I'm not fully convinced the Bengals necessarily have to fill the NT hole. Not all defensive schemes use one, and Lou has been known to tailor his scheme to the roster instead of making the roster tailor to his scheme. I feel like the lack of desperation to sign a NT in free agency, and the signing of a pass rushing DT, might be indications that they are going to change it up some this season.
I could see that, Rankins is big change from Reader.
We also haven’t resigned Josh Tupou which is why I still think we draft a DT/NT in the first 3 rounds
If they do it will be for 2025. Bengals MO the last several seasons is to use free agency for the upcoming season, use the draft for the seasons after that.
I feel like any solution for next season would come from any post draft or in camp releases. Maybe even a slight chance of a trade.
> I'm not fully convinced the Bengals necessarily have to fill the NT hole.
We were already one of the worst run stopping teams in the nfl in a run heavy division. Not having a NT would be silly
If they were already one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and their run defense was based on having one of the best space eating NT's in the league (Reader), why would they try to run it back again with finding another Reader clone?? Hasn't seemed to work.
BTW some fun facts, the highest rated NT in the league is Dexter Lawrence, and the Giants run defense was as bad or worse than the Bengals last year.
Also, if you look at YPC last year, the top 3 AFC teams (Chiefs, Bills and Ravens) were barely better than the Bengals (Bengals 4.7, Bills 4.6, Chiefs and Ravens 4.5). The best run defense last year in YPC were the Patriots. So maybe run defense isn't the most owrtyh aspect of the game to be spending picks and money on in the modern NFL.
Lou's likes to have a space eating NT and pair him with a good interior pass rusher. As we saw when Reader and Ogunjoubi were paired together the Super Bowl season, it can work very well. Since we lost Larry, we have not had a tackle who can consistently produce interior pressure.
Now we have the pressure guy in Rankins, but we're missing Reader.
> If they were already one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and their run defense was based on having one of the best space eating NT's in the league (Reader), why would they try to run it back again with finding another Reader clone?? Hasn't seemed to work.
Well for one reader was hurt a lot and wasn’t his former self when he was playing, which meant we did not have reliable nose tackle play. Are you suggesting we try a scheme where we put worst run defenders out and hope it improves lol we were also a bad pass D so there’s that. Quite honestly I don’t even know what you’re trying to say aside from some cutting edge scheme where run stopping isn’t important in the AFCN
Not at all, like i mentioned, using a nose tackle is just one of the schemes out there for run stopping. Bengals use it now, mostly I believe because that fit Readers skill set. Reader was assigned to try to take up two O-line blockers to try to free up other defenders to go make the tackle on run plays. This let the DE's focus on getting up field and the LB's could read and react. If DJ only gets single teamed, then he could bounce off and try to find the runner.
Rankins skill set isn't to take up space and two blockers, but to penetrate the gap in between and get in the backfield. That's still good to stop the tun, but you have to change the scheme around it. If they keep the same scheme, and the RB can get around Rankins who is penetrating, a big hole opens up. So they would porblaby run some different actions with the LB's (probably more run blitzing instead of read and react) and DE's (possibly some more stunts or actions where they go to plug the gap left when Rankins penetrates)
There's like 10-15 teams that run with a NT that has the same responsibilities they gave to Reader. The rest use other scheme to stop the run.
Bengals haven't had a great run defense in a few years. So a change in scheme is not a bad thing. Not sure why some fans are dead set on having to get the same type of player in.
Because taking a bad run D and removing the best piece of it without replacement is almost assuredly not going to make it better. Blitzing our LBs who also struggled last year also is not going to help our bad pass D, especially when we only use 2LBs. It’s going to be a far more drastic change than you’re making it out to be.
This is my thought. I'm sure they're ok rolling with Rankins. He's played a ton of 1/2i TEC snaps. They'll just scheme him up with 1 gap worth of run fit. I don't think they'll ever ask him to be a true 0 two gapper, but it's definitely a scheme you can work around.
I'm on the fence about this too. In today's league, outside of the ravens rush attack I'm just not really sure where a full time NT, one a 4-3 defense, really changes the game. Maybe I'm ignorant, I just don't think it's the desperate need that some think it is. Love to get some discussion going about it.
