Bengals show heavy interest in Rey Maualuga

[Kazkal]

True story.

Yesterday I'm half watching half ignoring the coverage of Day 3 South squad.

At the critical moment in time I happen to have my head in my checkbook, paying the electric bill...while the television blares in the background.

Blah, blah, blah. My eyes are glazed over and I'm half deaf from listening to the monotone mutterings of Charles Davis.

I pray for death.

Why do I do this I wonder?

Live scrimmage though. Full squads, full pads, flat out.

I stay awake.

I pay my electric bill.

And in the background I hear the pads popping.

poppity...bap...click....pop....BANG....piff...pop...ptwee

I grab the remote and hit rewind.

Who made that banging sound I wondered?

I should have known.

Sums it up.....:| Oi Vay can't wait to get draft day over with getting my hopes up too much. hehehe

PS,I can't really see how people wouldn't be excited about adding rey...

[cincy9275]

who is our most important player, that played in only 4 games? it's the same player that had his nose broke and his elbow shredded. give up? it's carson palmer. can rey protect him? can rey play tackle or center? we can have the best defense in the league, without palmer we have no chance. some say we are ok at lt but need a rt. i disagree, whit and collins are better suited for rt and not left. so let go ahead and ignore our o-line for another season, and maybe this time when palmer gets hurt it's career ending. but hey at least we'll have a good defense.

[cincyhokie]

who is our most important player, that played in only 4 games? it's the same player that had his nose broke and his elbow shredded. give up? it's carson palmer. can rey protect him? can rey play tackle or center? we can have the best defense in the league, without palmer we have no chance. some say we are ok at lt but need a rt. i disagree, whit and collins are better suited for rt and not left. so let go ahead and ignore our o-line for another season, and maybe this time when palmer gets hurt it's career ending. but hey at least we'll have a good defense.

If it plays out that we can get some good, comparible, talent at O-line in the 2nd and 3rd round while still being able to pick up a playmaker on defense...we might be better off getting a playmaker.

That's a big IF. If the draft is as deep at OT as some people are speculating. With as many holes as this team has, it'd be real hard to miss on a pick that could come in and contribute right away.

[BengalszoneBilly]

As adamant as I am about drafting linemen, I wouldn't bat an eye with Cincinnati taking Rey Maualuga at #1.

[Spor_tees]

Put me in the camp for passing on Rey...I know I am going to get lambasted for saying it, but I as well have said before that Rey disappears in games. In fact I pointed out that during two of the games I watched this year, the announcers even mentioned as such and went on to point out that they felt Cushing was out-playing him. If a guy is a MLB how do you run away from him? If he is as good as advertised shouldn't he be like Ray Lewis and be able to cover sideline to sideline?

I just see other places where there is more important need than MLB. A pass rushing DE, another wide body to rotate in the DT position, and a stud O-lineman top my list. Next up would be another young corner, a good center if they don't have the dibs on a FA one, and a lightning RB to duo with Cedric Benson. Lastly a TE that can block and catch and a TRUE FB would round out the draft for me. Throw in a developmental athletic guy like Pat White and some small school safety and the Bengals are all set.

[Pidge]

As adamant as I am about drafting linemen, I wouldn't bat an eye with Cincinnati taking Rey Maualuga at #1.

Wow Neither of us wouldn't go completely mental if we picked Rey in the 1st. It's officially opposite day.

[HairOnFire]

we can have the best defense in the league, without palmer we have no chance.

If the Bengals develope the best defense in the NFL they'll win a buttload of football games...including a few of the playoff type.

so let go ahead and ignore our o-line for another season, and maybe this time when palmer gets hurt it's career ending.

So dramatic.

Try to remember Palmer's history of injury. Knee injury in the Patriot game. Kimo'd in the playoff game. Both potentially career ending injuries coming courtesy of a soon to be departed Pro Bowl worthy OG.

Just saying...

I'm all in favor of protecting Palmer and I have no real problem with the idea of upgrading any of the OL positions. But when a team is drafting as high as the Bengals find themselves doing, well...you probably shouldn't pass over a true blue chip prospect for the 3rd best offensive lineman.

[Pidge]

you probably shouldn't pass over a true blue chip prospect for the 3rd best offensive lineman.

Exactly. Especially if the difference in quality between the 3rd best OL and the 6th best OL isn't all that much. Certainly not comparable to the difference between the top 2 OL and the 3rd best.

