Take this draft in a heartbeat

[CrashDavisSports]

Your post just made me depressed. If we walk into the season with an interior offensive line group of Patrick, Lee, and Karras, I don't think I'm going to be able to watch without having a heart attack every time Burrow is back to pass. Particularly knowing that the Bengals intentionally absorbed 11 million of cap hits on the receivers that they didn't need to absorb this season. They could easily sign two veteran guards better than Patrick, but they are not a serious team.

If we sign Hendrickson to what I mentioned, our current cap space goes from 23 million to 18 million, about 6 to 9 million for draft. Leaves us like 9 -12 million and Schreff got 16.5 million last year. I am okay using a second round pick on OG. Maybe Ratledge will be there with pick 49.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Hobson took Emmanwori at 17, and gave his break down of both Emmanwori and how the Bengals may be looking at their board with other DL prospects. Maybe even Booker or a trade down.

Second Bengals.com Media Mock Draft Of 2025 Races To Find An AFC North Fit

 

[Cincyfan78]

Bengals have cornered themselves into a "needs" based draft...they are going to end up reaching for guys to fill spots. I hope they realize this and at least trade down to grab a few more picks here and there. You can do more reaching with more picks...but with only 6 picks, and so many needs....it's not looking like a great approach...

 

[DanBengalfan]

Bengals have cornered themselves into a "needs" based draft...they are going to end up reaching for guys to fill spots. I hope they realize this and at least trade down to grab a few more picks here and there. You can do more reaching with more picks...but with only 6 picks, and so many needs....it's not looking like a great approach...

they're not always very smart about what they need. they might surprise us again, in a bad way.

 

[Cincyfan78]

This is assuming Trey is a Bengal this year, and plays:

I'd trade back and grab Banks. Pick up an extra 3rd. With this, I was able to grab a top IOL who will start from day 1, and I would put at RG next to Mims for them to grow together. Sawyer is a high floor guy, who could follow the Hubbard path. Helps in the run game, but shows ability to get to the QB, but could improve here. Paul brings in a LB that can cover and move in space, and is a solid tackler. Allows the team to move on from Pratt. With the extra 3rd, you can double up at IOL, or you can hit a variety of other needs (DT, DB/S, WR).
Regardless, the key here is two-fold. 1 - Trey signs. 2 - Trade back, and get more picks (or another pick). This team still needs more, and more picks allows them to cover their bases.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

This is assuming Trey is a Bengal this year, and plays:

I'd trade back and grab Banks. Pick up an extra 3rd. With this, I was able to grab a top IOL who will start from day 1, and I would put at RG next to Mims for them to grow together. Sawyer is a high floor guy, who could follow the Hubbard path. Helps in the run game, but shows ability to get to the QB, but could improve here. Paul brings in a LB that can cover and move in space, and is a solid tackler. Allows the team to move on from Pratt. With the extra 3rd, you can double up at IOL, or you can hit a variety of other needs (DT, DB/S, WR).
Regardless, the key here is two-fold. 1 - Trey signs. 2 - Trade back, and get more picks (or another pick). This team still needs more, and more picks allows them to cover their bases.

View attachment 392891

I hate PFF. Start charging money to be part of the site for the draft simulator. They can make more money on the advertising for those page views than they are going to get people to pay for that service for a couple months.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Ideally, for me personally, we are able to trade back a couple times in the bottom section of the 1st round, and pick up and extra 3rd and 4th round pick, and still wind up with the following draft:

#1 - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
#2 - Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
#3a - Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon
#3b - Emery Jones Jr., OG, LSU
#4a - Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
#4b - Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
#5 - Savion Williams, WR, TCU
#6 - DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

 

[Cincyfan78]

Ideally, for me personally, we are able to trade back a couple times in the bottom section of the 1st round, and pick up and extra 3rd and 4th round pick, and still wind up with the following draft:

#1 - Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
#2 - Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
#3a - Jordan Burch, DE, Oregon
#3b - Emery Jones Jr., OG, LSU
#4a - Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
#4b - Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
#5 - Savion Williams, WR, TCU
#6 - DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

I like it - only thoughts I have - Nick isn't lasting until middle/late 20's of the 1st...at least IMO. Same with Knight in round 4...I think he goes late 2nd or sometime in the 3rd. He is a bit older, IIRC, so that might put some teams off - but he's one of the most polished LB's in the draft.

But, I'm on board with the thought process...

 

[DanBengalfan]

wondering who we drafted in recent years that might actually step up and start owning their roll.

 

[Cincyfan78]

wondering who we drafted in recent years that might actually step up and start owning their roll.

Hill looked really good at CB last year before the ACL. I thought Battle played well his rookie year (PFF agrees), and had a nice ending stretch last year once he finally got consistent playing time.