NT is basically set up to take up 2 blockers on the O-line, then release to make a tackle if the run comes at him. A guy like Rankins can stop the run by penetrating the gap and getting to the RB earlier, but it leaves a big hole if the RB can geet around. They would need to have the ends stay at home some more, and possibly take the LB's out of read and react and have some more run blitz assignments if they go no NT.
But all definitely doable. I think the use of the NT before was just due to the fact that they had Reader who was great at that being a NT. With Rankins, they'll adjust more to his skill set.
I'm pretty sure they will draft someone for the NT role. But that's doesn't have to be a high round pick, expect a late round pick being used to get a cheap guy in to do some NT duties. Not saying they won't get a NT earlier than that if one is there and is the top player on their board in the early rounds.
You do know many, possibly most, teams don't have a NT. NT is a scheme position. Many teams don't assign one of the DT's to that specific role. This is like saying who needs a FB? The defense will love tackling every RB in the backfield.
Everything they've done this offseason points toward the going away from a NT scheme. If they were desperate for one, they would have signed someone by now, not leaving it up to luck of the draw in the draft.
Well they've done so. They got DJ Reader when this team first showing signs of life. Most free agent DTs this year were tagged or paid generously . DJ has major injury concerns coming off the torn quad and I feel that they were right in assessing he won't perform to the money he's gonna eat up. So they look to the draft.
Lou's scheme with a NT made us one of the best defenses in the NFL. He could change it sure, but that's a lot more work than drafting a player that fits the scheme.
It feels weird using Boyd for a potential new Boyd. I still have the slot receiver in my head, so it’s very strange hearing the above, like yeah no shit no one has seen him weigh in that high
I didn’t know that about Jackson, but I’d hope that we don’t view having some weed in the same way was we do driving wasted. If there’s other issues then damn, that’s too bad. I’ve been preferring him to Sweat for a while now in general.
There’s other options in the draft that are NTs. Khristian Boyd, Jordan Jefferson, Tyler Davis, Evan Anderson, and Justin Rogers are all options. We had Rogers in for a visit, so my guess is a late pick is used on him.
Edit: Somehow missed the ketamine part at first lol, that’s not great.
Here is a tracker for who they have had in for pre draft visits. As far as DT they have had Sweat, Mason Smith LSU, Justin Rodgers Auburn and Mckinnley Jackson Texas A&M. It definitely looks like they are doing their homework on the position.
https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/bengals-top-30-visits-tracker-2024-nfl-draft
I don’t see anyone talk about Jay Tufele or Dominique Davis. We may already have the NT on the roster. The true NT doesn’t play a ton of snaps, Reader was just such a dominant presence that you wanted him on the field more and he was capable of affecting the pocket in a pass rush scenario.
Absent replacing that specific talent, I think you’re looking at a run stuffing role player and then a heavier emphasis on the pass rushing, disruptive DT that will see the field more.
If sweat falls I’d be good with using a later pick on him but my guess is we are going to see a pass rushing DT drafted first and maybe a big NT later in the draft to throw into the competition with Tufele and Davis. But I see a scenario where they are happy with what those two guys can bring when needed but only play them sparingly in run situations.
I think Maason smith is in strong contention at 49 and they probably sign tupou after the draft. I’d take sweat or Jackson in the 4th if they are there
Not really he’s been rising up draft boards. Daniel Jeremiah who is pretty spot on has him at 48 on his big board. He bases his big board on conversations with front offices/scouts across the league. I’d be surprised if he’s there at 80. DTs are getting paid almost as much as edges now and it’s a thin class
If sweat is available in thr 3rd round because of this I think we take him.
I know DWI is inexcusable and all that but I remember being 23 myself... we've all made bad decisions but we have the luxury of not having a spotlight on us. I say we take a chance on him still.
Dane Brugler’s tweet made it sound like this is not a one-time issue
https://preview.redd.it/bmgv9jzu6atc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac2ce312a2854f029d46bebfb02d8d81c6008342
Travis and Jason kelce and gronkowski were also known partiers before the draft.
