Adding a top 100 player Mock

[Mr. Too Proud]

 

I think we all feel like it's a trade or something else will happen to impact this team.

 

For me I really want something around AR. A for sure thing. We saw the prices of free agency and in hindsight the Jerry Jeudy trade looks good. I threw out the Tee Higgins trade and even though the draft is full of great prospects I feel like this would be a sure thing. I don't think it would cost much either as in other drafts and would allow us to address other things in the draft.

 

Why the Bengals make trade:

 

The NIL is supposedly gutting the later rounds.... The trade I purpose is essentially the value of two 3rd round picks and a 5th but in reality it's just two picks

 

https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=Cin

 

The value of the Bengals moving up 3 picks is 150 (which is equal value as pick 88)

 

Our pick in the 3rd is 180

 

Throw in that 5th and the value is somewhere in the 2nd round....

 

Best scenario the Bengals can walk away with Brock Bowers or the top rated right tackle, Keon Coleman and three 3rd round picks to build a team around a QB no longer on the Rookie Contract.

 

15th, 3rd and next year 5th

 

Tee Higgins, 18th

 

1. Nate Wiggins CB Clemson 

 

 

2. Edgerrin Cooper LB A&M 

 

 

3. Tee Higgins WR 

4. Zac Zinter OG Michigan 

 

OR

 

The other idea would be selling high on Ryan Kelly. He's on a one year deal and we have Braden Smith and Raimann deals coming up soon.... could be a good idea to get in front of this

 

Trade Ryan Kelly and a 5th

For

Budda Baker 

 

Budda would be a nice replacement for Blackmon and can be extended similar to what we did for DeForest Buckner to create extra cap 

Ryan Kelly 12.5M

Budda Baker 14.75M

 

Guys like JPP could be attained even after a 1st round trade down while acquiring another 3rd round (Rams)

 

1. JPJ C Oregon 

2. TJ Tampa CB Iowa St 

 

 

3. Jermaine Burton WR Alabama

 

 

3. Cedric Grey LB UNC 

 

 

4. Jaylan Wright RB 

 

 

5. Budda Baker 

 

Really want to see him maximize our 3 to 4 year window with AR on a cheap contract. Agree or disagree I believe both trades moves the needle and gives us top 100 players at impact positions....

[Mr. Too Proud]

Sorry typed up before they signed Trent Brown

They could do Xavier Worthy and Keon Coleman so that they can run their 3 WR set

 

[Nate!]

The Jeudy trade and subsequent contract looks terrible at the moment.

 

What looks like on paper as one of the best WR classes in some time, and we are gonna trade our first and then some Tee…

 

Hard pass for me.  I’d rather just draft a WR 

[Mr. Too Proud]

20 minutes ago, Nate! said:

The Jeudy trade and subsequent contract looks terrible at the moment.

 

What looks like on paper as one of the best WR classes in some time, and we are gonna trade our first and then some Tee…

 

Hard pass for me.  I’d rather just draft a WR 

And what if we draft another Alec Pierce? 

 

[Nate!]

35 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

And what if we draft another Alec Pierce? 

 

The talent in the class is significantly better than Pierce, but let’s say they do.  I can accept that as the process of targeting a position of need when the draft’s talent happens to align with that need makes sense.  Doling out multiple picks including a first for Tee and extending him top dollar… I just don’t see it, and I like Tee!  
 

 

[Mr. Too Proud]

38 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

And what if we draft another Alec Pierce? 

 

Let me expand a little 

 

Just now, Nate! said:

The talent in the class is significantly better than Pierce, but let’s say they do.  I can accept that as the process of targeting a position of need when the draft’s talent happens to align with that need makes sense.  Doling out multiple picks including a first for Tee and extending him top dollar… I just don’t see it, and I like Tee!  
 

 

Thanks for the read....

Its a 1st round swap....

Josh Allen really flourished when Diggs came to town.... for example 

 

 

If we pick wrong because the draft is a gamble.....We give that WR 3 to 4 years to show something and that's basically AR rookie contract wasted..... We know what Tee Higgins is and I would rather surround AR with Proven talent while he's on his rookie contract.

