Arkansas Bengal Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 Published: Jan 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM Headshot_Author_Bucky_Brooks_1400x1000 Bucky Brooks NFL.com Analyst Here's my first projection of how the entire first round will play out in Detroit when the 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25. NOTES: As of this writing, the draft order for picks 1-28 is set. The order for picks 29-32 will be determined by postseason results. Those picks are ordered in this mock based on regular-season record, with strength of schedule as the tiebreaker. Pick 1 Chicago Bears (via CAR) Caleb Williams USC · QB · Junior GM Ryan Poles should take the best quarterback in the draft, with or without Justin Fields on the roster. The Bears could recreate the Alex Smith-Patrick Mahomes scenario for a season (with Williams enjoying a redshirt year before taking over) or they could move on from Fields this offseason to usher in a new era with a young -- and cheap -- franchise quarterback. Pick 2 Washington Commanders Drake Maye North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS) The Commanders could take Maye and sit him behind his former North Carolina teammate, Sam Howell, until he is ready to assume control as the franchise quarterback. Maye offers immense talent and potential, but with only two years of starting experience at UNC, he would benefit from an apprenticeship before taking over as QB1 down the road. Pick 3 New England Patriots Jayden Daniels LSU · QB · Senior If new head coach Jerod Mayo is serious about upgrading the most important position on the team, he cannot afford to bypass the Heisman Trophy winner at pick No. 3 in this exercise. The spectacular dual-threat playmaker would add some sizzle to an offense that lacked explosiveness under Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Pick 4 Arizona Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State · WR · Junior The Cardinals add a Larry Fitzgerald-like playmaker to a lineup that desperately needs a No. 1 receiver on the perimeter. The Ohio State standout is a plug-and-play prospect with superstar potential. Pick 5 Los Angeles Chargers Brock Bowers Georgia · TE · Junior If the Chargers are committed to upgrading the supporting cast around Justin Herbert, Bowers could be the perfect pick as a playmaking tight end. Pick 6 New York Giants Rome Odunze Washington · WR · Senior If the Giants are going to continue with Daniel Jones as their QB1, they must add a legitimate No. 1 receiver to help the quarterback thrive. As a catch-and-run specialist with superior strength and power, Odunze could make the game easier for Jones. Pick 7 Tennessee Titans Olumuyiwa Fashanu Penn State · OT · Junior (RS) After dealing with a season of offensive woes, the Titans prioritize the front line with the selection of Fashanu. Pick 8 Atlanta Falcons Dallas Turner Alabama · Edge · Junior The need to upgrade the pass rush makes Turner the ideal pick at this point. The Alabama standout is an athletic speed rusher with outstanding first-step quickness. Pick 9 Chicago Bears Laiatu Latu UCLA · Edge · Senior Pairing an energetic pass rusher with Montez Sweat could help the Bears' defense continue to improve under Matt Eberflus. This ultra-athletic QB hunter routinely wins with an assortment of finesse moves off the edge. Pick 10 New York Jets Joe Alt Notre Dame · OT · Junior Fixing the offensive line is the top priority for GM Joe Douglas and Co. The Notre Dame standout is a Day 1 starter with strong hands and nimble feet. Pick 11 Minnesota Vikings Jared Verse Florida State · Edge · Senior Adding an athletic pass rusher to the lineup will enhance the Vikings’ aggressive schemes under Brian Flores. The Florida State standout flashes double-digit potential as a sack artist. Pick 12 Denver Broncos Terrion Arnold Alabama · CB · Sophomore (RS) The Broncos pair Pat Surtain II with Arnold, a polished cover corner. With exceptional instincts and awareness, the former Tide star is a scheme-friendly defensive playmaker on the perimeter. Pick 13 Las Vegas Raiders Taliese Fuaga Oregon State · OT · Junior (RS) Beefing up the offensive line is a top priority for a team that wants to control the trenches. Fuaga is a mauler/brawler with the size, strength and nastiness to help the Raiders dominate the point of attack. Pick 14 New Orleans Saints JC Latham Alabama · OT · Junior The Saints’ uncertainty at offensive tackle could lead the team to take another player at the position in Round 1. Latham is a massive brawler with the strength, power and length to punish defenders in the run game. Pick 15 Indianapolis Colts Malik Nabers LSU · WR · Junior Michael Pittman Jr.’s impending free agency could ultimately force GM Chris Ballard to take a No. 1 receiver early in the draft. Nabers is a baller with the ability to shine as a featured