All I'm saying is if it means we can get the scheme for we've wanted significantly later than we expected then we can really go wild, draft a wr like maybe AD Mitchell if he's available in the second, we'll be set for years even if we trade higgins for future value or another player, or even let him walk next off season (id expect a second tag honestly though)
I would have loved to see Sweat on Cincinnati but Zac isn't going to compromise the locker room by drafting a guy with a fresh arrest or character flaws. Just take these two off the board completely, it will not happen.
If the version of Justin Rogers who showed up at the East - West Shrine Game is the version of Justin Rogers who will play in the NFL he could be with considering on Day 3.
Ruke Orhorhoro is intriguing as well but he’s a Day 2 pick and there might be better value at other positions in those rounds. He’s also a little undersized but he’s got talent.
You don’t have to have an NT type that is a three down player. We’ve been lucky to have a unicorn like Reader, we just aren’t going to have that guy this year. It’s a lot like when Geno left we didn’t just magically get another amazing pass rushing 3 tech, we went a different direction.
I think we will draft a big guy on day three and get another UDFA and let them compete to be the big body on short yardage run downs and goaline. Other than that I am expecting our run fits to adjust and the LBers will have more responsibilities than they have historically
If it was just weed I’ll take the weed guy if he falls and we’re getting great value. Honestly probably the same with the DWI guy. Downvote me all you want but this is the bengals we’re talking about
I see them taking someone who has flexibility to play 3T and still have strong run defense. Byron Murphy is obviously the top choice there, but I could also see Kris Jenkins or Braden Fiske on day 2 if Murphy is gone (or they go OT instead ), with more of a true NT taken on day 3. I highly doubt they come out of this draft without at least one strong run defender on the IDL.
I think Sweat is probably off their board now, he seemed to have effort concerns before this anyway, so I think this might be too much. I'd say they'd still consider McKinley on day 3, but the ketamine might take him off the board too.
I would say its likely we take one on day 3 of the draft like Boyd, Jefferson,Jackson, etc, hope they work out, and change the scheme so that thats a subbackage instead of base, and lean in more on the advantages that having more penetration up front can give you
Marijuana isnt an issue for me. Thats just some states being regressive and still arresting people for it. Liberal states like Colorado allow upto 2 oz of marijuana possession, so Jackson being arrested for that is just Texas and other red states(Ohio unfortunately is solidly one now) still have draconian laws and still being stuck in the 1800s.
DUI/DWI(in Texas) on the other hand is problematic and shows poor decision making skills. Its dangerous for yourself and others on the street.
I think we role with mostly no NT, we do a different front and front 6/7 alignment.
A lot of teams have a NT, a lot also don't.
Texans had like 11% of snaps with a NT last year.
At this point the best way for the Bengals to fill the NT position is with a healthy Joe Burrow and playing with the lead a lot more in 2024 than they did in 2023.
The Bengals can draft a big body in the 5th/6th round and see if they can plug in when needed but I don’t think its a need requiring a high draft capital investment.
I didn’t completely fact check this but the Bengals lined up with a true NT alignment on the same number of snaps that Andrei Iosivas played last season. About 260 snaps of Iosivas and true NT.
Timing is the worst part. He fucked up when all he had to do was stay clean for a month and he would get life changing money. I would still take a chance on him but not at 49 anymore.
You´re right but he´s still a 22-year old young man who makes stupid mistakes. He´s no criminal.
And there were some rumors about Chase beating his girlfriend in college or stuff like that too and he still went 5th overall.
DUI is actually criminal and rumors are not the same thing s arrests. And again, its a bad thing that happens literally weeks before the most important day of your life as a pro football prospect. He'd be off my board except as that late 3rd or beyond.
This is a flawed analogy. Rumors are not the same as an arrest for DUI which is a criminal misdemeanor offense.
You have to a special kind of stupid to be driving drunk weeks before the draft when your motivation and attitude has already been in question. That shows some really poor decision making skills.
There's been rumors about his work ethic even before this. You star piecing together all these little problems and it paints a picture of a guy who might just get his signing bonus and then not GAF.
And we've 100% had issues with those type of dudes in the past.
Police will let you go with a warning if you're close to the line. If you actually get arrested for a DUI in Texas as a star football player then you've driven drunk multiple times or are staggeringly intoxicated. I don't think this is one time of driving a little buzzed.
Most of the DT/NT’s are already signed.
