The Bengals will be looking for the perfect combinations of players to bolster the 2017 roster. Mike Williams and Alvin Kamara could be in the mix.
Hopefully, the Cincinnati Bengals are approaching the NFL Draft with open minds. After another season of free agency losses, it’s time to reload and set the stage for another AFC North showdown. The War Room has snagged some great picks over the years. But, returning to the top of the heap in the North will require offensive and defensive weapons that can contribute immediately. NFL.com analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks suggested the services of Mike Williams and Alvin Kamara, to bolster the offense.
Williams is a big, speedy receiver from Clemson and Kamara is a ground threat from Tennessee. Both would fit into the Bengals plans for bolstering the offense. During his stint at Clemson, Williams piled up 2,727 yards on 177 receptions for 15.4 yards per catch. If not for a neck injury that sidelined him for most of 2015, his final numbers would have been even better.
"“I think Williams would fit in perfectly with the Bengals,” Jeremiah explained. “They had a tough time replacing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Williams can help fill the void. He’s a big, physical receiver who’s going to face man coverage because A.J. Green will be on the other side of the field. He will make you pay.”"
The Bengals were in the market for an above-average No. 2 receiver and got lucky with Brandon LaFell. Cincinnati re-signed the playmaker after he stepped forward in Green’s absence. There are youngsters who still need a chance to prove their worth. Tyler Boyd and Cody Core are still very much in the mix.
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Another Challenge For Hill
The sudden drama surrounding Jeremy Hill would get even wilder, with the draft of Kamara. The Vols product compiled a sparkling 1,294 yards on the ground. His YPC was an incredible 6.2. Those numbers are extremely hard to duplicate, once in the NFL. But, with the stunted production from Hill, any back gaining more than four yards a pop is worth a shot.
Brooks is high on the addition of Kamara.
"“Kamara is a triple-threat player–he can make plays as a runner, receiver and a returner. He’s explosive with the ball in his hands. In the passing game, he’s one of those matchup options who can really exploit the coverage of the defense. He’s good for 20 touches a game, and he’ll make explosive plays.”"
Twenty touches a game may not sound like a lot. But, that’s close to what the Bengals have been doing with the running game.
The draft will be interesting this year. With so many weapons available to revamp the Bengals’ postseason hopes, it’ll be interesting to see what happens on April 27.