Overall Draft Grade

[jbengals1]

I'll Give It a B-

Started Out Great

Then Slowly Went Down Hill

[TJJackson]

D

Was a solid C through round 5

[Mobster]

A+

The only slightly questionable pick was Boling in the 4th round. He'll provide serviceable depth though, and could start in a pinch in a year or two.

[BengalszoneBilly]

B+. No reaches, a single flyer, filled most of the holes.

[BengalPimp]

At this point, i would give it a B

Loved the AJ Green, Robert Sands and Clint Boling picks. Dontay Moch has potential (although Martez Wilson was still on the board). 6th and 7th RDers likely headed to Practice squad or cut.

I am hoping I am wrong about Dalton, but here's what everybody needs to realize, the dude didn't play against good college competition. As a matter of fact, the only teams that TCU played that finished in the BCS Top 25 was #19 Utah, then the Bowl game against Wisconsin, so the transition to playing NFL Defenses will be big. Anybody who thinks he can step in and produce as a Rookie is Fooling themselves. he's a Rookie QB, and EVEN WORSE, If the lockout continues, he will be without an NFL Training Camp (huge Disadvantage) and likely some Pre-Season games. If he doesn't have a full training camp and pre-season, I don't want to see him on the field as a Rookie. With the O-Line the Bengals currently have, the dude will be lucky to be alive after 4 games against the Steelers and Ravens Defense.

Not only was this years crop of Rookie QB's weak, they all will have a steeper learning curve because they will likely miss VALUABLE training camp and pre-season time.

Even if the NFL and Players Association agree to a new CBA or the Lockout is lifted (which wont happen anytime soon) you will still have the delay after that trying to get these Rookies to sign......

[alleycat]

A-/B+

Wasn't thrilled with the first two pics, but knew we were taking the absolute best players available for absolute needs - and in the same stroke sweeping out the trash in our team. I was very happy with 3-4-5, and after that probably would have given us an A+. The next three picks were all meh.

FWIW, Mel Kiper just called us the Winner of the Draft on ESPN News.

[HoosierCat]

Players: Incomplete. Ask again in 3 years or so.

Approach: A. Cincinnati finally admitted the past was dead and committed to moving forward. Secured legitimate candidates for No. 1 WR and starting QB. Focused on smart, productive, experienced, hardworking, blue-collar and good character choices, all of whom should contribute sooner rather than later.

[cincyhokie]

A Grade

I questioned the potential for the Bengals to trade down with the Falcons in round one but they stayed put and took AJ Green.

Then...I heard the man speak on Friday afternoon. He's the anti-Chad. I was throughly impressed. This one pick will ADD one hell of a playmaker and it will ADD by the subtraction of Chad Johnson and his presence. This will be a completely different team with a different feel for that move. Addition by subtraction with adding a complete stud at WR.

For that it gets an A.

It almost feels like 2003 again.

[James_Brooks21]

A+

The only slightly questionable pick was Boling in the 4th round. He'll provide serviceable depth though, and could start in a pinch in a year or two.

How was Boling questionable? Boling was rated to have second round talent plus he fills a big need with the play of Bobbie Williams clearly on the decline. I do like your positive outlook though with an A+, some of these people on this board are just straight jaded, no matter what the Bengals do they are going to question it and try to go against it. I give the draft an A, can't give them an A+ until these guys hit the field but great job, it was time to move on from Carson and Chad they clearly weren't going to get us to the promise land. It really didn't matter to me if Carson was coming back or not it was clearly time to get someone in here to compete against him.

[cincyhokie]

At this point, i would give it a B

Loved the AJ Green, Robert Sands and Clint Boling picks. Dontay Moch has potential (although Martez Wilson was still on the board). 6th and 7th RDers likely headed to Practice squad or cut.