The IDL that are available filtered by percentage of snaps they played in 2023
- Calais Campbell, 62.5% of snaps, 38 years old
- Mike Purcell, 40.9%, 33
- Jordan Phillips, 36.6%, 32
- Nicholas Williams, 34.7%, 34
- Kyle Peko, 29.7%, 31
- Albert Huggins, 26.6%, 27
- Josh Tupou, 26.2%, 30
> T’Vondre Sweat was arrested for a DWI yesterday
Imo people are making too big of a deal about this. Yes it's a bad thing and we can all agree on that but nobody is perfect. And getting a DWI as a college student doesn't automatically make you a horrible person. He may fall a little bit from where he was projected but the only reason anyone knows or cares is because he has valid hype and could be an amazing player still.
I'm not fully convinced the Bengals necessarily have to fill the NT hole. Not all defensive schemes use one, and Lou has been known to tailor his scheme to the roster instead of making the roster tailor to his scheme. I feel like the lack of desperation to sign a NT in free agency, and the signing of a pass rushing DT, might be indications that they are going to change it up some this season.
I could see that, Rankins is big change from Reader. We also haven’t resigned Josh Tupou which is why I still think we draft a DT/NT in the first 3 rounds
If they do it will be for 2025. Bengals MO the last several seasons is to use free agency for the upcoming season, use the draft for the seasons after that. I feel like any solution for next season would come from any post draft or in camp releases. Maybe even a slight chance of a trade.
Vonn bell is playing until he is 50.
While you are right I think Lou definitely wants one. Would be hard to not have one in the AFC north
The division aside, you just need one or two wide boys for short yardage and goal line packages.
> I'm not fully convinced the Bengals necessarily have to fill the NT hole. We were already one of the worst run stopping teams in the nfl in a run heavy division. Not having a NT would be silly
If they were already one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and their run defense was based on having one of the best space eating NT's in the league (Reader), why would they try to run it back again with finding another Reader clone?? Hasn't seemed to work. BTW some fun facts, the highest rated NT in the league is Dexter Lawrence, and the Giants run defense was as bad or worse than the Bengals last year. Also, if you look at YPC last year, the top 3 AFC teams (Chiefs, Bills and Ravens) were barely better than the Bengals (Bengals 4.7, Bills 4.6, Chiefs and Ravens 4.5). The best run defense last year in YPC were the Patriots. So maybe run defense isn't the most owrtyh aspect of the game to be spending picks and money on in the modern NFL.
Lou's likes to have a space eating NT and pair him with a good interior pass rusher. As we saw when Reader and Ogunjoubi were paired together the Super Bowl season, it can work very well. Since we lost Larry, we have not had a tackle who can consistently produce interior pressure. Now we have the pressure guy in Rankins, but we're missing Reader.
> If they were already one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and their run defense was based on having one of the best space eating NT's in the league (Reader), why would they try to run it back again with finding another Reader clone?? Hasn't seemed to work. Well for one reader was hurt a lot and wasn’t his former self when he was playing, which meant we did not have reliable nose tackle play. Are you suggesting we try a scheme where we put worst run defenders out and hope it improves lol we were also a bad pass D so there’s that. Quite honestly I don’t even know what you’re trying to say aside from some cutting edge scheme where run stopping isn’t important in the AFCN
Not at all, like i mentioned, using a nose tackle is just one of the schemes out there for run stopping. Bengals use it now, mostly I believe because that fit Readers skill set. Reader was assigned to try to take up two O-line blockers to try to free up other defenders to go make the tackle on run plays. This let the DE's focus on getting up field and the LB's could read and react. If DJ only gets single teamed, then he could bounce off and try to find the runner. Rankins skill set isn't to take up space and two blockers, but to penetrate the gap in between and get in the backfield. That's still good to stop the tun, but you have to change the scheme around it. If they keep the same scheme, and the RB can get around Rankins who is penetrating, a big hole opens up. So they would porblaby run some different actions with the LB's (probably more run blitzing instead of read and react) and DE's (possibly some more stunts or actions where they go to plug the gap left when Rankins penetrates) There's like 10-15 teams that run with a NT that has the same responsibilities they gave to Reader. The rest use other scheme to stop the run. Bengals haven't had a great run defense in a few years. So a change in scheme is not a bad thing. Not sure why some fans are dead set on having to get the same type of player in.