playmaker in the Colts’ scheme. Pick 16 Seattle Seahawks Byron Murphy II Texas · DT · Junior Fixing the defense is a must for Seattle after the unit struggled down the stretch. Murphy is a disruptive interior presence with the speed and quickness to dominate against the run or pass. Pick 17 Jacksonville Jaguars T'Vondre Sweat Texas · DT · Senior After watching the defense crumble over the second half of the season, the Jaguars are intent on upgrading the front line. Sweat is a massive interior defender with the strength, power and heavy hands to snuff out the run at the point of attack. Pick 18 Cincinnati Bengals Brian Thomas Jr. LSU · WR · Junior The potential loss of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd in free agency could force the Bengals to take an offensive weapon early in the draft. Thomas is an athletic playmaker with the size and ball skills to thrive as a WR2 opposite Ja’Marr Chase. Pick 19 Los Angeles Rams Bo Nix Oregon · QB · Senior As Matthew Stafford heads toward his age-36 season, the Rams could target his eventual replacement early in the 2024 draft. Nix’s experience and maturity fits a locker room that takes a business-like approach to preparation. Pick 20 Pittsburgh Stealers Amarius Mims Georgia · OT · Junior A commitment to retool the offense could prompt the Stealers to add a massive blocker to the lineup. Mims’ size, athleticism and movement skills make him an intriguing option for a team that excels in player development. Pick 21 Miami Dolphins Jackson Powers-Johnson Oregon · IOL · Junior Beefing up the line could help the Dolphins upgrade an offense that struggled against physical defensive fronts. Pick 22 Philadelphia Eagles Nate Wiggins Clemson · CB · Junior The Eagles’ secondary woes will force GM Howie Roseman to address the situation in the draft. Wiggins is an athletic freak with the tools to flourish early in his career. Pick 23 Houston Texans (via CLE) Troy Fautanu Washington · OL · Senior With C.J. Stroud blossoming into a franchise quarterback, the Texans must make a concerted effort to keep him protected. Fautanu would give the team the flexibility to reshuffle the O-line and put its five best pass protectors in front of the emerging superstar. Pick 24 Dallas Cowboys Tyler Guyton Oklahoma · OT · Senior The Cowboys must prepare for left tackle Tyron Smith’s eventual departure. Guyton is ideally suited to play on the right side, but his presence would give the 'Boys options for a potential reshuffle if Smith leaves Dallas this offseason. Pick 25 Green Bay Packers Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama · CB · Junior Adding a dynamic cover corner would upgrade the Packers’ depth in the defensive backfield. McKinstry flashes CB1 skills, but needs some time to refine his technique before assuming that role as a pro. Pick 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Keon Coleman Florida State · WR · Junior Mike Evans’ age (will turn 31 before next season) and impending free agency pushes WR1 to the top of the Buccaneers’ needs list. Coleman is a pass-catching phenom with outstanding ball skills and leaping ability. Pick 27 Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) Jordan Morgan Arizona · OT · Senior The Cardinals commit to building up the front line. Morgan is a gritty player with the potential to fill a role on the interior or outside at tackle. Pick 28 Buffalo Bills Cooper DeJean Iowa · DB · Junior Sean McDermott loves versatile defensive backs with instincts and a high football IQ. DeJean is an A+ athlete with experience at multiple positions in the secondary. Pick 29 Kansas City Chiefs Kris Jenkins Michigan · DT · Junior (RS) The Chiefs’ surging defense has thrived with a collection of young players slotted into prominent roles. Jenkins is an intriguing prospect with the bloodlines -- his father, Kris Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowler -- and physical tools to blossom into a star. Pick 30 Detroit Lions Chop Robinson Penn State · Edge · Junior The Lions need to find a complementary pass rusher to place opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Robinson is a freak athlete. Pick 31 San Francisco 49ers Quinyon Mitchell Toledo · CB · Senior The sensational MAC standout possesses the prototypical dimensions and playmaking attributes to flourish for the 49ers. Pick 32 Baltimore Ravens Bralen Trice Washington · Edge · Senior The Ravens have a knack for selecting prospects who outperform their athletic-testing numbers. Trice is a standout football player with the polished pass-rushing skills to create problems for blockers. https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|High School Harry| Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 39 minutes ago, Arkansas Bengal said: Published: Jan 22, 2024 at 10:54 AM Headshot_Author_Bucky_Brooks_1400x1000 Bucky Brooks NFL.com