[Clackwoods]

The thing that bothers me is that, if you've ever watched USC games, he disappears for LONG stretches at a time. He is not a player who is in on nearly every tackle, a la Ray Lewis or even Pat Willis. Brain Cushing is far more consistent, albeit less spectacular.

What the? Bro, you obviously dont watch too many USC games, living in Socal, every game is on TV, so I dont know what you're seeing. Teams run plays AWAY from Rey, and as for him "not in on every tackle" is anyone? NO, because if they were, they'd have 300 tackles a season. HE IS however, always around the ball, and when he is the First one there, there is no need for a second player.

And your comment about him going for the "big hit" instead of wrapping up? RIDICULOUS, Just because a player can deliver a "big hit" doesnt mean he cant form tackle, Rey lays wood to you, but he's also a great tackler, and will also take your legs out from under you, so he is not just a "big hitter"

I dont really need to defend him, as his play will do that by itself. I would LOVE to get this guy, as you usually only find 1 or 2 IMPACT LB's in a draft, some years NONE, and you can find solid OT's every year.

OMG Thank you, I have been trying to say that about defenders in general. If you have the chance to take a top rated defender at their position you do it. You can always get solid OT's every season.

[Kazkal]

Put me in the camp for passing on Rey...I know I am going to get lambasted for saying it,

It's okay I lots of flak on draft forum for being pro rey

just see other places where there is more important need than MLB. A pass rushing DE,

Well agree passrushing end is bigger need I think can find a speedster for 3rd downs later in the draft..

nother wide body to rotate in the DT position,

-Rather have vet myself we have 3 wide bodys in Peko,sims & shirly

and a stud O-lineman top my list. Next up would be another young corner,

William beatty round 2

a good center if they don't have the dibs on a FA one,

Liking the idea of Richie Incognito,Not like centers make huge bank in FA so maybe they'll be willing to bring a center in.

Rest other spots you said should be addressed in rounds 4-7 and should not warrant any effect at taking a playmaker.

[HoosierCat]

Well, I still like Rey but there's no doubt that the Great Draft Hype Machine didn't like how he was slow to get going the first couple practices this week. His stock definitely took a couple dings. Nothing he can't fix with a good pro day or combine, I expect.

Meanwhile, Raji is on the rise...

http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009matt.php

http://www.thefootballexpert.com/2009mockdraftdonnelly.html

[derekshank]

As far as Maualuga disappearing in games... he played in USC mostly on heart and raw ability. His strengths have never been based on being overly disciplined, and I've read multiple places that he can tend to over pursue. Smart O-Coordinators know how to use being overly aggressive against you... And this was something the USC coaching staff didn't spend a lot of time trying to fix because of his big play ability and the fact that the level of talent around him on the USC #1 defense made it difficult to hurt the team as a whole.

All his weaknesses should be easily fixed with coaching. However, his greatest strengths can't be taught (passion, instinct, athleticism).

There isn't a player out there that doesn't "disappear at times" in games. I recall a couple years ago a game where the Bengals played the Steelers and Polamalu made a tackle early in the 4th quarter and the announcers noted that it was the first time they had mentioned his name. He finished the game with 2 tackles, but he didn't play poorly, and the Steelers won.

When you have a truly great player, offenses avoid you. Deion Sanders used to be known for locking down half of the field. Teams just wouldn't throw to that side. With a little coaching and the discipline to know his assignment and do his job, Maualuga will be one of the leagues premier LB's (Rivers will help him a lot too). I'm almost willing to guarantee it. (1st round LB's almost never bust). I'd love to see him in stripes next to Rivers and would not worry one bit about him being taken too early. He's going to be special.

Lastly... while I've been pro OT with the #6 pick for quite some time now - but I also understand that this team is rebuilding, and no one player is going to make this team a playoff team. I'd say 2010, 2011 at the earliest. For that reason, you don't just pick a player because it's a position needing addressed. You take a player that can be an incredible playmaker and be a cornerstone in a rebuilding project. Rivers and Maualuga could be the beginning of something special with other young players like Joseph, Hall, Peko and Sims stepping up to make this defense something like we haven't seen in Cincy in quite some time.

[cincyhokie]

You guys are selling me on Maualuga...I would not be disappointed in the least if they got him. We need playmakers, period. Especially on defense. A stud OT is not going to drastically improve this team, nor is a stud LB. Best player available. If that means it's Maualuga, then you have to take him.