 

We seen the blue print of rookie QBs winning the Superbowl and their WR corp.... and vice versa we seen the Ravens fail to build around Lamar Jackson and utilize his rookie contract.

[Mr. Too Proud]

Some Bengals fans saw the idea and didn't poo poo it down

 

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2024/3/23/24109460/bengals-round-1-pff-mock-draft-friday-3-22

[NewColtsFan]

I’m assuming you’ve missed all the discussion that Burrow got a promise from Cincy management to keep Higgins.  
 

That was the end of any chance of not retaining Higgins.   And why would the Colts EVER consider having two WR’s both making roughly $23m?   Especially in a year where there’s a great class of receivers to draft?   You want to trade picks AND give him a huge contract?!?   
 

Sorry, but your idea is just not happening.  

[Mr. Too Proud]

50 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

I’m assuming you’ve missed all the discussion that Burrow got a promise from Cincy management to keep Higgins.  
 

That was the end of any chance of not retaining Higgins.   And why would the Colts EVER consider having two WR’s both making roughly $23m?   Especially in a year where there’s a great class of receivers to draft?   You want to trade picks AND give him a huge contract?!?   
 

Sorry, but your idea is just not happening.  

Just a idea... the draft is a gamble look at Corey Coleman, Jalen Reagor or even our own Alec Pierce 

 

Tee is a for sure thing, at a discounted price because of the deep WR Draft.

 

We chose the wrong WR and it's

Year 1 he's trying to adjust 

Year 2 it was just rookie woes

Year 3 he may not be the guy and we wasted AR rookie contract 

 

[Mr. Too Proud]

Any opinions on Ryan Kelly for Budda Baker?

[NewColtsFan]

27 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

Any opinions on Ryan Kelly for Budda Baker?

No thank you.  Baker is one of the highest paid safeties.  I don’t think Ballard wants to pay any safety that kind of money.  
 

We also don’t have a player who can replace Kelly.   

[Mr. Too Proud]

25 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

No thank you.  Baker is one of the highest paid safeties.  I don’t think Ballard wants to pay any safety that kind of money.  
 

We also don’t have a player who can replace Kelly.   

Similar to what you said about the WR the draft is deep with Center prospects.

 

Jpj, Zach Frazier, Sedrick Van Pran, Beaux Limmer, Tanor Bortolini, Graham Barton 

 

Just to name a few... also Braden Smith and Raimann deals are coming up in the next few years... I think it would be hard to build around AR paying top dollar for 4 out of the 5 linemen....

 

Budda Baker value to the secondary could be far greater than Ryan Kelly to the offensive line (he missed games without to much drop off)

 

A center playing next to a top 5 guard is more likely to succeed imo than the wr alone on a island.

 

Lastly and I get you not wanting to pay Tee, but how will the Bengals pay all 3( Joe, Tee, Jamarr Chase)? I know he may want to keep him but surely he understands paying all 3 will hamstring the team....

[NewColtsFan]

54 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

Similar to what you said about the WR the draft is deep with Center prospects.

 

Jpj, Zach Frazier, Sedrick Van Pran, Beaux Limmer, Tanor Bortolini, Graham Barton 

 

Just to name a few... also Braden Smith and Raimann deals are coming up in the next few years... I think it would be hard to build around AR paying top dollar for 4 out of the 5 linemen....

 

Budda Baker value to the secondary could be far greater than Ryan Kelly to the offensive line (he missed games without to much drop off)

 

A center playing next to a top 5 guard is more likely to succeed imo than the wr alone on a island.

 

Lastly and I get you not wanting to pay Tee, but how will the Bengals pay all 3( Joe, Tee, Jamarr Chase)? I know he may want to keep him but surely he understands paying all 3 will hamstring the team....

I don’t know how Cincy will manage their money.  I’m only aware that a promise was made and kept.   They’ll make it work.   
 

I have no interest in drafting a center.  If the Colts can sign one for a modest amount, that’s another story.   No rookie center is replacing Kelly and any that might is going to need a Day 2 pick.   Seems each problem you think you’re solving is creating another new issue.  Like playing  football version of whack-a-mole. 