Analyst Here's my first projection of how the entire first round will play out in Detroit when the 2024 NFL Draft begins on April 25. NOTES: As of this writing, the draft order for picks 1-28 is set. The order for picks 29-32 will be determined by postseason results. Those picks are ordered in this mock based on regular-season record, with strength of schedule as the tiebreaker. Pick 1 Chicago Bears (via CAR) Caleb Williams USC · QB · Junior GM Ryan Poles should take the best quarterback in the draft, with or without Justin Fields on the roster. The Bears could recreate the Alex Smith-Patrick Mahomes scenario for a season (with Williams enjoying a redshirt year before taking over) or they could move on from Fields this offseason to usher in a new era with a young -- and cheap -- franchise quarterback. Pick 2 Washington Commanders Drake Maye North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS) The Commanders could take Maye and sit him behind his former North Carolina teammate, Sam Howell, until he is ready to assume control as the franchise quarterback. Maye offers immense talent and potential, but with only two years of starting experience at UNC, he would benefit from an apprenticeship before taking over as QB1 down the road. Pick 3 New England Patriots Jayden Daniels LSU · QB · Senior If new head coach Jerod Mayo is serious about upgrading the most important position on the team, he cannot afford to bypass the Heisman Trophy winner at pick No. 3 in this exercise. The spectacular dual-threat playmaker would add some sizzle to an offense that lacked explosiveness under Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. Pick 4 Arizona Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State · WR · Junior The Cardinals add a Larry Fitzgerald-like playmaker to a lineup that desperately needs a No. 1 receiver on the perimeter. The Ohio State standout is a plug-and-play prospect with superstar potential. Pick 5 Los Angeles Chargers Brock Bowers Georgia · TE · Junior If the Chargers are committed to upgrading the supporting cast around Justin Herbert, Bowers could be the perfect pick as a playmaking tight end. Pick 6 New York Giants Rome Odunze Washington · WR · Senior If the Giants are going to continue with Daniel Jones as their QB1, they must add a legitimate No. 1 receiver to help the quarterback thrive. As a catch-and-run specialist with superior strength and power, Odunze could make the game easier for Jones. Pick 7 Tennessee Titans Olumuyiwa Fashanu Penn State · OT · Junior (RS) After dealing with a season of offensive woes, the Titans prioritize the front line with the selection of Fashanu. Pick 8 Atlanta Falcons Dallas Turner Alabama · Edge · Junior The need to upgrade the pass rush makes Turner the ideal pick at this point. The Alabama standout is an athletic speed rusher with outstanding first-step quickness. Pick 9 Chicago Bears Laiatu Latu UCLA · Edge · Senior Pairing an energetic pass rusher with Montez Sweat could help the Bears' defense continue to improve under Matt Eberflus. This ultra-athletic QB hunter routinely wins with an assortment of finesse moves off the edge. Pick 10 New York Jets Joe Alt Notre Dame · OT · Junior Fixing the offensive line is the top priority for GM Joe Douglas and Co. The Notre Dame standout is a Day 1 starter with strong hands and nimble feet. Pick 11 Minnesota Vikings Jared Verse Florida State · Edge · Senior Adding an athletic pass rusher to the lineup will enhance the Vikings’ aggressive schemes under Brian Flores. The Florida State standout flashes double-digit potential as a sack artist. Pick 12 Denver Broncos Terrion Arnold Alabama · CB · Sophomore (RS) The Broncos pair Pat Surtain II with Arnold, a polished cover corner. With exceptional instincts and awareness, the former Tide star is a scheme-friendly defensive playmaker on the perimeter. Pick 13 Las Vegas Raiders Taliese Fuaga Oregon State · OT · Junior (RS) Beefing up the offensive line is a top priority for a team that wants to control the trenches. Fuaga is a mauler/brawler with the size, strength and nastiness to help the Raiders dominate the point of attack. Pick 14 New Orleans Saints JC Latham Alabama · OT · Junior The Saints’ uncertainty at offensive tackle could lead the team to take another player at the position in Round 1. Latham is a massive brawler with the strength, power and length to punish defenders in the run game. Pick 15 Indianapolis Colts Malik Nabers LSU · WR · Junior Michael Pittman Jr.’s impending free agency could ultimately force GM Chris Ballard to take a No. 1 receiver early in the draft. Nabers is a baller with the ability to shine as a featured playmaker in the Colts’ scheme. Pick 16 Seattle Seahawks Byron Murphy II Texas · DT · Junior Fixing the defense is a must for Seattle after the unit struggled down the stretch. Murphy is a disruptive interior presence