Tag: best candidates

New Orleans Saints’ team needs entering 2023 NFL draft

The New Orleans Saints’ top team needs entering the 2023 NFL draft include upgrades along the DL, TE, and improved depth at LB, DB, and WR:

The New Orleans Saints did a great job addressing their needs in free agency, holding onto some of their most important players while plugging holes on the depth chart with veteran signings. That significantly reshaped their list of team needs going into Round 1 of the 2023 NFL draft.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis may have downplayed the priority with which they need to address some concerns in his pre-draft press conference, but some areas remain more worrisome than others. Here’s a quick look at the Saints’ most pressing team needs (plus some early-round targets to monitor) in the final hours leading up to the draft:

Top New Orleans Saints’ team needs entering 2022 NFL draft

2022 NFL draft: New Orleans Saints team needs entering Round 1, via @DillySanders:

The New Orleans Saints have some obvious needs to address in the 2022 NFL draft, and the first round brings real options to help solve their problems. We’ve already identified which prospects the Saints have been connected to, and who they should be targeting on Thursday night — now let’s take a deeper look at why those positions are areas of concern.

Cincinnati Bengals’ team needs entering 2020 NFL draft

The Cincinnati Bengals have a few big needs heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

[jwplayer K8QONt2N-ThvAeFxT]

The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have as many needs as expected entering the 2020 NFL draft thanks to an uncharacteristically aggressive stance in free agency.

While Zac Taylor and the front office have a little more wiggle room than usual to go get best player available, some needs remain more pressing than others.

Before Round 1 gets underway, let’s look at the most important spots.

 

QB

It doesn’t get more important than this.

The Andy Dalton era is over. That much was true when a new head coach arrived and benched the veteran starter. It isn’t all Dalton’s fault, but the team can’t afford to be gunshy about the position anymore. New head coaches generally want to go get their own guy anyway and Taylor has a chance to go get Joe Burrow.

This conversation would hit a little different if the Bengals hadn’t stumbled into No. 1. But knowing it’s the biggest need for Taylor, it’s no surprise they did.

 

EDGE/LB

Lou Anarumo’s continued transition into a multiple defense got a big boost in free agency with guys like D.J. Reader, Vonn Bell and Josh Bynes.

But that’s not enough. The pass rush needs a rotational boost, injury insurance and versatility capable of dropping back into coverage. Ideally, that’s a guy who can go with his hand in the dirt or stand up and has a long-term future in a tandem with Germaine Pratt.

 

OL

The Bengals might like the upside of guys like Fred Johnson and Michael Jordan. But relying on guys to just up and develop hasn’t worked out so well for the team lately.

If a high-end tackle prospect falls he needs to be in the mix. This is about making sure injury or bad timing doesn’t ruin Joe Burrow’s long-term development.

 

WR

The Bengals don’t currently have a lot of guys at wideout under contract beyond next season.

It’s a long-term need to consider and one that could get addressed earlier than expected given the strength of the draft class in this area. A speedy-type as John Ross insurance would make some sense.

 

DB

More versatility safety help couldn’t hurt for subpackages. And while Mackensie Alexander, Trae Waynes, Winston Rose and LeShaun Sims are all newcomers at corner, none are a lock to stick long-term. The Bengals might be wise to keep investing in such a premium positional group.

[vertical-gallery id=31147]

Final prediction for the Bengals in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

One final prediction for the Cincinnati Bengals in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL draft.

[jwplayer K8QONt2N-ThvAeFxT]

When it comes to predicting the NFL draft…it doesn’t get much easier than this.

The Cincinnati Bengals will use the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft on Joe Burrow.

That’s seemed likely since late last season when new Bengals head coach Zac Taylor benched longtime starter Andy Dalton at the same time Burrow was running roughshod en route to one of the best seasons by a passer ever.

It was even more obvious by the combine, where the Bengals — and Mike Brown — had a good meet with Burrow. And it was cemented when word broke the Bengals maxed out their allotted pre-draft meeting time with him — while going over the offense.

Then the day before the draft hit. A report broke confirming the Bengals had told Burrow he’d be the pick and that they weren’t listening to trade offers.

That wraps it up, right? In an alternate timeline, maybe the Bengals play themselves out of the first pick and have to choose between Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. Maybe they weigh the value of a quarterback against a defense-altering prospect like Chase Young?

But at No. 1? Sitting there has removed all semblance of unpredictability. Besides Burrow simply being an amazing prospect, keep in mind he’s an Ohio kid who calls home about 2.5 hours away from Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals have a disconnect with the fanbase and an upcoming lease situation to consider.

It all plays into No. 1. Most years, No. 1 isn’t so cut and dry. But this year, the Bengals got their guy.

[vertical-gallery id=31147]