As to the Colts payroll….  The Colts are always in good shape.   But the problems you raise about paying top money to four OL doesn’t have to get resolved today.  Maybe in 24 and/or 25.   
 

Everything doesn’t have to get fixed in one off-season.   Sorry, not trying to be snarky, just addressing your points.   

[Mr. Too Proud]

2 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

Not snarky at all just a discussion.... So I'm trying to be a little proactive. Like getting a alarm system before I get robbed instead of after..... Tomorrow problems will be here soon so why not address some today.

 

You didn't say anything about the drop off when he didn't play so why not have a rookie and Pinter rotate or even the guy who filled in for Kelly since Pinter was hurt (sorry name escapes me). I think replacing 1 at a time is easier than letting Ryan Kelly walk for a comp pick and the next year replacing Braden Smith. 

 

We gotta be proactive and not just let our offensive line get old and overpaid imo.... replacing Kelly this year could open up money to keep both tackles? Or do something else... being short sighted and addressing that situation the day of will force us to overpay or reach imo

[NewColtsFan]

5 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

Not snarky at all just a discussion.... So I'm trying to be a little proactive. Like getting a alarm system before I get robbed instead of after..... Tomorrow problems will be here soon so why not address some today.

 

You didn't say anything about the drop off when he didn't play so why not have a rookie and Pinter rotate or even the guy who filled in for Kelly since Pinter was hurt (sorry name escapes me). I think replacing 1 at a time is easier than letting Ryan Kelly walk for a comp pick and the next year replacing Braden Smith. 

 

We gotta be proactive and not just let our offensive line get old and overpaid imo.... replacing Kelly this year could open up money to keep both tackles? Or do something else... being short sighted and addressing that situation the day of will force us to overpay or reach imo

There aren’t enough draft picks or dollars available to fix every problem every season.   It’s the same for all 32 teams.   
 

Ballard has said there is no team with a perfect roster.  Every team has flaws to one degree or another.   Fans freak out about it, but good GM’s deal with them as best as they can.  
 

I think the backup center you were thinking of is Wesley French.   Personally I’m not a fan of rotating centers between French and Pinter.  Center is a position where you want as much consistency as possible, and it’s much more important with a young inexperienced Center like Richardson.   

[Mr. Too Proud]

Just now, NewColtsFan said:

There aren’t enough draft picks or dollars available to fix every problem every season.   It’s the same for all 32 teams.   
 

Ballard has said there is no team with a perfect roster.  Every team has flaws to one degree or another.   Fans freak out about it, but good GM’s deal with them as best as they can.  
 

I think the backup center you were thinking of is Wesley French.   Personally I’m not a fan of rotating centers between French and Pinter.  Center is a position where you want as much consistency as possible, and it’s much more important with a young inexperienced Center like Richardson.   

With the personal tragedy Ryan Kelly and his family has suffered.... Also the concussions 

https://fox59.com/sports/colts/colts-ryan-kelly-ill-never-put-my-family-in-jeopardy/

 

I wouldn't mind doing him a favor- letting him start fresh 

And doing us a favor- selling high

 

Sedrick Van Pran of Georgia comes in with basically the same if not more starts than Kelly had in the SEC and all the awards..... 

 

Definitely agree no perfect roster gave my take on how to fill a few holes and we are discussing them.... I understand you would go about it a different way and that's fine... I feel like my responses to your criticism have been fair and look forward to more interaction on this 

[NewColtsFan]

51 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

With the personal tragedy Ryan Kelly and his family has suffered.... Also the concussions 

https://fox59.com/sports/colts/colts-ryan-kelly-ill-never-put-my-family-in-jeopardy/

 

I wouldn't mind doing him a favor- letting him start fresh 

And doing us a favor- selling high

 

Sedrick Van Pran of Georgia comes in with basically the same if not more starts than Kelly had in the SEC and all the awards..... 

 

Definitely agree no perfect roster gave my take on how to fill a few holes and we are discussing them.... I understand you would go about it a different way and that's fine... I feel like my responses to your criticism have been fair and look forward to more interaction on this 

Is anyone talking about Sedrick Van Pran as a first round draft pick?   Not that I’m aware of.   Kelly was not only the best center the year he came out, he was viewed as the best center in years.  The Colts took him 16th and it wasn’t a reach.   
 