I am hoping I am wrong about Dalton, but here's what everybody needs to realize, the dude didn't play against good college competition. As a matter of fact, the only teams that TCU played that finished in the BCS Top 25 was #19 Utah, then the Bowl game against Wisconsin, so the transition to playing NFL Defenses will be big. Anybody who thinks he can step in and produce as a Rookie is Fooling themselves. he's a Rookie QB, and EVEN WORSE, If the lockout continues, he will be without an NFL Training Camp (huge Disadvantage) and likely some Pre-Season games. If he doesn't have a full training camp and pre-season, I don't want to see him on the field as a Rookie. With the O-Line the Bengals currently have, the dude will be lucky to be alive after 4 games against the Steelers and Ravens Defense.

Not only was this years crop of Rookie QB's weak, they all wil have a steeper learning curve because they will likely miss VALUABLE training camp and pre-season time.

Even if the NFL and Players Association agree to a new CBA or the Lockout is lifetd (which wont happen anytime soon) you will still have the dealy after that trying to get these Rookies to sign......

I'm not completely disagreeing with you but...Joe Flacco. He played at Delaware. He did pretty good his rookie year. So did Roethelisburger coming from Miami-OH. Dalton is a competetor. Mid-major, small school? I think those facts are a bit overrated.

Take what you will from what he did at TCU but that team beat a strong Wisconsin team in the Rose Bowl mostly because of Dalton.

[volcom69]

Man some of you guys are really harsh. This is one of the best drafts i have seen in quite sometime, only 1 guy they drafted i wasnt a fan of.

Boling was a great pick, he can play 3 spots on the o-line and will probably start this year.

AJ Green best offense player in this draft

Dalton a proven winner, who is a leader, hell the bengals tried to trade up for him twice so he must mean something to Marvin and Gruden, and thats enough for me to be happy.

Who knows what these guys will be in a couple years, but from name and talent stand point i loved this draft. Good job Bengals

[COB]

B, only because the years will tell the total story. Hard for me to give any draft an A. But that's three years in row that I thought the Bengals were above the curve on the draft. The first two picks actually have me excited about the season again, if there is one.

No one's going to give us anything for Chad, so I hope the Bengals find the worst player in the league who is about to get cut by his team, then trade Chad for him. Then cut the guy they got in the trade for Chad. A general principle thing.

[volcom69]

So Mel Kiper just said we won the draft, he even said that WR that we all bi*ched about would contribute right away LOL, guess that shows how much i know

[Whur CHad At?]

At this point, i would give it a B

Loved the AJ Green, Robert Sands and Clint Boling picks. Dontay Moch has potential (although Martez Wilson was still on the board). 6th and 7th RDers likely headed to Practice squad or cut.

I am hoping I am wrong about Dalton, but here's what everybody needs to realize, the dude didn't play against good college competition. As a matter of fact, the only teams that TCU played that finished in the BCS Top 25 was #19 Utah, then the Bowl game against Wisconsin, so the transition to playing NFL Defenses will be big. Anybody who thinks he can step in and produce as a Rookie is Fooling themselves. he's a Rookie QB, and EVEN WORSE, If the lockout continues, he will be without an NFL Training Camp (huge Disadvantage) and likely some Pre-Season games. If he doesn't have a full training camp and pre-season, I don't want to see him on the field as a Rookie. With the O-Line the Bengals currently have, the dude will be lucky to be alive after 4 games against the Steelers and Ravens Defense.

Not only was this years crop of Rookie QB's weak, they all wil have a steeper learning curve because they will likely miss VALUABLE training camp and pre-season time.

Even if the NFL and Players Association agree to a new CBA or the Lockout is lifetd (which wont happen anytime soon) you will still have the dealy after that trying to get these Rookies to sign......

Watch the Rose Bowl again. That is why Dalton is the best QB in this class. I don't think he is the savior, but he can play.

[Stripes]

Solid B. I liked the approach for nearly every pick. I wasn't terribly hot on WR in the 1st, but I don't mind it after the Dalton pick.

[Kazkal]

A- Liked Every selection besides the 6th round.

