Never too early for the fun!

And the Bengals get to play!

From what I'm reading, of the somewhat-not-consensus-but-sorta top 10-15 available to start the second round, these are the guys we had direct interest/visits with:

Avieon Terrell

Emmanuel Pregnon

Kayden McDonald

I could see them taking any of those three, and again just reading off the list of direct interest players, I could also see them taking (or reaching) for:

Jake Golday

Skyler Bell

Austin Barber

Romelio Height

Treydan Stukes

Jalon Kilgore

My top group for round 2

Jermod McCoy-Tenn (1)

Aveion Terrell-Clemson (2)

Jacob Rodriguez-Tex Tech (2)

Colton Hood

Treydan Stukes-Arizona (2)

D'Angelo Ponds-Indiana (2)

TJ Parker-Clemson (2)

Kayden McDonald-OSU (1)

CJ Allen-Georgia (2)

Emanuel McNeil-Warren

Keionte Scott-Miami (2)

Jake Golday-Cincinnati (2)

Cashius Howell-Texas AnM (2)

Denzel Boston

LB Jacob Rodriguez would help us the most immediately and could start week 1.

(push play on the video)

Why is McCoy still on the board?

Can he be Redeemed?

5 minutes ago, BlackJesus said:

LB Jacob Rodriguez would help us the most immediately and could start week 1.

(push play on the video)

If he's starting week 1 that's a problem & that's no knock on him but we've got enough green LBs. I think he'll be gone anyway, along with McCoy, unless he's MIA right now with a suitcase full of Reebok or Powerade money. Something ain't right there.

Probably some other DB if they go defense, which I think they should but wouldn't bet on it. WR would be WTF territory, anything but that or QB/K/P/LS/Goalie is good. Pregnon, Stower, or a trade back for a center or some other front 7 defensive pick - ideal measurables, average production - all seem like strong possibilities..

Word is McCoy needs another surgical procedure, IDK how extensive but doubts as to availability this year seem to be why he's fallen. Let him land with some other team not in a SB window.

Day two...this is where I get nervous. This team likes to reach in rounds 2 and 3...I hope that's not the case this year. Out of 15 picks there were at least 6 clear reaches (40%) based on consensus boards. I guess you can say Sample worked out...I guess.

2019:

2 - Drew Sample (foreshadowing the Zac era, projected 5-6th round)

3 - Pratt (good pick)

2020:

2 - Tee (couldn't mess this one up, had a 1st round grade...good pick)

3 - Logan Wilson (good pick)

2021:

2 - Jackson Carman (projected 3-4th rounds)

3 - Ossai (good pick)

2022:

2 - CTB (good pick at the time)

3 - Zach Carter (5-7th projection)

2023:

2 - DJT (not that one...good pick)

3 - Battle (good pick based on projection)

2024:

2 - Kris Jenkins (good pick based on projection)

3 - Jermaine Burton (why?)

3 - McKinnley Jackson (4-5th projection)

2025:

2 - DKJ (lol, 3-4th projection)

3 - Fairchild (good pick based on projection)

4 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Word is McCoy needs another surgical procedure, IDK how extensive but doubts as to availability this year seem to be why he's fallen. Let him land with some other team not in a SB window.

Wonder if McCoy's torn ACL was "repaired" by Erick All's butcher of a knee surgeon?

Seen 3 different round 2 media mock drafts this morning. They all had only one offensive player taken before pick 41 - WR Denzel Boston. Expect a big early run on cornerbacks.

4 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Word is McCoy needs another surgical procedure, IDK how extensive but doubts as to availability this year seem to be why he's fallen. Let him land with some other team not in a SB window.

It's similar to the Eric All issue. ACl repair that needs a redo. I saw some speculation that he could play a year or two, if it's bothering him or causes issues then get it fixed up - hopefully immediately after a season so that he can heal/recover/rehab over the off-season.

Teams are concerned that he will need the clean-up surgery immediately and then not be available for this season. That's too big of a risk for a 1st rounder, so he should get picked early round 2. That's why Caleb Banks sent that note out to all of the teams to let them know he should be cleared for everything after June.

4 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Word is McCoy needs another surgical procedure, IDK how extensive but doubts as to availability this year seem to be why he's fallen. Let him land with some other team not in a SB window.

Unless he falls to the 4th then I'm considering it. Right now we need a LB, and C. We do need a CB for the slot, but may McCoy would make sense long term if the injury is something he can really heal from.

10 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

Never too early for the fun!

And the Bengals get to play!

The stage is set.....

10 hours ago, Le Tigre said:

Never too early for the fun!

And the Bengals get to play!

I'm looking forward to the explosion of posts from BJ. Seriously one of the greatest things about the draft. They could draft a one legged midget and BJ would have the game highlights, comps, and hype videos to make you a believer in the choice. It's even better if it's a 340 lb man who standing waist deep in water that can still do backflips out of the pool.

