My surprise team for next year

I can't believe I'm about to say this but after looking at their draft, off-season, and how players have recovered from injury.

The Bengals! Yes! Now I'm not saying they'll make the playoffs but I'm predicting at least 8-8. Take a look at these draft picks:

Andre Smith- shores up their OL for the running game and protecting Palmer.

Rey Maulaluga- will be an instant starter, him and Keith Rivers is a scary combo

Michael Johnson- an athletic freak who will also make an immediate impact. Great pass rushing DE, which they lacked last year.

Chase Coffman- really good recieving TE will give Palmer another target.

Jonathan Luigs- a top 3 C IMO and was an immediate need for them.

So they really had a good draft. Maulaluga, MJ, and Luigs I thought were going to be drafted higher.

Then in their offseason some aquisitions were:
Tank Johnson- him and Pat Sims will be good on the DL
J.T. O'Sullivan- good backup
Quan Cosby- hey, I'm a fan of him


So they really got alot of needs from the draft and did sign Tank Johnson who will help the DL. Basically, they made a top 15 defense last year even better getting pass rushers and a starting LB. If Carson Palmer can stay healthy they have a good RB in Benson, go 5 deep at WR, and an upgraded OL. The defense was underrated last year but adding Maulaluga and Johnson just makes it even better. So it just comes down to Palmer. If he's healthy he's a top 10 QB but well he's usually injured.

 

Yeah chances of a playoff spot is highly unlikely. However I think if the 6th worst team (draft order) can go 8-8 then that's good. I don't know how I thought about it but thought I'd share mine.