Im not saying Van Pran isn’t very good.  He might start for some team as a rookie.  But to get him the Colts would have to use a Day 2 pick to get him.  What happens if another team draft him before the Colts do?   And there are also a number of other more important targets in the first three rounds IMO.    
 

WR/EDGE/CB for instance.  Then positions like safety, linebacker on day 3. 
 

Again, I’m trying to manage what can be managed.   I don’t want to make a difficult GM job harder than it needs to be.  

[Mr. Too Proud]

5 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

Is anyone talking about Sedrick Van Pran as a first round draft pick?   Not that I’m aware of.   Kelly was not only the best center the year he came out, he was viewed as the best center in years.  The Colts took him 16th and it wasn’t a reach.   
 

Im not saying Van Pran isn’t very good.  He might start for some team as a rookie.  But to get him the Colts would have to use a Day 2 pick to get him.  What happens if another team draft him before the Colts do?   And there are also a number of other more important targets in the first three rounds IMO.    
 

WR/EDGE/CB for instance.  Then positions like safety, linebacker on day 3. 
 

Again, I’m trying to manage what can be managed.   I don’t want to make a difficult GM job harder than it needs to be.  

Sedrick Van pran is just a example..... you have JPJ as well.... in the proposed trade Colts would get Budda Baker back so Safety (weak draft for this position) wouldn't be a need. 

 

If you want cap relief you extend him a year or two and he fills Blackmon role while giving us the veteran leadership in the secondary....

 

I think you ignored the article of Ryan Kelly thinking about life after football.

 

We seen Aaron Donald talk about life after football and a few seasons later he retired....

 

If that's too far away from home then look no further than AC who talked about retirement and life after football and a few seasons later he retired... We weren't prepared which left us desperate for a LT a la Eric Fisher.... 

 

Hopefully CB has learned from this (AC example) and has a plan B just in case retirement is on the horizon for Ryan Kelly 

 

 

 

 

[VikingsFanInChennai]

3 hours ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

Sedrick Van pran is just a example..... you have JPJ as well.... in the proposed trade Colts would get Budda Baker back so Safety (weak draft for this position) wouldn't be a need. 

 

If you want cap relief you extend him a year or two and he fills Blackmon role while giving us the veteran leadership in the secondary....

 

I think you ignored the article of Ryan Kelly thinking about life after football.

 

We seen Aaron Donald talk about life after football and a few seasons later he retired....

 

If that's too far away from home then look no further than AC who talked about retirement and life after football and a few seasons later he retired... We weren't prepared which left us desperate for a LT a la Eric Fisher.... 

 

Hopefully CB has learned from this (AC example) and has a plan B just in case retirement is on the horizon for Ryan Kelly 

 

 

 

 

Valid points all around, maybe Ballard has a plan to acquire talents in draft instead of how fans expected to get it done in FA.

 

The thing is, it all has to come together on draft days, and then the drafted player has to work out, but that's probably where Ballard relies upon.

 

I am also thinking about replacing the OL going forward, as one by one veteran players will need to be parted with, and Ballard will need to have a streamlined succession plan.

 

As Ballard looks to build the roster, he'll be thrown challenges to replace veteran players while paying money to QB. 

[MikeCurtis]

Thanks for sharing draft, these are always fun to read

 

Nate Wiggins would be a great press CB

 

This defense in almost all cases doesnt play a press defense from their CBs

 

In our press defense, the CB HAS to be able to play the run as well as the pass zone

 

Wiggins came in at 173 lbs, thats at 6' 1"

 

He will give up 30-45 lbs to running backs and TEs..... that sounds like an injury waiting to happen

 

I dont think our defense fits Nate, though he is a blazer

 

The spec is off

 

a CB that is 6'1" with long arms, and weighs 200 to 210, runs a 4.5 40 can be excellent in this defense

 

These TYPES of CBs can be had in round 2-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mr. Too Proud]

6 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

Thanks for sharing draft, these are always fun to read

 

Nate Wiggins would be a great press CB

 

This defense in almost all cases doesnt play a press defense from their CBs

 