with the speed and quickness to dominate against the run or pass. Pick 17 Jacksonville Jaguars T'Vondre Sweat Texas · DT · Senior After watching the defense crumble over the second half of the season, the Jaguars are intent on upgrading the front line. Sweat is a massive interior defender with the strength, power and heavy hands to snuff out the run at the point of attack. Pick 18 Cincinnati Bengals Brian Thomas Jr. LSU · WR · Junior The potential loss of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd in free agency could force the Bengals to take an offensive weapon early in the draft. Thomas is an athletic playmaker with the size and ball skills to thrive as a WR2 opposite Ja’Marr Chase. Pick 19 Los Angeles Rams Bo Nix Oregon · QB · Senior As Matthew Stafford heads toward his age-36 season, the Rams could target his eventual replacement early in the 2024 draft. Nix’s experience and maturity fits a locker room that takes a business-like approach to preparation. Pick 20 Pittsburgh Stealers Amarius Mims Georgia · OT · Junior A commitment to retool the offense could prompt the Stealers to add a massive blocker to the lineup. Mims’ size, athleticism and movement skills make him an intriguing option for a team that excels in player development. Pick 21 Miami Dolphins Jackson Powers-Johnson Oregon · IOL · Junior Beefing up the line could help the Dolphins upgrade an offense that struggled against physical defensive fronts. Pick 22 Philadelphia Eagles Nate Wiggins Clemson · CB · Junior The Eagles’ secondary woes will force GM Howie Roseman to address the situation in the draft. Wiggins is an athletic freak with the tools to flourish early in his career. Pick 23 Houston Texans (via CLE) Troy Fautanu Washington · OL · Senior With C.J. Stroud blossoming into a franchise quarterback, the Texans must make a concerted effort to keep him protected. Fautanu would give the team the flexibility to reshuffle the O-line and put its five best pass protectors in front of the emerging superstar. Pick 24 Dallas Cowboys Tyler Guyton Oklahoma · OT · Senior The Cowboys must prepare for left tackle Tyron Smith’s eventual departure. Guyton is ideally suited to play on the right side, but his presence would give the 'Boys options for a potential reshuffle if Smith leaves Dallas this offseason. Pick 25 Green Bay Packers Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama · CB · Junior Adding a dynamic cover corner would upgrade the Packers’ depth in the defensive backfield. McKinstry flashes CB1 skills, but needs some time to refine his technique before assuming that role as a pro. Pick 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Keon Coleman Florida State · WR · Junior Mike Evans’ age (will turn 31 before next season) and impending free agency pushes WR1 to the top of the Buccaneers’ needs list. Coleman is a pass-catching phenom with outstanding ball skills and leaping ability. Pick 27 Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) Jordan Morgan Arizona · OT · Senior The Cardinals commit to building up the front line. Morgan is a gritty player with the potential to fill a role on the interior or outside at tackle. Pick 28 Buffalo Bills Cooper DeJean Iowa · DB · Junior Sean McDermott loves versatile defensive backs with instincts and a high football IQ. DeJean is an A+ athlete with experience at multiple positions in the secondary. Pick 29 Kansas City Chiefs Kris Jenkins Michigan · DT · Junior (RS) The Chiefs’ surging defense has thrived with a collection of young players slotted into prominent roles. Jenkins is an intriguing prospect with the bloodlines -- his father, Kris Sr., was a four-time Pro Bowler -- and physical tools to blossom into a star. Pick 30 Detroit Lions Chop Robinson Penn State · Edge · Junior The Lions need to find a complementary pass rusher to place opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Robinson is a freak athlete. Pick 31 San Francisco 49ers Quinyon Mitchell Toledo · CB · Senior The sensational MAC standout possesses the prototypical dimensions and playmaking attributes to flourish for the 49ers. Pick 32 Baltimore Ravens Bralen Trice Washington · Edge · Senior The Ravens have a knack for selecting prospects who outperform their athletic-testing numbers. Trice is a standout football player with the polished pass-rushing skills to create problems for blockers. https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-2024-nfl-mock-draft-1-0 Oh Hell no... and let Pittsburgh get Mims? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|BlackJesus| Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 He has DTs Byron Murphy and Sweat being taken before the Bengals even pick ... Nightmare scenario. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted January 22 Report Share Posted January 22 I wonder if he just forgot about Jerzhan Newton? He's not falling out of round 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Ray Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 No Michael Penix in the first rd. Did he really hurt himself that much in the CFP? I would think the Seahawks would think long and hard about drafting Penix in the first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelWeston Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 I can't fathom a world where drafting a WR in round 1 makes sense. Even if Tee left which he won't. It's a deep draft at WR and we should get one later. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 6 hours ago, Sea Ray said: No Michael Penix in the first rd. Did he really hurt himself that much in the CFP? I would think the Seahawks would think long and hard about drafting Penix in the first I don't think it's that... from what I'd read, he was valued as a day 2 pick even before he balled out in the playoff vs. Texas. He has been injured some, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inigo Montoya Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 1 hour ago, texbengal said: I don't think it's that... from what I'd read, he was valued as a day pick even before he balled out in the playoff vs. Texas. He has been injured some, too. Correct. Penix has torn the same ACL twice among other injuries. Also he is older than average (turns 26 this year) and had great weapons around him at Washington. The performance against Michigan didn’t help obviously and he looked more like the Penix at Indiana when pressured. As it stands right now, I would prefer best OT or DL in the 1st over a WR. Might change depending what happens in free agency at RT and DT. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 3 hours ago, Inigo Montoya said: Correct. Penix has torn the same ACL twice among other injuries. Also he is older than average (turns 26 this year) and had great weapons around him at Washington. The performance against Michigan didn’t help obviously and he looked more like the Penix at Indiana when pressured. As it stands right now, I would prefer best OT or DL in the 1st over a WR. Might change depending what happens in free agency at RT and DT. funny, I thought the same thing as I was watching the CFB championship game… he looked Indiana Penix. He was getting pressured and battered quite a bit, and I think he was playing hurt too. But he’s a solid prospect… that Texas game he was terrific, and I saw some other UW games where he was hella accurate. He’s come a long way since Indiana, when you could see the talent - but also the inconsistency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I_C_Deadpeople Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Year after year, Bucky Brooks finishes last in how close his mocks are to the actual draft. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie_B Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 12 hours ago, I_C_Deadpeople said: Year after year, Bucky Brooks finishes last in how close his mocks are to the actual draft. Taking out obvious picks like Joe and to an extent Jamar, how many of these guys actually come close though? Maybe Brugler? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Jersey Bengal Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 28 minutes ago, Jamie_B said: Taking out obvious picks like Joe and to an extent Jamar, how many of these guys actually come close though? Maybe Brugler? Rick Gosselin used to be close from the Dallas Morning news don't know if he still does it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie_B Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Just now, New Jersey Bengal said: Rick Gosselin used to be close from the Dallas Morning news don't know if he still does it He waited right up till the day before if I recall right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Jersey Bengal Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 25 minutes ago, Jamie_B said: He waited right up till the day before if I recall right? He did but he did do mocks previously the guy I like now is Eddie Brown from the San Diego union tribune 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie_B Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 9 minutes ago, New Jersey Bengal said: He did but he did do mocks previously the guy I like now is Eddie Brown from the San Diego union tribune 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams tops two-round projections entering Super Wild-Card weekend - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com) He has us taking Fuga in 1 and Xavier Legette the WR out of South Carolina in 2. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Jersey Bengal Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 20 minutes ago, Jamie_B said: 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams tops two-round projections entering Super Wild-Card weekend - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com) He has us taking Fuga in 1 and Xavier Legette the WR out of South Carolina in 2. He updates it weekly I think 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claptonrocks Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 42 minutes ago, Jamie_B said: 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams tops two-round projections entering Super Wild-Card weekend - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com) He has us taking Fuga in 1 and Xavier Legette the WR out of South Carolina in 2. If he's correct on Muaga I'll be over overjoyed. . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claptonrocks Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Was on a Chargers message board. They want Bowers or Odunze Talking about trading their 5 pick back to 8 . Get another pick plus still get their receiver choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 7 hours ago, New Jersey Bengal said: Rick Gosselin used to be close from the Dallas Morning news don't know if he still does it He retired from the DMN... he still does some draft stuff, but I don't believe he does his mock anymore. He was a long-time NFL writer and he had a slew of contacts with team insiders, so being plugged in really helped him. And IMO it wasn't so much the mock draft that was spot-on, but his top 100 players list was damned accurate. And it was always revealing to read where some guys were slotted, relative to the many social media draft weenies out there... and usually, it was guys who were rated highly by draft "experts" who actually were valued/drafted lower than anticipated. I actually think Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks are two of the better ones out there... both were NFL scouts for a few teams, and both have a lot of contacts in the league, so they get a lot of the intel (I'm sure some of it is bullsh, but still). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 7 hours ago, Jamie_B said: He waited right up till the day before if I recall right? Leading up to the draft, his mock versions weren't team-specific... rather, he basically took how the guys were rated overall, and slotted them in. Then, the day before the draft, he matched up position and team needs to have a targeted mock. Then, the day OF the draft, he published his top 100 players. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Jersey Bengal Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 2 hours ago, texbengal said: Leading up to the draft, his mock versions weren't team-specific... rather, he basically took how the guys were rated overall, and slotted them in. Then, the day before the draft, he matched up position and team needs to have a targeted mock. Then, the day OF the draft, he published his top 100 players. I enjoyed reading his stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyrid Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 I think we should (and probably will) go RT in the 1st. That being said, it seems like some of you guys are underselling the WR need. This offense needs a fresh infusion of dudes at the skill position. I'll use the term dude as shorthand for impact players who are mismatches for the defense in some shape or form. Look at the teams playing this weekend: 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle. Four definite dudes. Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs. Three definite dudes. David Montgomery is in the "kind of a dude" category and Jameson Williams is a potential dude. The two AFC teams have fewer dudes (Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers) but both teams are going to be aggressive again this offseason trying to add a 4th dude. They were not happy with skill position production and are likely to improve there next year. Looking at the Bengals... Ja'Marr Chase is obviously a dude. That's one. Tee Higgins is a dude, but is he here in 2025? Mixon is only in the "kind of a dude" category and could drop out of that (or get cut). Looking forward, this team is going to be a notch below the other top teams if they don't find a dude or two to for Joe to throw to. I don't know if you guys have watched Bryan Thomas Jr. much... but he is definitely a dude. 6'4, runs a legit 4.4, way shiftier than Tee. Big-time production at LSU, a school known for cranking out top WRs... I 100% get that all things being equal, you take an OL. But you get in trouble if you pass on a dude (like DJ Moore) for not a dude (Billy Price) at a position of bigger need. 5 years of a guy like Bryan Thomas for Burrow's prime year (at $3M per year the first four years) would not be a wasted pick. 