Really Drafted for Need

[CrashDavisSports]

...for NEXT YEAR.

OT Whitworth 2016 FA (Ogbeuhi)
OT Smith 2016 FA (Fisher)
S Nelson 2016 FA (Shaw)
S Iloka 2016 FA (Smith)

We let Gresham leave, and go get two TE's (Kroft - all around TE, Uzomah - pass catching) so we have three decent TE's deep in the depth chart.

We grabbed another DE who can help add depth to our roster at a position we lacked last year which caused us to be one of the worst pass rushing teams in the NFL last year. We get Michael Johnson back along with an additional 3rd round pick.

We lacked depth at LB, and hoping Burfict still comes back we still nabbed one of the better, most instinctive LB's in college football in Dawson.

We also got a fast WR in the 7th that could hopefully replace Tate, which is addition by subtraction really.

I have not seen a report yet that gave the Bengals less than an A-, most gave them an A.

 

[cincygrad]

If we let Whitworth, Smith, Nelson and Iloka all walk, we'll be lucky to win 3 games in 2016.

 

[BKBroiler9000]

If we let Whitworth, Smith, Nelson and Iloka all walk, we'll be lucky to win 3 games in 2016.

Might as well come to grips with this now. The writing was on the wall the moment we picked two tackles. I don't think we'll lose both Nelson and Iloka but we will certainly lose one of them. Probably Iloka since he's younger and on the verge of breaking out and that's how we roll. As much as I don't wanna let Whit leave, I'd rather keep Zeitler around with the two new OT's.

 

[alf8478]

They'll re-sign Whitworth to play guard, Zeitler will leave, and Whitworth will get hurt.

 

[DanBengalfan]

they've basically bet a pick that Michael Johnson can return to form this year. that doesn't seem wise, but it is what it is.

this season is going to have it's ups and downs, the same as any. Someone's going to be surprised, but those of us who've been watching for years know what is going to happen.

 

[BKBroiler9000]

They'll re-sign Whitworth to play guard, Zeitler will leave, and Whitworth will get hurt.

I have a sinking feeling that this is precisely what will happen. Zeitler is destined to be our next Eric Steinbach. Meanwhile Whitworth will be our Rich Braham and retire due to injury.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

If we let Whitworth, Smith, Nelson and Iloka all walk, we'll be lucky to win 3 games in 2016.

I guess that all depends on how much experience these 4 guys get this year and the asking price of those 4 FA's.

I can see us signing back only one of those 4, and that is Iloka. Shaw is more the Free Safety guy, and while Smith can be an outstanding player, Iloka has proved himself and we will have a quality backup in Smith then.

I can't see us resigning either of the OT's, as I see us sliding the new guys in next year while resigning Zeitler.

Sign Green long term and go WR in round 1 next year because our biggest needs were addressed this season (outside QB of course).

 

[Cincyfan78]

At least 2 of those guys will sign, and more than likely 3 of them will.

All this worry about 2016...let's play out 2015 first.

 

[alf8478]

I have a sinking feeling that this is precisely what will happen. Zeitler is destined to be our next Eric Steinbach. Meanwhile Whitworth will be our Rich Braham and retire due to injury.

And we'll be back to the Nate Livings of the world at guard again

 

[cincygrad]

At least 2 of those guys will sign, and more than likely 3 of them will.

All this worry about 2016...let's play out 2015 first.

I agree with this. People read too much into draft picks and how they need to start right away. The Bengals don't do that.

These guys are cheap leverage for contract negotiations. And they'll be good players when one of these vets breaks down. It's not happening next year though -- And if it does, we're probably hosed.

 

[jwil007]

Iloka stays Nelson goes......Zeitler stays he is too important....he stays...but he is not until AFTER 2016. If Deron Smith pans out then maybe Nelson goes...Its so early....What happens to Hall? What happens to pacman? So Dennard and Dre are the starters with Shaw in the slot? Just too many questions......Here is 1 thing...

Green
Iloka
Zeitler

All stay in Cincy GUARANTEED

 

[cincygrad]

I'd like for us to try to keep Nelson..... I don't think he'll get a huge payday on the open market and he's probably comfortable here. Plus, the Bengals don't often cut vets, so whatever Nelson signs at, he'll likely see the entire deal. That has to mean something to a vet on a winning team.

Leon is probably no more than a slot corner and PacMan will likely be gone after this season. I think Dennard will be our top corner within 2 seasons and we'll see if Dre shows any consistency this season (if not, he'll be gone). Iloka won't get a huge payday because people don't put a high value on safeties.... That said, it only takes one team to make a huge offer and he'd be gone.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Hall is as good as gone.

I think they will try to get Pac-Man on another 2 year deal.

Then they will run with what they have.

Iloka should stay, but not so sure about Nelson. They've drafted some guys, but most of the safeties look more like a Free rather than a strong, which is where Nelson plays. I could be wrong, though. We'll see.

I think they will also re-sign Zeitler, and I think they will use Smith's money to do so. He'll be gone.

Also, the more deals they can push off into 2016, they better they will be when they can still cut some veterans and have nothing hit against the cap since some of the more recent signings are front loaded in the first year, or two, I believe.

 

[DanBengalfan]

we're going to whoop ass