Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dylan Moses says he’s heading back to school in 2020 instead of entering the 2020 NFL draft.
Which again emphasizes the importance of free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
Moses’ decision comes on the heels of missing the entirety of this past season after a brief apparent spat with insurance issues. He was pegged as a early first-round pick before the injury but apparently has a second-round grade from the advisory board now (those grades are always up for debate).
No matter what happens with Moses, the Bengals again have a tough call on their hands, as he’s not the only high-profile linebacker to say “no thanks” to the 2020 draft.
And the Bengals need plenty of help at the spot. Yes, things improved after the team cut the mistake that was the Preston Brown extension. And yes, Germaine Pratt started to show promise down the stretch.
But a serious investment in the position needs to happen. The early second round seemed like a sweet spot, especially if a high-upside talent like Moses fell.
With the draft class constricting yet again, it might be better to prioritize linebacker in free agency. If the team could lure in a quality type like a Cory Littleton or Kyle Van Noy the unit not only improves, that number of needs for that early second-round pick gets smaller.
This is thinking way ahead, obviously. But a big setback like this for an area of need on draft day is worth pointing out from a Bengals perspective, especially when the team has been so adamant on building through the draft and not spending on notable free agents at positions of need.
