re: Burrow is third in the NFL in passing yards

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Trevor Lawrence will be the first player drafted. If the Bengals have that pick, they will be able to trade it for about 5 or more picks, including multiple first-rounders.

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I don’t think they would—or should— trade down unless they still wind up with the 2nd overall pick and take Sewell. Even then, the team trading up to #1 may be doing it to get Sewell. That dude is a fricking stud that could be protecting Burrow’s blind side at a Pro Bowl level for the next 10 years.

I’ve seen the Bengals early round picks lately, and they’re not great. Better to take Sewell and not multiple lower picks that are likely to wind up being very “meh.” Regardless, Joe’s getting better and some of these close games are gonna start going their way. I know we’re talking hypothetically, but I really don’t think they’re gonna finish with the worst record in the NFL.

If you're not first you're last. J/k that's awesome.

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Perhaps they will get another first overall pick. Who is the best defensive player in next year’s draft?

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Probably DE Rosseau from Miami

I've watched every snap this year for Cincy (plug for NFL GamePass and the condensed game features). Their interior OL isn't terrible and actually is setting what little pocket Joe has had to work with fairly well. It's the edges, particularly LT, where pressure is creating the most trouble. They may even want to consider getting a strong LT free agent over drafting one if there is one available. Not sure you want to have a brand new rookie there unless they are seriously elite.

Other concerns on offense include upgrading the RB position, and getting a better option at WR3. Currently, Joe seems to be clicking at a higher level with both Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins than A.J. Green. I would consider trading Green for picks/players while he still has moderate-to-high value. His window is closing.

On defense, the line is passable and LB play is ... okay. They are getting absolutely roasted in the secondary, though. Poor communication between LB and DB layers leads to busted zones and then awful tackling by DBs once a play goes longer than it should have. They need serious help at safety, in particular.

Depending on what's available where they pick, I would draft either the LT or a strong rush DE/LB and then get the other in the second round. I would look for another utility OL in round 3 and then go for value at RB/WR/DB elsewhere in the draft. I would shop AJ Green and possibly Joe Mixon. I would be willing to move practically anyone on defense for better value. There are no franchise cornerstones on that side of the ball currently.