Zac Taylor's Future with Bengals Examined by Former NFL GM
In a recent episode of the podcast “With the First Pick,” former NFL General Manager Ran Carthon shared his insights on how the Cincinnati Bengals can improve this offseason. The discussion, which featured CBS Draft Analyst Ryan Wilson, focused on key areas needing attention, including the coaching staff and defensive line. One of the most notable topics was the decision to bring back head coach Zac Taylor.
Carthon Supports Bringing Back Taylor
Carthon expressed strong support for the Bengals retaining Zac Taylor as their head coach next season. He emphasized that Taylor’s success is directly tied to the performance of star quarterback Joe Burrow. According to Carthon, Taylor wins when Burrow is on the field, and it’s challenging to find a coach who can maintain success when their star player isn’t performing. This point underscores the importance of keeping Burrow healthy and motivated.
“He wins when Burrow is on the field, and that’s the key,” Carthon said. “The Bengals could be a playoff team next season if they can keep Burrow healthy.”
Defensive Line Needs Attention
One of the most pressing issues Carthon highlighted was the performance of the Bengals’ defensive line. He noted that the team has drafted 21 defensive players since 2022, with 10 of them being defensive linemen. However, the results haven’t been impressive, as only Joseph Ossai has become a Week 1 starter. Carthon believes the team should bring Ossai back, as he represents a rare success in a series of misses.
“They hit at a position they haven’t hit on often,” Carthon said. “They need to keep him around.”
Scouting and Coaching
Carthon attributed the defensive line’s struggles to a combination of scouting, coaching, and the transition from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to Al Golden. He suggested that a new defensive scheme could help young players develop more effectively, especially given the team’s significant investment in its offensive stars.
“When you put so much money on offense with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, you need a defensive scheme that is friendly to young players,” Carthon added.
Scouting Department Praised
Despite the defensive line’s issues, Carthon had praise for the Bengals’ scouting department. He specifically mentioned Mike Potts, a rising star in the field, as someone who deserves recognition. This acknowledgment suggests that the team’s front office has the right people in place to identify talent, even if the coaching and scheme haven’t maximized that talent yet.
Key Prospects for the Draft
The podcast also touched on potential prospects for the upcoming draft. While not revealing groundbreaking information, Carthon and Wilson discussed players who Bengals fans are already buzzing about. These included Caleb Downs, Peter Woods, and Rueben Bain.
Carthon is particularly high on Caleb Downs, though he didn’t elaborate much on the Ohio State safety. He also expressed interest in Peter Woods, a Clemson defensive tackle who could potentially be a top-five pick. However, Carthon’s most detailed analysis was on Rueben Bain, a player he isn’t high on overall due to inconsistent performance. Despite this, he praised Bain’s game against the Buckeyes and suggested he could be a good fit alongside Shemar Stewart, given their similar backgrounds.
“They have similar backgrounds and are from a similar place in Southern Florida,” Carthon noted.
Conclusion
The insights from Ran Carthon provide a valuable perspective on the Bengals’ offseason strategy. With support for Zac Taylor’s continued role as head coach and a focus on addressing the defensive line, the Bengals appear to be on the right path. Fans will be eager to see how these recommendations are implemented and whether they lead to a stronger team next season.
