Bengals sign Wilkerson

[Chucktkd]

Reports: Bengals land top college free agent

4-26-05, 2:45 p.m.

BY GEOFF HOBSON

The Bengals picked up one of the most coveted players in college free agency when they reached a deal with LSU center Ben Wilkerson hours after he went undrafted. Media outlets in New Orleans and Baton Rouge have reported in the two days since the completion of the draft that the man who had once been the draft’s leading center candidate on some boards had reached a deal with Cincinnati.

Before tearing the patella tendon in his kneecap on the last play of a 24-7 win Oct. 30 against Vanderbilt, the 6-3, 300-pound Wilkerson had been at or near the top of pro lists, and he still won the Rimington Award as the nation's best center with Michigan's David Baas. The injury shelved him at February’s NFL combine and from a full workout for league scouts during a LSU' pro day on March 31.

The Bengals chose Eric Ghiaciuc of Central Michigan in the fourth round, one of 11 centers taken in front of Wilkerson. The Bengals don’t comment on college free agents until they release their complete list, usually the Wednesday after the draft.

[Chucktkd]

That was FAST!!! I hope he comes along better than Nate.

[Shuffle4Ever]

This is a bona fide STEAL. Coupled up with Ghiaciuc and Kieft, Wilkerson gives us a lot of youth, depth and flexibility on the o-line. Not a bad problem to have. Plus, we've got the talent right now to develop or IR/shelve any of them for the time being.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Well this should make a few folks a little bit happier. Maybe...maybe not!

[WHO DEY AGAIN?]

This is a great pick up. When he's healthy he will be the future center. I hope Ghiaciuc can move to guard.

[Chucktkd]

I wonder if this will prevent them from re-signing Braham or if they will put Wilkerson on some sort of IR or PUP list and still sign Braham.

[skyline]

I would guess they'll try their best to get Braham back on the roster. This can be used as leverage in the negotiations, though.

[HoosierCat]

Lot of discussion on Wilkerson already here:

http://forums.bengalszone.com/index.php?showtopic=5150

[TJJackson]

From: Jackson, TJ

Sent: Tue 4/26/2005 11:47 AM

To: CIN-ebag

Cc:

Subject: College free agent signings list

We're all eager to see what College free Agents the Bengals have signed.

How about posting a list that can be updated as FA's sign on?

From: Hobson, Geoff [mailto:HobsonG@bengals.nfl.net]

Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 2:15 PM

To: Jackson, TJ

Subject: RE: College free agent signings list

The Bengals don't release their free agent lists until they all have sent back their contracts signed - Obviously when I can get the list up there, I will as soon as possible. Probably Wednesday

From: Jackson, TJ

Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 2:21 PM

To: 'Hobson, Geoff'

Subject: RE: College free agent signings list

Cool, although other teams like the Cardinals already have long lists of FAs up on their websites

Any chance you could at least add a paragraph on the website that explains same thing you said below? Curious fans are waiting and wondering :-)

Also, the signing of Ben Wilkerson is a COUP :-)

[walzav29]

Is that the same injury as Webster? If it is I wonder if that is good for Wilkerson or bad for Webster. I mean if McGahee can get drafted with a shattered knee, how could the best center in the draft not get selected? Either we are some lucky dogs are that knee is tore up. Definitely worth the risk.

[WhoDey93285]

Is he definately done for this year? This guy was really really good in college, and is an absolute steal to pick up as a FA. Hopefully we get Shazor now.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Is that the same injury as Webster? If it is I wonder if that is good for Wilkerson or bad for Webster. I mean if McGahee can get drafted with a shattered knee, how could the best center in the draft not get selected? Either we are some lucky dogs are that knee is tore up. Definitely worth the risk.

Dunno, wondering this myself - why would no one draft him at all? I can't imagine these days a torn tendon in a knee is that hard to come back from, especially for a lineman. Good centers aren't that easy to find, let alone good 0-lineman.

[HoosierCat]

I wonder if this will prevent them from re-signing Braham or if they will put Wilkerson on some sort of IR or PUP list and still sign Braham.