So Mel Kiper just said we won the draft, he even said that WR that we all bi*ched about would contribute right away LOL, guess that shows how much i know

My only thought is what is he offering that we don't alrdy have? I don't mind the guy but I don't see him getting activated gameday unless shipley is hurt.

But you can't really be to mad about not getting a starter in the 6th round...That rounds tends to be depth which is what we got... I see Five Possible future starters with 3 Depth guys thats a pretty good draft..

[membengal]

D

Was a solid C through round 5

Even for you, you have lost your mind.

[Scottishbengal]

Overall I'd say B to B+. This drafted filled needs and addressed some upcoming issues. We got good, solid players, some drafted in the later rounds who wer predicted to go in earlier rounds so they could be real steals - time will tell.

I like this draft a lot and think the Bengals are a more overall solid team because of it. Just hope we get a full season this year ....I'm all excited.

[membengal]

All right, bizarre, some of the reactions. Even for TJ. So, given my sense is the Bengals did just fine and helped themselves (which is the sense of the saner among you also it would appear), I figure time to see what the consensus is. So, here we go:

Don Banks at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/04/30/nfl.draft.saturday/index.html?eref=sihp

Cincinnati -- It has been all bad news for the Bengals for more than a year now, but this crucial draft might have saved a sinking ship. Cincinnati just remade its offense by picking Georgia receiver A.J. Green and TCU quarterback Andy Dalton in the first two rounds, and it's intriguing to think what might come of a young Bengals offense that also includes weapons like receiver Jordan Shipley and tight end Jermaine Gresham.

And Cincinnati didn't stop there. They plucked Nevada outside linebacker Dontay Moch out of the third round, and he's a gifted athlete who can run and chase down the ballcarrier in the open field. In the fourth round, the Bengals added a possible starting guard in Georgia's Clint Boling, who had second-round potential in the eyes of some scouts. Boling, an offensive tackle in college, also gives Cincinnati an excellent option at right tackle should 2009 first-round pick Andre Smith fail to stay healthy and produce.

Mel Kiper (insider, so just trust me I pasted it correctly):

Summary: They've received their fair share of negativity over the years, but you have to give the Bengals a lot of credit for what they accomplished in 2011. They can see the big roster voids on the horizon at quarterback and wide receiver, and they didn't wait. Green is a superstar in the making, and considering the run on quarterbacks before the middle of the first round, getting Dalton was a steal by comparison. Moch is a pass-rushing specialist that will make plays, and they got good value in Boling and Sands. A great three days for the Bengals.

Needs: B+ Value A Overall A-

Tied with Detroit for his highest grade.

Prisco at sportsline:

Best pick: I like the pick of Andy Dalton in the second round. It gives them nice insurance if Carson Palmer actually retires.

Questionable move: Third-round pick Dontay Moch has a lot of athletic ability, but he is raw. Can he turn that into success on the next level?

Third-day gem: Fifth-round safety Robert Sands is an athletic player who has to improve his cover skills. He will be a special-teams player early.

Analysis: They needed to protect themselves if they don't have Palmer and they did. I also like the pick of A.J. Green at No. 4 in the first round since Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens will be gone.

Grade: B

Rob Rang nfldraftscout.com and sportsline:

/>http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15008443/final-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis

Cincinnati Bengals: B

Perhaps Carson Palmer should re-think his pledge to never play for the Bengals again, as they quietly enjoyed a strong 2011 draft. Georgia's A.J. Green was, of course, the headliner. His rare combination of size, body control and strong hands has earned comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald, but he's faster than the Cardinals' Pro Bowler. To protect themselves against Palmer's threat, the Bengals added TCU's Andy Dalton in the second round, a pick panned by some due to his lack of ideal arm strength, but a quarterback whose intelligence and accuracy in the short to intermediate level makes him a good fit in Jay Gruden's offense. Though not as flashy as their first two picks, the addition of pass rusher extraordinaire Dontay Moch in the third and steady offensive lineman Clint Boling in the fourth round filled out a solid class.