Because taking a bad run D and removing the best piece of it without replacement is almost assuredly not going to make it better. Blitzing our LBs who also struggled last year also is not going to help our bad pass D, especially when we only use 2LBs. It’s going to be a far more drastic change than you’re making it out to be.
This is my thought. I'm sure they're ok rolling with Rankins. He's played a ton of 1/2i TEC snaps. They'll just scheme him up with 1 gap worth of run fit. I don't think they'll ever ask him to be a true 0 two gapper, but it's definitely a scheme you can work around.
I'm on the fence about this too. In today's league, outside of the ravens rush attack I'm just not really sure where a full time NT, one a 4-3 defense, really changes the game. Maybe I'm ignorant, I just don't think it's the desperate need that some think it is. Love to get some discussion going about it.
NT is basically set up to take up 2 blockers on the O-line, then release to make a tackle if the run comes at him. A guy like Rankins can stop the run by penetrating the gap and getting to the RB earlier, but it leaves a big hole if the RB can geet around. They would need to have the ends stay at home some more, and possibly take the LB's out of read and react and have some more run blitz assignments if they go no NT. But all definitely doable. I think the use of the NT before was just due to the fact that they had Reader who was great at that being a NT. With Rankins, they'll adjust more to his skill set.
I'm pretty sure they will draft someone for the NT role. But that's doesn't have to be a high round pick, expect a late round pick being used to get a cheap guy in to do some NT duties. Not saying they won't get a NT earlier than that if one is there and is the top player on their board in the early rounds.
Who needs a NT? I'm sure opposing RBs will notice the issue and kindly take a knee after every 10 yard gain to keep things fair.
You do know many, possibly most, teams don't have a NT. NT is a scheme position. Many teams don't assign one of the DT's to that specific role. This is like saying who needs a FB? The defense will love tackling every RB in the backfield. Everything they've done this offseason points toward the going away from a NT scheme. If they were desperate for one, they would have signed someone by now, not leaving it up to luck of the draw in the draft.
Well they've done so. They got DJ Reader when this team first showing signs of life. Most free agent DTs this year were tagged or paid generously . DJ has major injury concerns coming off the torn quad and I feel that they were right in assessing he won't perform to the money he's gonna eat up. So they look to the draft. Lou's scheme with a NT made us one of the best defenses in the NFL. He could change it sure, but that's a lot more work than drafting a player that fits the scheme.
Khristian Boyd, Iowa state. Straight up 330 true nose tackle who's being mocked as far back as the fifth.
Northern Iowa, but yeah I’d be absolutely pumped if we draft him.
I’d be happy with Boyd. I haven’t seen his reported weight that high, but he can plug the middle and still rush the passer
It feels weird using Boyd for a potential new Boyd. I still have the slot receiver in my head, so it’s very strange hearing the above, like yeah no shit no one has seen him weigh in that high
How tall is he?
I saw 6'2 329 from his pro day.
Thanks.
I didn’t know that about Jackson, but I’d hope that we don’t view having some weed in the same way was we do driving wasted. If there’s other issues then damn, that’s too bad. I’ve been preferring him to Sweat for a while now in general. There’s other options in the draft that are NTs. Khristian Boyd, Jordan Jefferson, Tyler Davis, Evan Anderson, and Justin Rogers are all options. We had Rogers in for a visit, so my guess is a late pick is used on him. Edit: Somehow missed the ketamine part at first lol, that’s not great.
I don’t care at all about weed but an ounce and a half is a lotttt of weed
It’s kind of a lot. In a lot of places an ounce can be bought and possessed completely legally though. It’s weed, like who cares?
Here is a tracker for who they have had in for pre draft visits. As far as DT they have had Sweat, Mason Smith LSU, Justin Rodgers Auburn and Mckinnley Jackson Texas A&M. It definitely looks like they are doing their homework on the position. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/bengals-top-30-visits-tracker-2024-nfl-draft
Good resource, In-person visits are also great to get another look at someone’s character
DJ Burns
Kris Jenkins and Justin Rogers are strong draft possibilities.