Pratt was really good for a few years, and Wilson in the middle has been good as well. Where they have failed is to replace the guys they signed at CB, S, and DE/DT. However, for some, like Ossai and Murphy - they were never given a ton of live game reps. Ossai really came on down the stretch once Hubbard finally shut it down. I'd like to see what he can do with more reps opposite of Trey (assuming he returns). Same for Murphy.

One of the best things about the change at DC that I hope to see is a more open competition style rotation early on. I felt like Lou had "his" guys, and those guys always got the snaps. Even when it was obvious that they weren't getting the job done. How long before they finally benched Bell? Then Pratt? Hubbard had to go on IR. Rankins was clearly ill prior to when he finally shut it down...I felt like Lou was just very, very slow to adapt and make the needed changes. I get veteran guys you trust get more rope, but it was clear by games 5-6-7 that those dudes were not getting it done. Hopefully with a reset at DC, we'll see more movement from some of the previous drafts start to flash out with more PT.

 

[Cincyfan78]

A little off the beaten path today - Green fell, and I decided to take him here. He has some character red flags (off field), but his win rate, rush rate, and shuttle/cone times are ELITE. Like, top 1% elite...ever. He's a bit on the lighter side - so he likely would need to add about 8 lbs to get him more into the 250, or even lower 260 range, but even if he ends up hybriding a bit between an OLB-rush spot and DE (Think Parsons from Dallas kind of movement all across the defense) - this kid can flat out get after the QB. With Trey, this would form an EXPLOSIVE rush.

Round 2 - Edit*wrong draft* Watts - comes in, knows Golden's defense, solid contributor in year 1 right off the bat. Will help to anchor the back end of the defense under Golden. Solid play-maker. Pairs nicely with Battle, IMO.

I'm big on the OT from Arizona. Was an All-Rookie selection his freshman year as guard before being moved to OT his last few years. Quick, light on his feet. Would transition right back to IOL at this level, but still offer some swing potential to OT if needed. I think the C grade on him in round 3 is really low, especially considering he'll be IOL here, not OT.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Rounds 1 and 2 would be a pretty much HR swing from the Bengals in this mock.

I disagree 100% with round 3 - as they have Newsome ready to replace Hilton. I think, looking at the picks after, they would go with the LSU guard, who could start right away, and still offers some flexibility at OT in a pinch.

I know @CrashDavisSports would love this draft based on round 1 - but round 2, and if they got the LSU guard in round 3 would be a freaking great 1-2-3 draft. Each guy would immediately upgrade their positions, and contribute right away in year 1.

Miller's seven-round NFL mock draft: Let's project landing spots for 257 top prospects

From the Titans' selection at No. 1 to the Chiefs' slot at the end of Round 7, Matt Miller predicted every single pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

www.espn.com

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Rounds 1 and 2 would be a pretty much HR swing from the Bengals in this mock.

I disagree 100% with round 3 - as they have Newsome ready to replace Hilton. I think, looking at the picks after, they would go with the LSU guard, who could start right away, and still offers some flexibility at OT in a pinch.

I know @CrashDavisSports would love this draft based on round 1 - but round 2, and if they got the LSU guard in round 3 would be a freaking great 1-2-3 draft. Each guy would immediately upgrade their positions, and contribute right away in year 1.

Miller's seven-round NFL mock draft: Let's project landing spots for 257 top prospects

From the Titans' selection at No. 1 to the Chiefs' slot at the end of Round 7, Matt Miller predicted every single pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

www.espn.com

It will not let me pick any other rounds but round 1. Shows there is a link, but when you click on it it doesn't go anywhere. Got a list.

First pick is not bad, hate losing out on Emmanwori and see him go to KC.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Put this in the wrong thread - wasn't paying attention...but I would take this guy in round 2...8th best RAS score since like 2007 or something. Also, if you take him in round 2 of the PFF mock, you'll get an F for the pick...LOL

 

[Cincyfan78]

Edit to above - damn, he's even better than I thought...This ranked 8 out of 1720 OG from 1987 to 2025.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Edit to above - damn, he's even better than I thought...This ranked 8 out of 1720 OG from 1987 to 2025.

But yet, you don't like Stewart even though he qualified as #1 DE ranked in RAS since 1987 with a perfect 10.

I am just saying. I would totally get an F on my draft with PFF

Emmanwori #17 (#45 prospect on PFF)
Ratledge #49 (#100+ prospect on PFF)

 

[Cincyfan78]

But yet, you don't like Stewart even though he qualified as #1 DE ranked in RAS since 1987 with a perfect 10.

