Because an NFL season is getting ready, it starts with an audit: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce? Then, how to strengthen via the market and the draft. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the off-season of the 32 franchises.
Once again legitimate contenders, the Bengals now want to win the day. There’s not much missing on either side of the ball, but staying at the top of the standings is tough in the NFL: when you have a window of opportunity, you have to take it as soon as possible!
The owners
1. Joe Burrow, QB
2. Ja’Marr Chase, WR
3. Logan Wilson, LB
JoeCool! Certainly, he is not yet at the level of a Joe Montana but he did not obtain this nickname only because of his position and his first name. In constant progression for three seasons, he has already established himself as a quarterback that counts in the NFL.
Teammates at LSU, Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are the Batman and Robin of the Bengals. Plus, they’re aided by a Tee Higgins who would be the No. 1 receiver on any other team!
A real college tackle machine (409 in 4 seasons), Logan Wilson has become the captain of an NFL defense that knows how to achieve: 6th on stolen balls (13 interceptions and 11 fumbles recovered). No superstar but many good players on this defensive line: Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, DJ Reader and therefore Logan Wilson.
Undesirables
–Joe Mixon, RB
– Hayden Hurst, TE
The “threat with firearm” trial was postponed because the judge said he wanted more evidence. But it’s only a postponement for Joe Mixon. He had already experienced an unfortunate episode at university: in 2014, a video showed him in the process of dealing a blow to the face worthy of a boxing fight…to a woman! In January 2023, it is again for violence against a woman that a case is under investigation.
Still presumed innocent, however, it seems unlikely that the management of the Bengals wants to continue the adventure. Especially since on March 07, 2023, another case is to follow concerning him: that of a 13-year-old teenager injured by bullets near his home! So with $10 million saved if he were cut, Mixon is unlikely to play for Cincinnati again.
Very often praised for their talent during the drafts, the Ravens completely missed each other with their first-round pick in 2018. Hayden Hurst is not a bad tight end, but even at the Bengals he has never justified this status. Draft 2023 might offer a better solution.
The summer man
Cam Taylor-Britt (BC)
After a timid start, the rookie was able to make his place on the back line of Cincinnati. His end to the season with five regular season games, and three playoff games, showed a lot of promise.
Understanding the paths of the receivers and endowed with a temperament of leader, CTB could increase in importance in this defense. And this, from 2023.
The main players at the end of the contract
1. Jessie Bates, S
2. Germaine Pratt, LB
3. Samaje Perine, RB
4. Von Bell, S.
Others : Eli Apple and Tre Flowers (CB), Max Scharping (OG), Trent Taylor (WR), Drew Sample (TE)
With 71 tackles and 4 interceptions (+ 20 tackles in the playoffs), Jessie Bates has once again proven that he deserves a big check. Bates played 98.17% of defensive snaps, second only to Von Bell and his 98.84%. Playing on a one-year contract in 2022 (franchise tag), the two parties are struggling to agree for the long term and Daxton Hill’s 2022 draft seems to be going in this direction.
“I want to be here, especially since my whole family lives just 3 hours away (Fort Wayne, Indiana). But I am also in a situation where I have to secure my future. So a few million more or less counts and I won’t let it pass, ”said Jessie Bates in the locker room after the loss to the Chiefs in the conference final.
Germaine Pratt makes little noise but in 2022, he was as always reliable and consistent. Announced before the 2019 draft as a linebacker also providing cover, he confirmed in the NFL this ability so sought after on the second curtain (14 passes defended including 3 interceptions in 2022).
In 2017, Samaje Perine (drafted in the 4th round) looked like that type of heavyweight running back who does three seasons in the league and then leaves. But he has become a reliable runner who also brings in the aerial game. Retaining him would be smart and his contract should not burden the payroll.
The main needs
1.Secondary
2. Tight-end
3. Offensive Line
4. Runner
Although Chidobe Awuzie (CB) is coming back from injury, he will need reinforcements to avoid being a mid-table air defense, like in 2022. Cornerback and tight end positions are the Bengals’ two priorities.
The 5 holders as well as the 6th man from the offensive line will be there in 2023: Williams-Colson-Karras-Cappa-Collins and Carman. However, the unit is still far from the level required to win everything! Jonah Williams will have to show that he deserves a new contract, which is not really the case so far: there is no doubt that the manager has already noted a few names in his notebook dedicated to the 2024 draft (Joe Alt / Notre Dame or Olu Fashanu/Penn State).
In 2022, Joe Mixon was not only the team’s No. 1 running back but also the third-highest receiver in receptions (68). It is therefore important for Joe Burrow to continue to have a safety valve for the aerial game. That’s good, the 2023 draft can offer interesting profiles, more or less high.
Bijan Robinson may no longer be available in choice 28… Yet what a dream to imagine him associated with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow! With Alabama, Jahmyr Gibbs showed his explosive changes of support and his good hands: 44 receptions, 444 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022. More than 1000 yards in the air in three seasons.
Later in the draft, runners such as Chase Brown (Illinois), Tyjae Spears (Tulane), Deuce Vaughn (Kansas State), Evan Hull (Northwestern) or Sean Tucker (Syracuse) would also contribute in both areas.
Target
James Bradberry (CB-Eagles)
The second defensive curtain is a headache for the Bengals. Players to extend and young people to supervise like the 1st round 2022 Daxton Hill: only 12.6% of snaps played in defense despite his presence in 15 regular season games! Quality but also experience would be welcome on the back line.
Sometimes caught up in speed (9.8 yards per reception allowed), James Bradberry is top 5 for everything else! Percentage of authorized reception, QB rating when the quarterback throws in his direction, 54 tackles and 4 interceptions in 20 games in the year 2022.
The new blood
Dalton Kincaid (TE – Utah)
The draft can fill gaps. It can also enhance a strength. Dalton Kincaid is not a good blocker but what an offensive weapon! Add Kincaid to their superb trio of receivers and with a pitcher like Joe Burrow, the cocktail could be explosive: the Chiefs dominate the conference by being unstoppable in attack, Cincinnati could draw inspiration from it.
Similar to a Mike Gesicki (Dolphins) that the Bengals could covet in free agency, Dalton Kincaid is an option for their choice 28, in the 1st round of the 2023 draft.