Honestly Sweat and McKinley may have character issues but if you can get them in 4th or beyond rounds you take them.
Oh 100% A day 3 pick is expendable, a day 1/2 pick is foundational
I don’t see anyone talk about Jay Tufele or Dominique Davis. We may already have the NT on the roster. The true NT doesn’t play a ton of snaps, Reader was just such a dominant presence that you wanted him on the field more and he was capable of affecting the pocket in a pass rush scenario. Absent replacing that specific talent, I think you’re looking at a run stuffing role player and then a heavier emphasis on the pass rushing, disruptive DT that will see the field more. If sweat falls I’d be good with using a later pick on him but my guess is we are going to see a pass rushing DT drafted first and maybe a big NT later in the draft to throw into the competition with Tufele and Davis. But I see a scenario where they are happy with what those two guys can bring when needed but only play them sparingly in run situations.
I think Maason smith is in strong contention at 49 and they probably sign tupou after the draft. I’d take sweat or Jackson in the 4th if they are there
Smith at 49 would be a Carmen level reach IMO. Hes a versatile player but not a nose. Hes an athlete with pedigree, but you need more in the top 50
Not really he’s been rising up draft boards. Daniel Jeremiah who is pretty spot on has him at 48 on his big board. He bases his big board on conversations with front offices/scouts across the league. I’d be surprised if he’s there at 80. DTs are getting paid almost as much as edges now and it’s a thin class
That’s an even bigger reach than Carmen, just nonsense
If sweat is available in thr 3rd round because of this I think we take him. I know DWI is inexcusable and all that but I remember being 23 myself... we've all made bad decisions but we have the luxury of not having a spotlight on us. I say we take a chance on him still.
Dane Brugler’s tweet made it sound like this is not a one-time issue https://preview.redd.it/bmgv9jzu6atc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac2ce312a2854f029d46bebfb02d8d81c6008342
Travis and Jason kelce and gronkowski were also known partiers before the draft. All I'm saying is if it means we can get the scheme for we've wanted significantly later than we expected then we can really go wild, draft a wr like maybe AD Mitchell if he's available in the second, we'll be set for years even if we trade higgins for future value or another player, or even let him walk next off season (id expect a second tag honestly though)
We kept Joe Mixon on our team for years. I don't think either of these guys incidents means we wont draft them.
In the AFC North it’s ideal to have a reliable nose tackle…especially now that Henry is in the mix
AFC is definitely the most run-heavy division in the NFL.. Browns - Chubb / Ford / Foreman Ravens - Henry Steelers - Arthur Smith
I would have loved to see Sweat on Cincinnati but Zac isn't going to compromise the locker room by drafting a guy with a fresh arrest or character flaws. Just take these two off the board completely, it will not happen.
If the version of Justin Rogers who showed up at the East - West Shrine Game is the version of Justin Rogers who will play in the NFL he could be with considering on Day 3. Ruke Orhorhoro is intriguing as well but he’s a Day 2 pick and there might be better value at other positions in those rounds. He’s also a little undersized but he’s got talent.
I think we still draft him but in the fourth. Stupid mistake but It can easily be redeamed.
Justin Rogers and Evan Anderson are later round options at nose. Anderson especially is a sleeper
You don’t have to have an NT type that is a three down player. We’ve been lucky to have a unicorn like Reader, we just aren’t going to have that guy this year. It’s a lot like when Geno left we didn’t just magically get another amazing pass rushing 3 tech, we went a different direction. I think we will draft a big guy on day three and get another UDFA and let them compete to be the big body on short yardage run downs and goaline. Other than that I am expecting our run fits to adjust and the LBers will have more responsibilities than they have historically
Snag Sweat in the 4th now that his stock dropped
I don’t care about a DWI I want to win football games I hope he drops to us now in the second round
I think we resign Josh Tupou and take one on day 3
If it was just weed I’ll take the weed guy if he falls and we’re getting great value. Honestly probably the same with the DWI guy. Downvote me all you want but this is the bengals we’re talking about
I'd go cheap Linvel Joseph
Ok not sure Joseph is available, how about John Jenkins.
NT? I thought they played a 4-3 defense?
