20-yard line, doing so 40.8 percent of the time. He had 20 punts inside the 20 last season, which was the same number as Robbins, but Robbins punted 17 more times than Townsend did. Robbins has only had one year in the NFL, so he could turn into the player the Bengals hoped he would be with time, but with Townsend about to hit free agency, they should consider signing him to compete with Robbins next season. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-consider-signing-tommy-townsend-190250422.html
  8. By Charean Williams Published February 23, 2024 06:35 PM The Bengals’ locker room received a D grade, ranking in a tie for 25th among the 32 teams, in the NFLPA’s survey that solicited feedback from players. The team is doing something about it this year. The Bengals’ locker room at Paycor Stadium is undergoing a makeover, Geoff Hobson of the team website reports. The project, which began after the season ended, includes overhauling ceilings, flooring, restrooms, and showers, as well as installing state-of-the-art lockers. The target completion date is for Week 1, and until then, players will use two adjoining locker rooms about 50 yards from the main one. Bengals director of operations Jeff Brickner and equipment manager Adam Knollman, along with representatives of ownership, researched the latest and best locker-room models in both the college and NFL. “We view it as the players’ office, where they go to work every day, and we believe this meets their every need now and, in the future,” Brickner told Hobson. “Until then, no one is going to miss a beat. Locker rooms B and C allow us to operate like we have. You only have one chance to make a first impression, and we’re going to make sure it’s completed before we make that first impression.” Players’ complaints about the Bengals’ locker room in last year’s survey included some of the smallest hot/cold tubs in the league and being the only team in the league without outlets in lockers to charge devices. They also reported issues with the showers and toilets not consistently working. The Bengals also are making a change to their playing surface for 2024. They announced Thursday that they are switching to a FieldTurf CORE system from a slit film turf field. The locker room renovation and field installation are two of several offseason projects ongoing within the building. New club seats, updated concessions equipment and an upgraded stadium TV system are among the major gameday enhancements. All projects are scheduled for completion before the start of the 2024 season. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals
  9. Dave Clark Cincinnati Enquirer Last season was Joe Mixon's fourth in seven in the National Football League as a 1,000-yard rusher for the Cincinnati Bengals. So why would the Bengals consider moving on from Mixon? The veteran RB is scheduled to collect a $3 million roster bonus in mid-March. And his salary-cap hit for 2024 would be about $8.85 million. Mixon agreed to a contract restructure last July, meaning he has one year remaining on his current deal with the Bengals. When NFL free agency starts March 11, Cincinnati might look for someone expected to earn less than Mixon, making him a cap casualty. CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani lists the Bengals among three potential landing spots for Baltimore Ravens running back and former Ohio State Buckeyes standout JK Dobbins. Dobbins had 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, with 120 receiving yards. But he missed the 2021 season with a torn ACL. He played in eight games in 2022 but suffered another knee injury. And he tore his Achilles in Week 1 of last season. In January 2023, Dobbins said the Ravens would've won their playoff game in Cincinnati if they'd had Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Tyler Huntley replaced the injured Jackson. Dobbins had 160 rushing yards on 13 carries in Baltimore's 38-3 win in Cincinnati in January 2021, the final regular-season game of the 2020 season. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2024/02/23/jk-dobbins-is-free-agent-rb-candidate-if-cincinnati-cuts-joe-mixon-salary-cap-casualty/72708809007/?utm_source=cincinnati-bengals-news-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sportsbaseline&utm_term=hero&utm_content=pcin-cincinnati-nletter01
  10. Chris Roling Thu, Feb 22, 2024, 3:46 PM CST The Cincinnati Bengals dropped some big news on Thursday, revealing that Paycor Stadium will have new turf in 2024. The Bengals were set to be the only team in the NFL with a slit film turf field next season before the announcement. From the team’s press release: Bengals players such as Joe Burrow have commented recently about playing surfaces around the league. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-announce-turf-paycor-stadium-214610857.html
