snarkster

I'd like to see them take a look at Lynn Bowden (just cut by the Dolphins). A lot of elusiveness in the open field and could be a return option. Could be a solid option in the slot behind Boyd.

Said all akkkkkk

If he coasts through the season (making it to mediocre ones in a row, who's giving him top money?

Last year the left side of the line seemed the solid side and I worried mor about the right. This year (as long as we're lucky on the injury front) I feel like the improvement there is real and substantial. Carman at LG is my biggest concern. The potential is there, nut just feels like there's something missing. One the other hand, while I have very little reason, I feel cautiously optimistic about Volson (especially long-term). I've always felt Williams was a solid OL piece, but I've worried whether he's elite on the edge in space protecting the Franchise' blind side. I've always thought he could be elite inside at a guard slot. For mow though, he's the best we have at LT. Depth? Carman &/or Volson will be there and I'm still pretty high on Smith's development. Hill strike me as an adequate backup, but I get the feeling he's somebody will really have to fight to keep his roster spot. Probably just me, but I look at Prince and especially Adeniji at pretty much fungible. I'd bring at least two of Spain, Reiff & Hopkins to press the last three (if they can get them at a reasonable price. Would like an experience tackle in reserve like Reiff.

Performance wouldn't worry me when deciding if Burrow is worth the risk. Health might.

Said it before, much like IOL, the Bengals ain't breaking the bank on a safety. They may end up signing Bates, but at a number they're comfortable with. I!m betting it's closer to his Tag tender (around $12.5M/yr?) As opposed to the $17M something per at the top of the safety market (where he believes he should be). I'm guessing if he does sign it's in the $14-15M per range with a cap-friendly structure. I don't seehim settling for that and I think there's a less-than-zero chance of a trade before the end of camp. The more I see/hear of Dax, the more I love the pick. He's probably as good an athlete as any in the DB room (with possible exceptions of fellow draftees Anderson & CTB. I think he's capable of stepping into JB's cleats and doing an admirable job if he leaves, but he seems to be versatile & talented enough to play a number of spots well if Bates happens to hang around. I think could he & Hillcould easily co-exist.

Has Volson still not signed?

Didn't stop him last year.

My bigger concern if he leaves his pout in the locker room when he does p,ay. Couldn't manage that until the playoffs last year and he is moaggreived this year. Rather have a 100% rookie Dax than a 60-80% Bates with a pouton.

I'm not worried about him sitting out all (or part of) the regular season. What concerns me is him going into full-on pout mode and half-assing the regular season (kinda like last year only more so).

How about a Bates debate. Safety is one of those positions (like IOL) that the Bengals just don't value and aren't gonna pay top dollar for. I would be surprised if they come up off of their latest offer to Bates (whatever that may be). I believe when they didn't offer him what he felt he deserved last summer he got all pissy and let it sour his play. Now he's been tagged he's he gonna holdout and causing all kinds of drama. Even if he does finally accept the tag, how will it affect his play? The locker room? Unless there's a surprise multi-year deal, I think the team should start exploring option. I'm not that familiar with Tag rules though. Even though he's not technically under contract, can they deal him (sign and trade maybe?)? If they end up letting him walk, does he still qualify for a comp pick? Does his $13M+ cap figure go back in the kitty to be spent elsewhere?

For the 7th Rd and and an UDFA, Gunter and Tisdale are two good-looking athletes for EDGE Depth.

Got a feeling that Carter could be a key to the draft. If he can serve as a solid back up to Hill at the 3Tech and provide inside push, it would be huge for the defense. Do have concerns about his size/strength.

I'd be re-signing Spain as a hedge against the charge and against repeated suckage at the line of scrimmage.

Decent hands, but nothing explosive. Good in-line blocker.

I like Bates, but safety is pretty much like OG was on offense...the Bengals aren't gonna pay top dollar. He has coverage skills and should be one of the top five DBs. His versatility should have him seeing quite a few snaps (especially as the season wears on). Wouldn't shock me to see them still go CB if the right guy is there, but I'm expecting a front seven or maybe even a TE pick (if McBride or Dulcich is still there) next. will likely see a C or OT taken, but could see them re-sign Spain as depth/camp comp) after the draft if they can get a bargain price.

Injury problems have hed me dreading Booth. I'm afraid.

No thanks, the quality really drops off the closer you get to the 3rd round. I would definitely entertain trading back in the 2nd round, I would go no lower than the 15th pick (hopefully the top 10).

Gotta keep weeding the others out.

The Bengals value WR significantly more than safety though.

In various mock draft simulators I keep seeing Devonte Wyatt still on the board. Other than possibly a top CB (Booth or Elam) or maybe an EDGE I think he would be my pick #31. He's probably the top 3Tech in the draft and would likely be an eventual upgrade over Ogunjobi (and I really like him). A rotation of Hill & Wyatt next to Reader would really solidify the defensive interior.

Watched the replay of the Kentucky-Iowa Citrus Bowl last night and paid a lot of attention to Linderbaum. He was definitely impressive, but the last play when he turned his ankle, hr got pushed back and man-handled by a UK Frosh DT who shed him easily and got the sack.

WR: they have three amazing starters and then a could of nuthin.'. One turned ankle and then you're looking for a starter. Not saying they should rush to grab one at 31, but at any point beyond that if a WR is the clear BPA, go for it. TE: Hurst is here for one season. Sample is fungible. There is a lot of depth at the position in this draft class, ao at any point beyond 31... Heck, if I got the right offer to trade down a few spot, pick up an extra premium pick or two, then take McBride, I'd consider it. Yeah, outside CB, a 3Tech and another EDGE are probably our more pressing needs, but a 4th WR, 3rd TE, OL depth and a 3rd safety are still in the realm of discussion for premium picks if the BPA is there. Giving The Franchise another lethal target is never a bad idea. There will always be another round of FA's after the Draft to fill holes and the Bengals still have cap room so take advantage of the flexibility. Punter? Yeah, they've got Chrisman, but punter in the 6th or 7th round is one spot where you stand a decent shot of landing a long-term starter. Other positions, you're usually looking at fringe depth or a lottery ticket. If SDSU punter Araiza is there late and you think he could help you dominate the field ;position battle, why not?

6/1 could be an interesting day.