[Kazkal]

who is our most important player, that played in only 4 games?

Um 0-4 with him Carson is key but it takes a "team"

Look at how long the ravens have gotten by with just defense : P

PS,Another reason would love to get Reyrey or Curry is to see what Fitzgerald can do with another Stud in his corps.

[Pidge]

As far as Maualuga disappearing in games... he played in USC mostly on heart and raw ability. His strengths have never been based on being overly disciplined, and I've read multiple places that he can tend to over pursue. Smart O-Coordinators know how to use being overly aggressive against you... And this was something the USC coaching staff didn't spend a lot of time trying to fix because of his big play ability and the fact that the level of talent around him on the USC #1 defense made it difficult to hurt the team as a whole.

All his weaknesses should be easily fixed with coaching. However, his greatest strengths can't be taught (passion, instinct, athleticism).

There isn't a player out there that doesn't "disappear at times" in games. I recall a couple years ago a game where the Bengals played the Steelers and Polamalu made a tackle early in the 4th quarter and the announcers noted that it was the first time they had mentioned his name. He finished the game with 2 tackles, but he didn't play poorly, and the Steelers won.

When you have a truly great player, offenses avoid you. Deion Sanders used to be known for locking down half of the field. Teams just wouldn't throw to that side. With a little coaching and the discipline to know his assignment and do his job, Maualuga will be one of the leagues premier LB's (Rivers will help him a lot too). I'm almost willing to guarantee it. (1st round LB's almost never bust). I'd love to see him in stripes next to Rivers and would not worry one bit about him being taken too early. He's going to be special.

Lastly... while I've been pro OT with the #6 pick for quite some time now - but I also understand that this team is rebuilding, and no one player is going to make this team a playoff team. I'd say 2010, 2011 at the earliest. For that reason, you don't just pick a player because it's a position needing addressed. You take a player that can be an incredible playmaker and be a cornerstone in a rebuilding project. Rivers and Maualuga could be the beginning of something special with other young players like Joseph, Hall, Peko and Sims stepping up to make this defense something like we haven't seen in Cincy in quite some time.

Yep. We have more than just a couple of holes to fill. Also, Rey sounds eerily similar to Polamalu when he came into the NFL. His first yr was horrible and even until a couple of yrs ago he still over pursued to the D's detriment at times in Pittsburgh. He's corrected that though and his raw talent has always been there for all to see. We get that kind of disruptive force in the MLB spot and it'll help out our D-line and secondary all by itself to some degree.

Unless we get one of consensus top 2 tackles at 6 I say go with Rey or someone on the D and then get a nice tackle in the second maybe. Hell, I can't believe I'm saying this, even if they go with Rey and a top tackle is sitting there, I'd be delighted.

[Kazkal]

Draft forum dislike of rey continues

ey is nowhere near a top 10 level talent. He is by far the most overrated prospect in this draft, IMO. He's not a sound decision maker, he has difficulty reading plays, and he's not as good as shedding blocks as people believe. I should know, as I'm a Trojans fan and watch every game that they play. Rey would only fit in a Cover-2 scheme, and even then I don't like him very much. Kiper has it correct as him being a late-1st round pick. MLB isn't your biggest need anyways, IMO.

No one is denying Reys career, but that doesnt make him a great fit for us at 6

[HoosierCat]

Is it just me or does a lot of the Rey-bashing sound like the complaints about Odell's shortcomings in '05...? When he was, y'know, pretty good for all that...?

[Kazkal]

Ya that people only pointed out his short comings after he was done:| during season everyone loved him

[ArmyBengal]

After going back to look at the OT's, I to have begun to seriously consider Maualuga at #6. If we could somehow get a FA center to come in, we could address, MLB, OT, and RB with the first three picks and be very happy. Looking at needs behind us, a trade down a few slots could still net us Maualuga.

[BlainThePain]

TRUE FB would round out the draft for me.

I whole-heartily agree with you here. If you want to run the ball against the Steelers, you have to have a great lead blocker. I think we can nab a killer fullback as an undrafted free agent. Quinn Johnson from L.S.U., the dude is 6'1" 262 lbs.

Here's his bio from draftcountdown

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingrepo...inn-Johnson.php

Strengths:

Excellent size and bulk...A dominating lead blocker...Powerful ball carrier...Very physical and aggressive...Terrific special teamer...Has some potential as a goaline specialist ...Team player... Top intangibles.