  11. Who will the Bengals target at No. 18? BLAKE JEWELL 23 HOURS AGO CINCINNATI — The NFL Combine starts later this month, which means we’ll find out a lot more information about the 2024 NFL Draft class. With the Bengals picking at No. 18, they’ll have some pretty good prospects to choose from. Here is a pre-combine preview of several players the Bengals could target when they're on the clock: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois One of the Bengals' top draft needs this offseason is interior pass rush, and Newton could be the best of the bunch in the 2024 draft class. The Illinois defense tackle is a disrupter, tallying 7.5 sacks last season for the Illini. Newton has the strength and athleticism required of a top-tier 3-tech and has a plethora of pass-rush moves in his skill set. Rushing the passer will be Newton’s primary role, but he also was a pretty solid run defender in his time in college. The concerns with Newton come with his size. He’s slightly undersized for the position and doesn't have ideal arm length. That being said, his technical abilities and athleticism make him one of the top defensive players in this draft class. He would pair well with DJ Reader, should he return, and bring the Bengals some much-needed interior pass-rushing skills. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia Similar to Newton, Bowers's draft spot projections are all over the place. His range appears to be from the 5th overall pick all the way to the Bengals at 18. Bowers had an exceptional college career, finishing with three seasons of 700+ receiving yards and a total of 26 receiving touchdowns. The two-time National Champion is an explosive athlete. He’s dangerous after the catch and has the ability to make contested catches. The Bengals have a need at tight end and Bowers could not only fill the need but make the position a strength for the Bengals. His dynamic YAC abilities would take pressure off Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals' wide receivers group, which would unlock another level for Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama He could be long gone by pick 18, but would likely be the best player available if he makes it to No. 18. The cornerback class is loaded, which could lead to someone like Arnold making it later than he should if the board falls that way. Arnold checks a lot of boxes as a first-round cornerback option. He had quality production at Alabama, recording five interceptions in 2023 and allowing just a 50.7 passer rating when targeted. At 6-0, 195 lbs, his size will work for an outside cornerback in the NFL. He'll only be 21 years old when he takes his first snap in the pros. Arnold’s strengths include his ball skills, press coverage, and athleticism. He has all the tools to be a quality corner in the NFL and would step into an already talented and young group in Cincinnati with Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner II. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State Fuaga is one of the top offensive linemen in the 2024 draft. He was dominant at Oregon State. He didn't give up a sack in 734 pass-blocking snaps. He allowed two quarterback hits and 10 hurries in his 351 pass-blocking snaps last season. Fuaga was also an exceptional run blocker, which could end up being his strength over pass blocking. With right tackle being one of the top needs for the Bengals, Fuaga would step in as a well-rounded prospect who is effective in both the run and pass game. Fuaga also could excel at guard should an NFL team decide to move him inside. JC Latham, RT, Alabama The Bengals will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the right tackle position in the first two rounds of the draft, and Latham is in the mix to be a top target. He's coming off a prolific college career, where he played over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps and only allowed two sacks and a handful of quarterback hits. At 6-6, 360 pounds, Latham has almost ideal size you want out of a right tackle. He plays with great power and explosiveness and would be a good option for the Bengals pick at 18. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA The Bengals took an edge rusher with their first-round pick last season, but if a player of Latu's caliber is on the board at 18, it could be very enticing for them. Latu had elite production in college, tallying 15 sacks in 2023 and 12 sacks in 2022. His concerns lie with his age, as well as an injury history, but Latu is an NFL-ready talent with a technically sound pass-rushing game and is at the very least an interesting prospect that the Bengals could consider Amarius Mims, RT, Georgia Although he lacks experience, Mims has elite potential. He's 6-7”, 320 pounds, and has the athleticism to be a special player. He’s an explosive athlete and moves very well. As one of the most physically gifted players in this draft, Mims is a very interesting prospect. Although he doesn’t have the experience most would like to see, the Bengals could use a physical athlete like Mims on their offensive line. Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon Powers-Johnson is a player I like for the Bengals. He could be the Bengals starting left guard in 2024 and a potential Ted Karras replacement at center when the time comes. Powers-Johnson had an outstanding career at Oregon and moved all over their offensive line. He was strictly a center in 2023, but played right guard before that and also has played snaps at left guard and right tackle. If the Bengals don’t love any right tackle or defensive tackle options at 18, they could select Powers-Johnson and get an NFL-ready talent that would also help them prepare for the future. Brian Thomas, WR, LSU Depending on what happens in the coming months, wide receiver could end up being a big need for the Bengals. Thomas looks to be a solid first-round prospect that the Bengals could target, should the need arise. Thomas has good size at receiver and could be an effective vertical target for Burrow. He was a great playmaker for the Tigers and would be another quality weapon for this Bengals offense. Tyler Guyton, RT, Oklahoma Guyton is another interesting prospect for the Bengals at 18. He has the size and athleticism to be a good right tackle in the NFL. Overall, Guyton didn’t have the elite play in college that we saw from other prospects like Fuaga and Latham, but his build and athletic abilities are near the top. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas The Bengals could use an interior pass rusher as well as additional interior support in the run game, and Sweat could provide both. Sweat is 6-4, 362 pounds. He uses his size and strength to bullrush offensive linemen and collapse the pocket in the passing game and he takes on double teams and clogs up the line of scrimmage in the run game. Sweat could immediately help this Bengals defense and would be a good pick in the first round. Byron Murphy, DT, Texas Like his former teammate at Texas, Murphy is good at both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Murphy is a little undersized for his position at 6-1, but his explosiveness and disruptive abilities from the interior are certainly enough to get excited about. Murphy would be a solid pick in the first round and would help improve the Bengals pass rush. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon Franklin is a 6-3 receiver with elite speed. At 187 pounds, he doesn’t have the body mass or strength to be a contested catch option, but his route running and speed create plenty of separation and he has the ability to be a dangerous weapon. There is a lot of uncertainty about what the Bengals will do at the receiver position with both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd scheduled to become free agents, but if receiver ends up being a need, Franklin could give the Bengals a boost with his playmaking ability and speed. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/pre-combine-look-cincinnati-bengals-top-options-2024-nfl-draft#gid=ci02d64df410002720&pid=jerzhan-newton-dt-illinois
  12. Published: Feb 16, 2024 at 03:06 PM by Eric Edholm & Chad Reuter In a matter of months, the 2024 NFL Draft will usher a new wave of talent into the league. Before we get there, though, Eric Edholm and Chad Reuter are taking a team-by-team look back at the rookie class of 2023. Upon the completion of this series, Edholm and Reuter collaborated to officially rank every group, from 1 to 32. Here's the pecking order. Rank 7 Cincinnati Bengals Class grade: B+ Round 1 (No. 28) Myles Murphy, DE | 17 games/0 starts Round 2 (60) DJ Turner II, CB | 17 games/12 starts Round 3 (95) Jordan Battle, S | 17 games/7 starts Round 4 (131) Charlie Jones, WR | 11 games/0 starts Round 5 (163) Chase Brown, RB | 12 games/0 starts Round 6 (206) Andrei Iosivas, WR | 16 games/1 start (217) Brad Robbins, P | 17 games Round 7 (246) D.J. Ivey, CB | 8 games/0 starts REUTER: With Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard in place, Murphy would not have been expected to start as a rookie. He earned more snaps as the season went on, though, ending the year with 20 tackles and three sacks. With Hubbard (28) and Hendrickson (29) on the older end of the spectrum, the Bengals would surely love for Murphy to continue his growth and develop into someone who could take the pass-rush reins at some point. On the other hand, the Bengals needed both Day 2 picks to step into big roles right away, thanks to veteran departures in the secondary last offseason. Battle was thrown into the fire in the second half of the year and acquitted himself nicely, making plays against the run and pass. Turner's athleticism was obvious, and he did not shy from contact, but the rookie gave up three touchdowns in the final four games and missed several tackles through the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He'll need to clean things up in Year 2 to be an above-average NFL starter. The three skill-position players picked on Saturday were nice hits. Iosivas scored four times on 15 receptions. Brown fought through a hamstring injury early on, then played like the back who starred at Illinois while he was giving Joe Mixon a breather during the second half of the year. Jones did well as a punt returner, scoring once, and then caught six passes over the last month of the season. Robbins ranked near the bottom of the league in gross and net punt average, so it's unclear if he'll have the job again in 2024. https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-rookie-grades-ranking-the-classes-1-to-32