Adam Caplan at foxsports.com:

/>http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2011-NFL-draft-grades-for-each-team-043011

Cincinnati Bengals: B

Draft picks: WR A.J. Green (first round), QB Andy Dalton (second round), DE Dontay Moch (third round), OL Clint Boling (fourth round), S Robert Sands (fifth round), WR Ryan Whalen (sixth round), CB Korey Lindsey (seventh round), RB Jay Finley (seventh round).

Analysis: The Bengals did a decent job of drafting for value and were able to fill some needs. At least two of the selections should challenge for a starting job this season.

Clifton Brown at Sporting News:

/>http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-04-30/nfl-draft-grades-lions-patriots-ace-their-tests-jets-swing-and-miss

Bengals: A

Getting quarterback Andy Dalton in Round 2 was critical and wide receiver A. J. Green should be a star. Maybe Carson Palmer will change his mind?

Clark Judge at sportsline with this note in his Judgements column:

/>http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15008486/lockout-uncertainty-leads-to-draft-filled-with-reaches

QB Andy Dalton to Cincinnati: He's experienced, talented and ready to step in tomorrow. Moreover, he's the safety net the Bengals did not have against the potential (expected) loss of Carson Palmer. What I like most of all, though, is what Dalton is not -- Ryan Mallett. The Bengals could've taken him over Dalton, but they resisted. Score another for intelligent decisions.

So, yeah. Seeing a lot of solid B grades and a few higher. And they share the Mel impenetrable hair of excellence award with the Lions for their draft work. Gotta say, year in and year out, some of you really do exemplary work at making draft discussion on this board an experience of sadness.

And then there is Army, who makes it somehow all okay. Thanks again for your work, Army.

[Wraith]

I would give it a B+

We filled all of our needs, love the selections of Boling, Moch, and Sands. We didn't start reaching until the 7th round where every player is a reach to some extent.

It is clear from this draft that they took off the board anyone who had even the slightest character concerns. Everyone in this draft was a high character guy.

[cincy9275]

picks 1-5 a solid B potential starters at every pick, if all the picks become starters it changes to a A+.

picks 6, 7A and 7b D-, this is when the staff let mike brown in to the war room. i don't see anyone of these pick being on the opening day roster. if they can't help the team at least on S/T's then all 3 are waisted picks and turn to a big fat F-.

[Jet23]

A +++++

1st Round = See ya Chud. Take your clown show somewhere else!

2nd Round = See ya Carson. I have no problem with him showing up soP, but had he not waited 8 years to grow a pair, he could have been the leader of something very special

AJ and Andy can both be busts, but they precipitated the departure of two individuals who are mentally incapable of NFL success. I will take my chances with the unknown.

Opie, Opie, Opie...

[BengalszoneBilly]

And then there is Army, who makes it somehow all okay. Thanks again for your work, Army.

As usual Mark did a terrific job in organizing and running our yearly draft threads. You gotta go with a military guy to get results like that.

A big salute to ArmyBengal for another mission completed!

[HairOnFire]

A +++++

Agreed.

Here's the thing. The Bengals had a very nice overall draft. Great value picks everywhere. Very good job of addressing need. And best, they played the entire draft perfectly...repeatedly passing on every opportunity to panic or reach. But that's all gravy.

This draft would get an A+++++ from me even if it turns out to be little more than a one player draft. And no, I'm not talking about the souless ginger QB selected in the 2nd round. Rather, I'm talking about the very same guy I pointed to in the very first draft conversation we had.

AJ Green.

And for those of who demand this post include a Rub on Fire, well....here it is. AJ Green not only allows the Bengals to do a little adding by subtraction by cutting Chad, they actually upgrade the position. Don't think so? Well, consider this. According to a reliable source AJ Green was the highest ranked player in the entire draft by the scouting service used by more than 70% of NFL teams. Better than Newton. Better than Miller. Better than Dareus. Better than anybody.

Toss off your clown shoes. The circus is leaving town.

[Whur CHad At?]

I will put $10,000 on Chad staying with the team this year.