I think CB Colton Hood is the name to watch right now. He's good in man coverage which Golden prefers. He could play the nickel as well.

^ Bengals should continue their trend of bucking history and trade up.

55 minutes ago, BlackJesus said:

^ Bengals should continue their trend of bucking history and trade up.

I'd love to somehow get an extra 3rd or 4th rounder. Our best bet is to trade down here in the 2nd and pick up a late 3rd (or more likely 4th/5th). There are at least 10 players I think we'd be happy getting in the 2nd...trade down 5 to 7 spots. In order, I think we still need

1. LB

2. IOL (specifically center with no Matt Lee and an aging Karas)

3. Swing Tackle

4. CB

5. Edge

I know everyone says we need a CB, which we do, but right now we have some, just no depth. Nickel is lacking, but on the outside (this year) we're solid. I feel like we should still go BPA (regardless of need) in the 2nd and maybe TJ Parker or A. Terrell will still be available.

I expect them to trade back....but regardless here is my outlook for day 2.

Remaining needs

QB: Not a need. 4 on the roster, likely to grab a rookie for rookie camp but maybe that is Clifford.

RB: Top 2 are set but historically they like to grab a rookie RB to replace their starter. This draft is weak at RB. I wouldn't add someone tonight but maybe with a 6 or 7.

WR: We could use a 3rd WR, either inside or out. And Denzel Boston is interesting. He has to be on the list but its not a high need. They can make due with Yoshi and Gesicki. This is a position where that 3rd WR might come in house. I am high on Tinsley, Meyers and Williams. For me this is a Day 3 need. The free agent group is long and could be a better way to go: Samuel, Allen, Lockett

TE: This is a deep TE class, and while we could use a known commodity, we already have 5 players we like. I think this is probably a late day 3 pick. TE is an enigma as long as All is here. If he is healthy we are fine. If he isn't healthy we are still fine but could use a more dynamic 2 way player. That guy might come in this draft but its day 3 for me. I am particularly high on Delp if he falls...he's Fairchild's best friend.

C/G: A backup C who can eventually take over for Karras but IMO someone who could also play G because while Karras is 33 Risner is 30 and on a 1-year deal. There are so many of these guys and so few Tackles that we probably wait until tomorrow. I like Slaughter, Hecht, Lew, Zuhn and Nwaiwu in the 4th. This ignores guys like Chase Bisontis and Emanuual Pregnon. Zuhn might be able to back up every spot on the line.

T: We need a swing tackle, I'd rather have a veteran but we are where we are. Caleb Tiernen, Travis Burke, Markel Bell and Diego Pounds area ll interesting to me but Austin Barber is there too. One of those guys could be the second pick today. Dehner keeps saying its Markel Bell.

DT: With Lawrence we have what we need at DT....Even if Slaton is on his way out. Lawrence-Hill-Allen-Jenkins-Jackson-Cross is a very capable group.....Bu Kaden McDonald is sitting righ there.

DE: TJ Parker, Cassius Howell and Gabe Jacas are still there and would be good fits. Caden Curry is out there too but might be able to be had later. The team could use a 4th end but that could also come from free agency. Free Agent DE list is long though: Bosa, Clowney, Jordan, Miller, Fowler, Jennings.

LB: We need at least one and every mock I did got us 2. Jacob Rodriguez might be at the top of the list. Jake Golday might be higher ranked because he's from Cincinnati. CJ Allen is also in play. As the draft continues, I like Keyshaun Elliott, Kaleb Elarms, Jack Kelly and Bryce Boettcher. Rickey Wagner, Okoreke and Shaq Thompson are all still free agents as well.

S: This spot is probably set but there is a looming star in Emanuel McNeil Warren.

CB: We probably need one. Slot if you plan to pay both Hill and Turner. Someone outside if you want to move Hill inside. The draft is loaded with corners still. Colton Hood and Brandon Cisse are mainly outside guys, Avione Terrell, Keiontae Scott and DAngelo Ponds are inside and Treydan Stukes can do both. I'd love to keep both Hill and Turner but I don't know how reasonable that is. Then there is Jermod McCoy....of course we like him but that seems like too much investment for a win now team.

This is where I am going into round 2

Aveion Terrell-Clemson (2)

Jacob Rodriguez-Tex Tech (2)

Colton Hood

Emanuel McNeil-Warren

Treydan Stukes-Arizona (2)

D'Angelo Ponds-Indiana (2)

Kayden McDonald-OSU (1)

CJ Allen-Georgia (2)

TJ Parker-Clemson (2)

Cashius Howell-Texas AnM (2)

Keionte Scott-Miami (2)

Jake Golday-Cincinnati (2)

Jermod McCoy-Tenn (1)

Denzel Boston

Hood is my guy at 41 but frankly I’m hoping they trade Slaton for whatever they can get and draft Kayden McDonald. Imagine teams trying to run at DLaw and McDonald 🤯