  13. Published: Feb 16, 2024 at 11:16 AM Dan Parr Original Content Editor, Draft Strategy We're still about a month away from the 2024 NFL Draft outlook coming into clearer view, with the NFL Scouting Combine kicking into high gear a couple weeks from now and the start of free agency following shortly thereafter. Many questions will be answered between now and then. With that, I submit my first foray into the mock-verse, where I tried to untangle the 32-pick web by filling team needs as they stand in mid-February. Pick 1 Chicago Bears (via CAR) Caleb Williams USC · QB · Junior A lot can change between mid-February and the start of the draft, but right now, anything other than Williams to the Bears at No. 1 would be a surprise to me. Pick 2 Washington Commanders Drake Maye North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS) The Commanders explore moving up to reunite Caleb Williams with OC Kliff Kingsbury, but the asking price is too rich for a team with plenty of other needs. Maye gives Washington a foundation to build on. Pick 3 New England Patriots Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State · WR · Junior In this scenario, the Patriots trade for Justin Fields and start a new era by giving him arguably the best player in the draft. Pick 4 Atlanta Falcons Jayden Daniels LSU · QB · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS Atlanta pounces before another team moves up for the Heisman Trophy winner’s services. Daniels brings dual-threat electricity to the Falcons’ offense under new head coach Raheem Morris. Pick 5 Los Angeles Chargers Joe Alt Notre Dame · OT · Junior Jim Harbaugh has made it abundantly clear he wants a tough, physical team that can protect Justin Herbert. There might be bigger needs on paper come draft day, but selecting Alt to play right tackle seems like the pick most in line with the head coach’s philosophy. Pick 6 New York Giants Malik Nabers LSU · WR · Junior If the Giants are going to run it back with Daniel Jones, they might as well give him a true No. 1 wide receiver for the first time in his career. Nabers has the talent to provide the G-Men with an element they have missed since Odell Beckham Jr.'s heyday. Pick 7 Tennessee Titans Olumuyiwa Fashanu Penn State · OT · Junior (RS) The Titans have to give Will Levis better protection if they want him to make progress in Year 2. Fashanu, Levis' teammate for a year at Penn State, should be part of the solution. Pick 8 Arizona Cardinals Rome Odunze Washington · WR · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH ATLANTA FALCONS GM Monti Ossenfort now owns multiple picks in each of the first three rounds after trading down to No. 8. He holds the keys to the draft and still manages to find Kyler Murray a receiver who has drawn comparisons to Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald. Pick 9 Chicago Bears Dallas Turner Alabama · Edge · Junior The Bears have to find someone who can pressure quarterbacks other than Montez Sweat. They can make a case that they left Round 1 with the top quarterback and top edge rusher available this year. Pick 10 Las Vegas Raiders J.J. McCarthy Michigan · QB · Junior PROJECTED TRADE WITH NEW YORK JETS You really think Michigan Man and soon-to-be Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is going to let McCarthy fall to the Vikings at No. 11 or the rival Broncos at No. 12? Not happening. Vegas goes all in on the national title winner. Pick 11 Minnesota Vikings Jared Verse Florida State · Edge · Senior With free agency potentially leaving the Vikings thin off the edge, Verse’s relentless effort will be welcomed by DC Brian Flores. Pick 12 Cincinnati Bengals Brock Bowers Georgia · TE · Junior PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS I know, it never happens. The Bengals haven’t traded up in Round 1 since 1995, when they took Ki-Jana Carter first overall. Well, it’s time to put that streak to an end. The value of a top-five talent at No. 12 is too great for Cincinnati to resist, and the team doesn’t have a tight end under contract for 2024 as of this writing. Denver needs more draft picks, and the Bengals need Bowers. Pick 13 New York Jets Taliese Fuaga Oregon State · OT · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH LAS VEGAS RAIDERS The Jets recoup some draft capital after trading for Aaron Rodgers last year, and they get some much-needed help up front for the QB with the selection of the ultra-tough Fuaga. Pick 14 New Orleans Saints JC Latham Alabama · OT · Junior New Orleans might need new starters at both left and right tackle. The powerful Latham can immediately step in on the right side. Pick 15 Indianapolis Colts Terrion Arnold Alabama · CB · Sophomore (RS) There’s a decent chance Arnold will go