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claptonrocks Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 1 hour ago, happyrid said: I think we should (and probably will) go RT in the 1st. That being said, it seems like some of you guys are underselling the WR need. This offense needs a fresh infusion of dudes at the skill position. I'll use the term dude as shorthand for impact players who are mismatches for the defense in some shape or form. Look at the teams playing this weekend: 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle. Four definite dudes. Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs. Three definite dudes. David Montgomery is in the "kind of a dude" category and Jameson Williams is a potential dude. The two AFC teams have fewer dudes (Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers) but both teams are going to be aggressive again this offseason trying to add a 4th dude. They were not happy with skill position production and are likely to improve there next year. Looking at the Bengals... Ja'Marr Chase is obviously a dude. That's one. Tee Higgins is a dude, but is he here in 2025? Mixon is only in the "kind of a dude" category and could drop out of that (or get cut). Looking forward, this team is going to be a notch below the other top teams if they don't find a dude or two to for Joe to throw to. I don't know if you guys have watched Bryan Thomas Jr. much... but he is definitely a dude. 6'4, runs a legit 4.4, way shiftier than Tee. Big-time production at LSU, a school known for cranking out top WRs... I 100% get that all things being equal, you take an OL. But you get in trouble if you pass on a dude (like DJ Moore) for not a dude (Billy Price) at a position of bigger need. 5 years of a guy like Bryan Thomas for Burrow's prime year (at $3M per year the first four years) would not be a wasted pick. He's a good one. The top priority is RT and NT as we have none.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 4 hours ago, happyrid said: I think we should (and probably will) go RT in the 1st. That being said, it seems like some of you guys are underselling the WR need. This offense needs a fresh infusion of dudes at the skill position. I'll use the term dude as shorthand for impact players who are mismatches for the defense in some shape or form. Look at the teams playing this weekend: 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle. Four definite dudes. Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs. Three definite dudes. David Montgomery is in the "kind of a dude" category and Jameson Williams is a potential dude. The two AFC teams have fewer dudes (Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers) but both teams are going to be aggressive again this offseason trying to add a 4th dude. They were not happy with skill position production and are likely to improve there next year. Looking at the Bengals... Ja'Marr Chase is obviously a dude. That's one. Tee Higgins is a dude, but is he here in 2025? Mixon is only in the "kind of a dude" category and could drop out of that (or get cut). Looking forward, this team is going to be a notch below the other top teams if they don't find a dude or two to for Joe to throw to. I don't know if you guys have watched Bryan Thomas Jr. much... but he is definitely a dude. 6'4, runs a legit 4.4, way shiftier than Tee. Big-time production at LSU, a school known for cranking out top WRs... I 100% get that all things being equal, you take an OL. But you get in trouble if you pass on a dude (like DJ Moore) for not a dude (Billy Price) at a position of bigger need. 5 years of a guy like Bryan Thomas for Burrow's prime year (at $3M per year the first four years) would not be a wasted pick. Not going to lose my mind if they go WR in the first round, it's a deep OL draft and it seems like a real possibility. But as for "dudes", Karras might be one & beyond him there's nothing like a difference maker on the OL - not in a good way, anyhow. Karras himself will be 31 and a free agent next year. Have to hope OBJr settles in but with Volson next to him.. For now neither of them look like they'd hold off a talented rookie for very long. Yes I understand drafting that kind of player is hard but I don't see it as a choice. They must to do a better job of protecting Burrow. I don't see any excuse to not be aggressive in free agency. I don't know if they stay in SB contention for next year without it, there's too much riding on unknown draft picks right now. They need someone better than Cody Ford so we're not dependent on rookies. For example, if they tagged & moved Higgins then dropped $15m+ on a mauler of an RT I'd be all for a 1st round WR. Lucky us because they don't need to cut Higgins to afford that RT. So.. what's the hold up? Take care of both glaring needs in FA & roll into the draft only sorely lacking a DT, which they've had success finding in any round. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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