From ESPN:

Colbie Young, WR, 6'5", 218 lbs, Georgia

Pre-Draft Analysis
Young has an excellent build with prototypical size. He is not going to beat defensive backs through pure speed on an every-down basis. But he has the traits to be a good route runner, displaying fluidity and a strong ability to cut back for the ball. Young will fight through contact at the top of his routes and play strong at the catch point. When the ball is in the air, he consistently uses his frame to shield the ball from defenders while also being aware of where his feet are near the sideline. He has strong hands and a large catch radius. Young's combination of size and agility make him difficult to cover, leading to holding and pass interference penalties. He is tough to bring down after the catch, too. As a blocker, he uses solid technique and plays with a good temperament. -- Scouts Inc.

8 hours ago, FatNate said:

I don’t know enough about the options in the third round. But, in the second round I would have taken the best LB available.  Bengals signed Mafe and need to give Stewart an opportunity to play, as well as, another year of an improved Miles.  Howell will be a rotational piece.  Rodriguez, Allen. or Golday makes the team better immediately.  LB draft pick feels more like a win now pick than Howell.  

While I expected the pick to be a LB. At the end of the day it has been proven pretty regularly that drafting best player available is usually a better strategy than drafting to fill a need. If the Bengals had Howell higher on their board, then no issues from me with adding more of the pass rush. 

49 minutes ago, theguru said:

From ESPN on Lew:

Connor Lew, C, 6'3", 310 lbs, Auburn

Pre-Draft Analysis
Lew is recovering from an ACL injury last October. He is not a dominant people-mover in the run game, though he can position himself to wall off defenders and create running lanes. Lew tends to play too high and has a habit of stopping his feet on contact, limiting his ability to sustain blocks. He also allows defenders into his chest due to inconsistent hand placement, and he lacks the lateral quickness needed to recover and redirect when beaten. -- Scouts Inc.

A few people have also said if it wasn’t for an injury, he may have been a first or second round pick. Solid pick. 

14 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

A few people have also said if it wasn’t for an injury, he may have been a first or second round pick. Solid pick. 

I like this pick a lot.

Who Dey!!

16 minutes ago, theguru said:

I like this pick a lot.

Who Dey!!

I honestly am very happy with their draft so far. Linebacker is still a question. Which they don’t seem to even be considering any. So I think maybe they have a deal in place with a vet linebacker already, but had to wait until after the draft so it doesn’t mess with the comp formula. This way they still get a third rounder for Trey next year. 

7 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

I honestly am very happy with their draft so far. Linebacker is still a question. Which they don’t seem to even be considering any. So I think maybe they have a deal in place with a vet linebacker already, but had to wait until after the draft so it doesn’t mess with the comp formula. This way they still get a third rounder for Trey next year. 

I don't understand the comp formula process like you do.  

To your point on LB, as a former LB I remember what it was like playing with a D1 DT in front of me vs. an average high school football player.  In other words, our DL should be much, much improved and that should give our young LBs a chance to excel.

9 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

So I think maybe they have a deal in place with a vet linebacker already, but had to wait until after the draft so it doesn’t mess with the comp formula. This way they still get a third rounder for Trey next year.

I was wondering the same thing and I think you may be 100% correct. I at least hope that is the case. I also really like the draft so far and as us Bengal fans know all too well, we can't always say that. I think a good solid linebacker and we have really improved our defense.

2 minutes ago, theguru said:

In other words, our DL should be much, much improved and that should give our young LBs a chance to excel.

I think it will also take some pressure off our defensive backs if our DL can get more pressure next season on quarterbacks.

13 minutes ago, 16thBBall Fan said:

I think it will also take some pressure off our defensive backs if our DL can get more pressure next season on quarterbacks.

All defenses start up front. 

1 hour ago, futurecoach said:

While I expected the pick to be a LB. At the end of the day it has been proven pretty regularly that drafting best player available is usually a better strategy than drafting to fill a need. If the Bengals had Howell higher on their board, then no issues from me with adding more of the pass rush. 

I don’t trust the Bengals board.  Most of the rating I saw scored the LBs higher.  Also, most sites like the Howell pick.  I am just sharing my opinion and I may be in the minority. 

1 minute ago, FatNate said:

I don’t trust the Bengals board.  Most of the rating I saw scored the LBs higher.  Also, most sites like the Howell pick.  I am just sharing my opinion and I may be in the minority. 

At this point I think the Bengals are screaming they like the LBs they have other than maybe a trade we don't know about yet. 

Not a fan of the WR pick. Make no mistake our 3rd WR isn’t very good.  I just would have preferred Bowery for O line depth and possible swing tackle as he develops. 

3 minutes ago, theguru said:

At this point I think the Bengals are screaming they like the LBs they have other than maybe a trade we don't know about yet. 

Fact.  Their actions have told us that all off season. 

What is a realistic improvement goal from the current LBs?  Maybe that position just isn’t important in today’s game.  Have to save some money somewhere.  I am just concerned even if they improve by 15-spots on the PFF list they will still rank in the bottom of 25%.  Improved defense all around them should help.  Just very concerned with the position.  
 

13 minutes ago, FatNate said:

What is a realistic improvement goal from the current LBs?  Maybe that position just isn’t important in today’s game.  Have to save some money somewhere.  I am just concerned even if they improve by 15-spots on the PFF list they will still rank in the bottom of 25%.  Improved defense all around them should help.  Just very concerned with the position.  
 

I would like to see the LB ratings after the bye week. I want to see how much they improved the last part of the season.