earlier than 15th overall. If he’s still available, GM Chris Ballard delights in his good fortune, landing the draft’s top corner in the middle of Round 1. Pick 16 Seattle Seahawks Troy Fautanu Washington · OT · Senior New OC Ryan Grubb grabs his former pupil at UW. Fautanu can line up anywhere on the offensive line, but the Seahawks might be best served playing him at guard. Pick 17 Jacksonville Jaguars Byron Murphy II Texas · DT · Junior The Jaguars add some serious juice on the interior. If they bring back pending free agent Josh Allen and new DC Ryan Nielsen fully unlocks 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker’s potential, Murphy could be part of a ferocious front. Pick 18 Denver Broncos Bo Nix Oregon · QB · Senior PROJECTED TRADE WITH CINCINNATI BENGALS Sean Payton is desperate for help after parting with Russell Wilson in this hypothetical and missing out on the first four quarterbacks off the board. Nix has the experience and intelligence to be a good fit in Denver. Pick 19 Los Angeles Rams Laiatu Latu UCLA · Edge · Senior If you want wins off the edge, Latu is your guy. He will kick the intensity of the Rams’ pass rush up a notch. Pick 20 Pittsburgh Stealers Tyler Guyton Oklahoma · OT · Senior Pittsburgh slides last year’s first-rounder, Broderick Jones, to the left side, making room for Guyton at right tackle. Now, which quarterback will they be protecting? Pick 21 Miami Dolphins Jackson Powers-Johnson Oregon · C · Junior This looks good on an offensive lineman’s résumé, folks: Zero sacks allowed on 714 career pass-blocking snaps, per PFF. Powers-Johnson steps right in at center, filling a void for Miami. Pick 22 Philadelphia Eagles Quinyon Mitchell Toledo · CB · Senior The Eagles had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season, and their top corners -- Darius Slay (33) and James Bradberry (31 in August) -- aren’t getting any younger. Mitchell showed at the Senior Bowl that he deservers to be in the draft’s CB1 conversation. Pick 23 Houston Texans (via CLE) Nate Wiggins Clemson · CB · Junior At least one scout views Wiggins as a better prospect than Seahawks stud rookie Devon Witherspoon was a year ago. High praise. The Texans snag a Clemson Tiger to play opposite Derek Stingley Jr. Pick 24 Dallas Cowboys Graham Barton Duke · IOL · Senior If Tyler Biadasz departs in free agency, Barton could be the perfect successor at center. Pick 25 Green Bay Packers Cooper DeJean Iowa · CB · Junior The Packers can’t quit Iowa defenders. For the second year in a row, Green Bay turns to the Hawkeyes in the first round, this time adding a versatile defensive back with a knack for making big plays. Pick 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chop Robinson Penn State · Edge · Junior The production might give some teams pause (9.5 sacks in last two seasons), but the freakish athletic ability will make other teams salivate. The Bucs can’t resist here, especially with Shaquil Barrett’s play trending in the wrong direction. Pick 27 Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) Amarius Mims Georgia · OT · Junior The Cardinals have the picks to move up the board for help in the trenches if they want to be aggressive, but they stay put in this scenario. This selection gives them two young bookends to build the offensive line around, with Mims joining last year’s first-rounder, Paris Johnson Jr. Pick 28 Buffalo Bills Brian Thomas Jr. LSU · WR · Junior It’s been a decade since the franchise spent a first-round pick on a receiver. With Gabe Davis headed for free agency, now is the time to strike for Thomas, who led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches in 2023. Pick 29 Detroit Lions Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama · CB · Junior I can hear Dan Campbell saying “Kool-Aid? Oh yeah!” when GM Brad Holmes sends this pick in. McKinstry’s game might not have a lot of flash, but he’s a well-schooled, confident cover corner who will reunite with Alabama teammate Brian Branch in the Detroit secondary. Pick 30 Baltimore Ravens Keon Coleman Florida State · WR · Junior An offensive lineman could be the play for the Ravens in Round 1. In this case, they decide to give Lamar Jackson a receiver who can win jump-ball battles and be a menace in the red zone. Pick 31 San Francisco 49ers Darius Robinson Missouri · DE · Senior NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah likened Robinson’s evaluation to that of the 49ers’ Arik Armstead. With Armstead potentially a year away from hitting free agency, why not take the 6-foot-5, 286-pounder to be his successor. Pick 32 Kansas City Chiefs Devontez Walker North Carolina · WR · Senior Walker might not have received glowing reviews at the Senior Bowl, but teams will go back to the tape and see what he did at North Carolina last season (41 catches for 699 yards and seven TDs in eight games). He can be a reliable wideout for Patrick Mahomes. https://www.nfl.com/news/dan-parr-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0
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