2008 NFL Draft Update as of 12 Noon
In Round 1, the Bengals stayed put at # 9, even as the New Orleans Saints traded with the New England Patriots to jump up three spots, from ten to seven, and draft Sedrick Ellis (USC), widely regarded as the second best interior lineman. Jacksonville in to the # 8 slot, trading with the Baltimore Ravens, to take Quentin Groves (Florida). The Bengals then chose Keith Rivers, outside linebacker, team captain and three year starter from USC. Rivers is expected to come in and compete to start, perhaps at middle linebacker. The need was evident, with Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman combining for only thirty games experience, with Thurman returning after two year suspension and Brooks missing several games with injuries, ending the 2007 season on IR. Rivers has played all three linebacker spots and has run-stopping speed with the ability and range to drop into pass coverage as well.
With the 46th pick of the second round, the Bengals surprised the masses and chose wide receiver Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina). With such top prospects as Limas Sweed, James Hardy, Malcom Kelly and DeSean Jackson still on the board, Cincinnati went offensive and plucked the small school standout who had 41 catches for 11 TDs in 2007. He finished his career with 44 TDs. A basketball and track star, Simpson set the high mark at the combine with a 44 inch vertical leap and an 11 foot long jump. His forte is leaping, acrobatic catches with 4.45 speed. Catch this Sport Center highlight clip on WR Jerome Simpson.
In the third round, at #77, the Bengals chose Pat Sims (Auburn), defensive tackle. Sims was rated among the top 6 DTs by scouts, and has the size (6’2, 310 lbs) the team is seeking for the physical style of the AFC North. He had 3.5 sacks last season, coupled with 8.5 stops for losses.
With their second pick of the third round, the Bengals went back to the SEC, choosing Andre Caldwell, Florida, younger brother of former Patriot, Rece Caldwell. Andre had 185 catches in college, starting on the 2007 National Champions. He also has kickoff return experience, an area the Bengals are looking to improve for their team.
In the fourth round, Cincinnati went for offensive line depth, with Anthony Collins, offensive tackle from Kansas.
Look for Cincinnati to address defensive secondary, running back and linebacker depth with their remaining five picks. By Brent Minnick
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Cincinnati Bengals Draft Preview
Prior to the Jared Allen trade, the Bengals were tied for second highest number of picks, with 10, including compensatory picks as a result of losing Eric Steinbach among others in free agency during 2007. The Bengals will need every one of them to fill immediate needs and build depth along both lines.
It has been a busy, headline filled off-season for Cincinnati. Chad Johnson has been very vocal about demanding a trade to a playoff contender and the battle has reached new lows with Drew Rosenhaus issuing a video statement imploring the Bengals to trade the five time Pro-Bowler. The team has said repeatedly they will not trade Ocho Cinco. Troubled wide receiver Chris Henry recent arrest in March led to his immediate release from the team, ending the talented player’s spot as the team’s third receiver. Linebacker David Pollack has told Coach Marvin Lewis that he is leaning towards retirement, saying that although he has been medically cleared to play, he is not comfortable enough with his health to return to the active roster. Finally, the Bengals learned this past week that Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL and will have every opportunity to earn a spot on the roster.
The following is a projected list of team needs, based on priority for this year’s draft.
Defensive Tackle: Choosing not to resign Bryan Robinson (free agent, Cardinals) leaves the Bengals with little depth behind started Domato Peko and John Thornton. Michael Myers will rotate in but the Bengals are looking for more after failing to acquire Dwayne Robertson and Shaun Rogers in free agency. The Bengals would love to see Sedrick Ellis available to them at the # 9 pick of the first round, widely regarded as the second best defensive tackle available. Other options could be Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina or Trevor Laws, Notre Dame.
Wide Receiver: With Chad Johnson’s status uncertain and T.J. Houshmanzadeh heading into the last year of his contract, what was once the Bengals deepest position is now lacking experience beyond their two Pro Bowlers. Doug Gabriel was recently signed, but he spent 2007 out of the NFL and Antonio Chatman has only been healthy for a handful of games since coming over from Green Bay in 2006. Glenn Holt made some nice plays last season but only totaled 16 receptions. The Bengals have shown interest in Oklahoma’s Malcom Kelly, hosting him for a visit. Other possible candidates include Indiana’s James Hardy, Donnie Avery of Houston, Early Doucet of LSU, and Andre Caldwell of Florida. The Bengals could draft up to three receivers, depending on how the draft unfolds.