I am just saying. I would totally get an F on my draft with PFF

Emmanwori #17 (#45 prospect on PFF)
Ratledge #49 (#100+ prospect on PFF)

Ratledge also has win rate and the stats to back it up. Stewart does not. This is where you marry the 2 together and come to a consensus...so one is not like the other here. When I see these things at odds with one another, I'm going to err on the side of tape and the win%/rates over the athletic prowess...but they still have to be somewhere close...I don't think in the case of Stewart his tape, or his stats/rates, are close enough. To me, he screams workout warrior.

If they snag Ratledge in round 2, I could be on board with Emmanwori at 17. Of course, it depends on 2 factors - 1: Who else is there at 17 (especially DE) 2: Does Trey sign. I know he's under contract, and I don't think he's holding out in the regular season, but if they don't get him signed before the draft, AND someone is there like Pearce, or Green (both red flags, I know) do you have to look harder at DE at that spot?

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Ratledge also has win rate and the stats to back it up. Stewart does not. This is where you marry the 2 together and come to a consensus...so one is not like the other here. When I see these things at odds with one another, I'm going to err on the side of tape and the win%/rates over the athletic prowess...but they still have to be somewhere close...I don't think in the case of Stewart his tape, or his stats/rates, are close enough. To me, he screams workout warrior.

If they snag Ratledge in round 2, I could be on board with Emmanwori at 17. Of course, it depends on 2 factors - 1: Who else is there at 17 (especially DE) 2: Does Trey sign. I know he's under contract, and I don't think he's holding out in the regular season, but if they don't get him signed before the draft, AND someone is there like Pearce, or Green (both red flags, I know) do you have to look harder at DE at that spot?

For some reason, I am a whole lot less worried about Trey getting resigned now. Not that there is any evidence to support my mental state on this, but for some reason, I just think it is going to get done, but maybe not until after the draft.

I see your point with Stewart, however, maybe at Texas A&M they didn't have a good line coach to teach him, and get the most out of his freakish athletic ability either.

I am still on point for Emmanwori. I think if he is there, he should be the pick over anyone else available, unless Carter falls all the way to 17.

 

[Cincyfan78]

For some reason, I am a whole lot less worried about Trey getting resigned now. Not that there is any evidence to support my mental state on this, but for some reason, I just think it is going to get done, but maybe not until after the draft.

I see your point with Stewart, however, maybe at Texas A&M they didn't have a good line coach to teach him, and get the most out of his freakish athletic ability either.

I am still on point for Emmanwori. I think if he is there, he should be the pick over anyone else available, unless Carter falls all the way to 17.

And I think the tape portion of the scouting will help weed that out. But, again, I don't think the Bengals are in a place to get a guy who might still take a year, or 2, to develop at DE. If they go DE, it needs to be a guy that can absolutely help right now. Pearce and Green both do that, even if it's situational. Even Sawyer, IMO, can do that as I think he has a chance to grow into a Hubbard type role/career...but I wouldn't be taking him until probably the 3rd if he slides. Not sure if he's got enough to be a 2nd or not.

Bengals have so many needs, they can't afford to hone in on 1 guy. And if I'm ranking the positions of need, safety doesn't really crack the top 3, or 4, maybe. I get people are down on Stone, but there was a reason why he was really good in Bmore, and down the stretch last year. When they let him do his thing, he made plays. I think Lou's defense put way too much pressure on the back-end to cover without a legit pass rush.

IMO - focus on the positions of need, and see who is there. You rank the players, and the player that is highest rank, marries to a position of need - you take them. If the best 2 or 3 players there don't marry to a position of need, you can either look to trade back a few spots and garner an additional pick (big on this for round 1) OR you can take BPA and figure out the rest later. I'm also OK with this because this team needs legit depth as well. So, taking a guy where a position of need may not be as great, if he's BPA, I'm good with and this is where I would be good with your guy, Emmanwori.

 

[Cincyfan78]

For some reason, I am a whole lot less worried about Trey getting resigned now. Not that there is any evidence to support my mental state on this, but for some reason, I just think it is going to get done, but maybe not until after the draft.

I see your point with Stewart, however, maybe at Texas A&M they didn't have a good line coach to teach him, and get the most out of his freakish athletic ability either.

I am still on point for Emmanwori. I think if he is there, he should be the pick over anyone else available, unless Carter falls all the way to 17.

Oh, and I agree on Trey. Either it gets done, or he plays. At 30, going on 31 this season, he simply cannot afford to sit out, IMO. Just not worth it. He'll want to show that he's worth every dollar he's going to request in F/A and it's going to be needed because teams are going to be wary if he sits out 6-8-10 games, comes back and only has a so-so showing...then you are looking at a guy who is 31 going on 32 in the first year of that new contract, and suddenly you start to wonder if those 17.5 seasons in 2023 and 2024 may have been the peak of his playing hill, and you are now paying for past production on a player who is going downhill in his career.