Weaknesses:

Very little experience running the ball...Does not have very good speed...Won't offer much as a receiver out of the backfield...Limited athletically...Is still relatively raw...Won't be a good fit for every team.

I'd love to see us pick him up and keep Coates on the roster as the third tightend, and alternate the both of them at the fullback position for when they need blocking or receiving.

Throw in a developmental athletic guy like Pat White and some small school safety and the Bengals are all set.

Unless you just want somebody for the practice squad, I think we are set at safety. Chinedum Ndukwe, Marvin White, Dexter Jackson, Chris Crocker, Corey Lynch, and Kyries Hebert makes us pretty deep at safety for once. In case you didn't know, Hebert is a guy we picked up from the CFL that lead the team in special teams tackles. He had eight more special teams tackles than anybody on the roster, which is impressive when you consider that there aren't that many special teams tackles up for grabs in a season. He also ran down Marvin Harrison from behind when we played the Colts.

[Kazkal]

Hebert is a beast,I think even with Dexter Jackson gone we are set at safety.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I assume this is pretty credible, haven't ready every post in the thread yet. I'd be ok with drafting him, as long as they take an 0-lineman in the 2nd and maybe even the 3rd. The benefit he and Rivers would provide, would have quite an impact. The downside is drafting Luga, would probably mean he and Rivers would only be around short term, the way the Bengals' do things. But who knows with the lack of a cap soon.

I see that Marvin seems pretty obsessed with Connor Barwin also, who would make a great depth player and potential starting TE prospect - may have to take him in the 3rd or 4th round at this point.

[BlainThePain]

I see that Marvin seems pretty obsessed with Connor Barwin also, who would make a great depth player and potential starting TE prospect - may have to take him in the 3rd or 4th round at this point.

I don't see him making it past the 2nd round. A good mid-round o-linemen I like is Tyronne Green from Auburn. He has only played offensive line for two years (he was a defensive tackle), and has looked great all year. I think he could develop into a great left guard.

[COB]

I don't see him making it past the 2nd round. A good mid-round o-linemen I like is Tyronne Green from Auburn. He has only played offensive line for two years (he was a defensive tackle), and has looked great all year. I think he could develop into a great left guard.

Just the kind of underdeveloped player Mike loves to take. He's a sucker for guys with potential that for some reason hasn't been developed yet (recently changed position, started playing football late, played against inferior competition, etc.)

[Spor_tees]

TRUE FB would round out the draft for me.

I whole-heartily agree with you here. If you want to run the ball against the Steelers, you have to have a great lead blocker. I think we can nab a killer fullback as an undrafted free agent. Quinn Johnson from L.S.U., the dude is 6'1" 262 lbs.

Here's his bio from draftcountdown

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingrepo...inn-Johnson.php

Strengths:

Excellent size and bulk...A dominating lead blocker...Powerful ball carrier...Very physical and aggressive...Terrific special teamer...Has some potential as a goaline specialist ...Team player... Top intangibles.

Weaknesses:

Very little experience running the ball...Does not have very good speed...Won't offer much as a receiver out of the backfield...Limited athletically...Is still relatively raw...Won't be a good fit for every team.

I'd love to see us pick him up and keep Coates on the roster as the third tightend, and alternate the both of them at the fullback position for when they need blocking or receiving.

Throw in a developmental athletic guy like Pat White and some small school safety and the Bengals are all set.

Unless you just want somebody for the practice squad, I think we are set at safety. Chinedum Ndukwe, Marvin White, Dexter Jackson, Chris Crocker, Corey Lynch, and Kyries Hebert makes us pretty deep at safety for once. In case you didn't know, Hebert is a guy we picked up from the CFL that lead the team in special teams tackles. He had eight more special teams tackles than anybody on the roster, which is impressive when you consider that there aren't that many special teams tackles up for grabs in a season. He also ran down Marvin Harrison from behind when we played the Colts.

When it comes to special teams and role players you are NEVER set. You can always improve unless you have a Pro Bowler at every position...and you have to expect injuries to happen. Personally I hope to see Urritia and Purify step up next year and make the team to at least play special teams, but bringing in a project player in the 7th round like Pat White could help a lot more than hurt in my mind.

Edit: I did not watch the Senior Bowl but I made this comment even before I read how well Pat White played in the game. Could Pat White be the next Anthony Wright?