In our press defense, the CB HAS to be able to play the run as well as the pass zone

 

Wiggins came in at 173 lbs, thats at 6' 1"

 

He will give up 30-45 lbs to running backs and TEs..... that sounds like an injury waiting to happen

 

I dont think our defense fits Nate, though he is a blazer

 

The spec is off

 

a CB that is 6'1" with long arms, and weighs 200 to 210, runs a 4.5 40 can be excellent in this defense

 

These TYPES of CBs can be had in round 2-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite prospects at CB is Kool-aid McKinstrey and Dwight McGlothern.... both maybe a little to lite when looking at what Gus Bradley wants 

[Mr. Too Proud]

2 hours ago, VikingsFanInChennai said:

Valid points all around, maybe Ballard has a plan to acquire talents in draft instead of how fans expected to get it done in FA.

 

The thing is, it all has to come together on draft days, and then the drafted player has to work out, but that's probably where Ballard relies upon.

 

I am also thinking about replacing the OL going forward, as one by one veteran players will need to be parted with, and Ballard will need to have a streamlined succession plan.

 

As Ballard looks to build the roster, he'll be thrown challenges to replace veteran players while paying money to QB. 

 

I'm waiting on a extension for either DeForest Buckner or Ryan Kelly 🤔 it would have created some space this Off-season.... idk what CB has brewing 

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

My favorite prospects at CB is Kool-aid McKinstrey and Dwight McGlothern.... both maybe a little to lite when looking at what Gus Bradley wants 

Kool aid may slide to second round

 

I need to research the second guy

 

I like 

Cam Hart

Cooper Dejean 

Khyree Jackson

TJ Tampa

 

Are all CBs that could play our zone defense

 

If we go CB in round 1 I hope it Cooper DeJean (After a trade back)

 

 

[Mr. Too Proud]

18 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

Kool aid may slide to second round

 

I need to research the second guy

 

I like 

Cam Hart

Cooper Dejean 

Khyree Jackson

TJ Tampa

 

Are all CBs that could play our zone defense

 

If we go CB in round 1 I hope it Cooper DeJean (After a trade back)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dwight-mcglothern/32004d43-4750-2452-f50b-d013530d26a3

 

Check him out.... he's aggressive 

 

[MikeCurtis]

5 minutes ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dwight-mcglothern/32004d43-4750-2452-f50b-d013530d26a3

 

Check him out.... he's aggressive 

 

Looks like a decent option in mid rounds

[NewColtsFan]

7 hours ago, Mr. Too Proud said:

Sedrick Van pran is just a example..... you have JPJ as well.... in the proposed trade Colts would get Budda Baker back so Safety (weak draft for this position) wouldn't be a need. 

 

If you want cap relief you extend him a year or two and he fills Blackmon role while giving us the veteran leadership in the secondary....

 

I think you ignored the article of Ryan Kelly thinking about life after football.

 

We seen Aaron Donald talk about life after football and a few seasons later he retired....

 

If that's too far away from home then look no further than AC who talked about retirement and life after football and a few seasons later he retired... We weren't prepared which left us desperate for a LT a la Eric Fisher.... 

 

Hopefully CB has learned from this (AC example) and has a plan B just in case retirement is on the horizon for Ryan Kelly 

 

 

 

 

I think you’ve jumped to a number of conclusions….   First, the only Ryan Kelly retirement story I’m aware of is the one where the rumor was flying around these message boards until reporters finally hit a chance to ask him directly and he laughed it off.  Said he had no interest in retirement.  None.  
 

And I don’t believe CB was caught off guard by the AC retirement.  The two men were close.  I have to believe AC kept CB in the loop.   And we were not taking an OT up high to mostly sit on the bench until AC made up his mind.    As for Fisher, he and Ballard were close.  Ballard spent years with him in KC.  
 

And people here complain about the one year with Fisher.  I looked up his grades in PFF.   Low 60’s (pass blocking) to mid 70’s (run blocking)  These scores are average to good.  Fisher helped JT run for 1800 yards.  He was a very good run blocker and an average pass blocker.   This is one of those stories that people here make it out to be far worse than it was.  
 

That’s my view.