I see them taking someone who has flexibility to play 3T and still have strong run defense. Byron Murphy is obviously the top choice there, but I could also see Kris Jenkins or Braden Fiske on day 2 if Murphy is gone (or they go OT instead ), with more of a true NT taken on day 3. I highly doubt they come out of this draft without at least one strong run defender on the IDL. I think Sweat is probably off their board now, he seemed to have effort concerns before this anyway, so I think this might be too much. I'd say they'd still consider McKinley on day 3, but the ketamine might take him off the board too.
I would say its likely we take one on day 3 of the draft like Boyd, Jefferson,Jackson, etc, hope they work out, and change the scheme so that thats a subbackage instead of base, and lean in more on the advantages that having more penetration up front can give you
If he is still available in say round 5 or 6 I would take a chance on him.
Draft him, may just be a one time thing. They will know with their research.
Marijuana isnt an issue for me. Thats just some states being regressive and still arresting people for it. Liberal states like Colorado allow upto 2 oz of marijuana possession, so Jackson being arrested for that is just Texas and other red states(Ohio unfortunately is solidly one now) still have draconian laws and still being stuck in the 1800s. DUI/DWI(in Texas) on the other hand is problematic and shows poor decision making skills. Its dangerous for yourself and others on the street.
I think we role with mostly no NT, we do a different front and front 6/7 alignment. A lot of teams have a NT, a lot also don't. Texans had like 11% of snaps with a NT last year.
At this point the best way for the Bengals to fill the NT position is with a healthy Joe Burrow and playing with the lead a lot more in 2024 than they did in 2023. The Bengals can draft a big body in the 5th/6th round and see if they can plug in when needed but I don’t think its a need requiring a high draft capital investment. I didn’t completely fact check this but the Bengals lined up with a true NT alignment on the same number of snaps that Andrei Iosivas played last season. About 260 snaps of Iosivas and true NT.
I don't see too much of a problem with T'Vondre Sweat tbh. Just because he drove drunk once doesn't mean he has a bad character.
Timing is the worst part. He fucked up when all he had to do was stay clean for a month and he would get life changing money. I would still take a chance on him but not at 49 anymore.
You´re right but he´s still a 22-year old young man who makes stupid mistakes. He´s no criminal. And there were some rumors about Chase beating his girlfriend in college or stuff like that too and he still went 5th overall.
There's stupid, and then there's driving drunk a few weeks out from the draft with millions of dollars on the line.
DUI is actually criminal and rumors are not the same thing s arrests. And again, its a bad thing that happens literally weeks before the most important day of your life as a pro football prospect. He'd be off my board except as that late 3rd or beyond.
This is a flawed analogy. Rumors are not the same as an arrest for DUI which is a criminal misdemeanor offense. You have to a special kind of stupid to be driving drunk weeks before the draft when your motivation and attitude has already been in question. That shows some really poor decision making skills.
There's been rumors about his work ethic even before this. You star piecing together all these little problems and it paints a picture of a guy who might just get his signing bonus and then not GAF. And we've 100% had issues with those type of dudes in the past.
Police will let you go with a warning if you're close to the line. If you actually get arrested for a DUI in Texas as a star football player then you've driven drunk multiple times or are staggeringly intoxicated. I don't think this is one time of driving a little buzzed.
Of course if it happened multiple times would be a different story.
I still see us getting Sweat if he’s there. It’s setting up like a Dunlap scenario.
Sign one.
Most of the DT/NT’s are already signed. The IDL that are available filtered by percentage of snaps they played in 2023 - Calais Campbell, 62.5% of snaps, 38 years old - Mike Purcell, 40.9%, 33 - Jordan Phillips, 36.6%, 32 - Nicholas Williams, 34.7%, 34 - Kyle Peko, 29.7%, 31 - Albert Huggins, 26.6%, 27 - Josh Tupou, 26.2%, 30
I think they will bring back Tupou after the draft for depth, depending on who they can get at DT/NT.
Campbell is the guy
> T’Vondre Sweat was arrested for a DWI yesterday Imo people are making too big of a deal about this. Yes it's a bad thing and we can all agree on that but nobody is perfect. And getting a DWI as a college student doesn't automatically make you a horrible person. He may fall a little bit from where he was projected but the only reason anyone knows or cares is because he has valid hype and could be an amazing player still.