Running Back: Rudi Johnson is reportedly health and ready to return to his pre-2007 form, when he posted back to back 1450+ yard seasons. Johnson missed five games last season with a hamstring injury. Kenny Watson performed well, rushing for over 700 yards with 52 catches out of the backfield. Chris Perry has been plagued by numerous injuries and has not played since November 2006, when he broke his leg against the Cleveland Browns. His rehabilitation is going well and he is expected back for training camp. The outlook for last year’s second rounder, Kenny Irons, who tore his ACL in the first preseason game, is not as bright and he may be facing a PUP designation later this year. DeDe Dorsey provided a great change of pace, averaging over 8 yards per carry on 21 rushes, adding five special teams tackles. Candidates the Bengals may consider include Rashard Mendenhall (Illinois), Jonathan Stewart (Oregon), Felix Jones (Oklahoma) and Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech). The Bengals have traditionally gone early for their bell-cow backs, so a move before Round 4 may be in the works. Bigger, between the tackles runners have been the traditional norm for the team.
Linebacker: This position was particularly decimated by injuries last year, with several LBs ending up on IR. Dhani Jones was brought in September as a street free agent and emerged as a leading tackler for the unit, in addition to captaining the special teams. With the reinstatement of Thurman and return to health by Ahmad Brooks, there are some signs of potential in the unit. Rushing yards allowed dropped dramatically after Rashad Jeanty returned to the lineup, coupled with a consistent starting group in the second half of the season. Daryl Blackstock signed from Arizona as a free agent and will compete with Roy Manning, Anthony Schegel, Jim Maxwell and Corey Mays as backups and special teamers. Expect the Bengals to take a hard look at Keith Rivers (USC) if available in the first round, widely regarded as the most NFL ready linebacker. Additionally, keep an eye on Dan Connor (Penn State), Cliff Avril (Purdue) and Jerod Mayo (Tennessee).
Defensive End: Long time defensive line leader Justin Smith took the big money to go west for San Francisco, but Cincinnati countered by signing Antwan Odom from Tennessee. Odom had eight sacks last year, playing on a line anchored by Albert Haynesworth commanding double teams. On the other side, Robert Geathers returns to his natural left end position after starting at linebacker because of many season ending injuries among the corps in 2007. Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene are backups with limited game experience. Quentin Groves (Auburn), Derrick Harvey (Florida) and Phillip Merling (Clemson) are on the radar for Cincinnati, but the team is more likely to wait until later rounds to fill depth after addressing more pressing needs.
Offensive Line: All five starters return from last year, but the unit struggled early with injuries at both tackle positions and had ten different combinations to start the season. Levi Jones and Willie Anderson are said to be healthy and ready to go after missing several starts last year. Depth is needed in the interior, after the club franchised Stacey Andrews and expects him to compete for a starting position again this year. Possible candidates include Ryan Clady (Boise State), Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh), Chris Williams (Vandy) and Cody Wallace (Texas A&M).
By Brent Minnick
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The Bengals need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. They have a few young talented players but they only have one difference player on the defensive side of the ball and that is Robert Geathers. They need to address this in free agency and the draft.
1. Defensive End- With Smith going to the 49ers that leaves a void at DE. Whether or not they stay in the 4-3 or go to 3-4 will probably be decided on what type of DE they can get in free agency or the draft. They are bringing in pure 4-3 DE for a visit Antwan Odom from the Titans, he had 8 sacks last year.
Linebacker- The Bengals linebacking corps was devastated with injury's last year. If the get Odell Thurman back from suspension it would be great. In a 4-3 defense Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman would be two very good linebackers, but they still need more depth and competition. The other starter would probably be Dhani Jones who they just resigned, he could be upgraded. If they go to 3-4 Robert Geathers would move to the outside for a pass rush and they would need another outside linebacker to get pass rush opposite of him.
Safety- They have their two second year players Nedu Nedukwe and Marvin White, but a veteran presance will be very nice to have. They are said to be bringing in Marlon Mcree from the Charges for a visit.
Tight End- They have always looked at a reciving tight end every year since they lost Matt Schobel. They are bringing in the Colts back-up Ben Utecht for a visit soon.
Mock Draft.
round 1: Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC- If Ellis falls this far the It should be a quick pick for the Bengals. He and Domata Peko will form a very solid interior line and will help the Bengals terrible run defense. If Ellis is gone they will probably go with his LB teamate Keith Rivers.
round 2: Curtis Lofton-LB-Oklahoma- Lofton is a versitile player like Landon was. They could use him on the outside in 4-3 or middle in 3-4. He will help stop the run.
round 3: Shawn Crable-LB/DE-Michigan- Crable can play both 3-4 lineback or 4-3 end. He could go as early as the second round or could slip into the 3rd. He would add a pass rush to help the young secondary.
round 4: John Carlson-TE-Noter Dame- Carslon could add a good recieving option from the tight end spot. He is another person who could go alot higher.
round 5: Johnny Dingle-DE-West Virginia- A good end that could help the Bengals get more of a pass rush.
round 6: Eric Wicks-S-West Virginia- Help add depth and maybe even competion to the safty spot, could help out on kick off and punt return.
By John Compton and Brent Minnick