I think...that the Bengals aren't in any hurry to bring back Richie. Last thing I read (on bengals.com, IIRC) was Braham's agent saying that he was no longer as confident that the Bengals would sign Braham as he was a month ago. And on his end, Rich has either gotten no offers (or at least none he considers good) from other teams, or isn't interested in playing anywhere else.

So...the Bengals might try going in a different direction at center, knowing, or at least betting, that Braham will be sitting there unemployed next fall, willing and available to be signed if needed.

Certainly, given Braham's experience, there's no need to rush the guy into pre-camp workouts or anything, he knows the deal. And Wilkerson should be at or very near the end of his rehab by now. Per the Cincy Post, which did a story on him back in Feb (see http://www.cincypost.com/bengals/2005/beng...02-25-2005.html ) he was hurt in the LSU-Vanderbilt game (October 30, 2004) and the initial prognosis on recovery from surgery was 3 to 5 months. Assuming he had the surgery sometime in November, his rehab should be complete about now.

That means the Bengals should get a good read on whether his knee is back or done, so I think IR or PUP is unlikely. He'll either be ready to go by camp or out of football, I'd wager. If Wilkerson is, indeed, done, I think a deal with Braham will get done relatively soon. If he can play, then the Bengals may see if one of the two can't win the starter's job. In that case, my money is on Wilkerson.

[Kirkendall]

Give my boy Larry Moore a chance!

[HoosierCat]

Is that the same injury as Webster? If it is I wonder if that is good for Wilkerson or bad for Webster. I mean if McGahee can get drafted with a shattered knee, how could the best center in the draft not get selected? Either we are some lucky dogs are that knee is tore up. Definitely worth the risk.

Dunno, wondering this myself - why would no one draft him at all? I can't imagine these days a torn tendon in a knee is that hard to come back from, especially for a lineman. Good centers aren't that easy to find, let alone good 0-lineman.

FWIW, Wilkerson also had back surgery about a couple years ago (herniated disk). Apparently he played some with it, so it wasn't a matter of it kepping him out of games...but one writeup I saw said his back problems might prevent him putting on much more weight. And one of his commonly cited weakness is a need to get a bit stronger/bigger. I dunno if that played a part in his fall or if it was just the knee.

[HoosierCat]

Give my boy Larry Moore a chance!

Good point. If Wilkerson and/or Ghaicuic shows some ability they may just stick with Moore as the No. 1 and leave Braham on the unsigned/doing 12-oz. curls at home roster...

[vman1186]

Reports: Bengals land top college free agent

4-26-05, 2:45 p.m.

BY GEOFF HOBSON

The Bengals picked up one of the most coveted players in college free agency when they reached a deal with LSU center Ben Wilkerson hours after he went undrafted. Media outlets in New Orleans and Baton Rouge have reported in the two days since the completion of the draft that the man who had once been the draft’s leading center candidate on some boards had reached a deal with Cincinnati.

YES!!!

This is the player I was hoping they would pick in the fifth or sixth round! True, he can't play too much this year, but he could become the best center in the NFL. With him and Ghiaciuc, I gotta believe at least one of them will pan out!! Neither can start right away though, so hopefuly we will get Brahm back. . . .

But his resigning with the bengals could be in danger with this pick up. At least one center will go, and I'm betting it will be a veteran, not one of the two rookies.

I am delighted, but surprised by this pickup, considering we did draft Ghiaciuc.

Marvin's youth movement continues, and he has my full support!!

YES!!

[HoosierCat]

Latest update from Hobson. Confirms the signing -- and that Wilkerson turned down more money elsewhere to come here since it was his best chance to start. Boy, Ghaicuic must be banging his head against a wall right about now...

http://www.bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCur...=0&news_id=2885

Bengals grab a big name

4-26-05, 9:20 p.m.

BY GEOFF HOBSON

Yes, Virginia, the Bengals can lure a big-name free agent to play in Cincinnati for less.

LSU center Ben Wilkerson, headed to the top of the NFL draft boards before last season’s knee injury, has joined the Bengals as one of college free agency’s major signings. Agent Pat Dye said his client turned down “significantly more money,” to play in Cincinnati because he sees an opportunity to compete for the starting job quickly.

Even though the Bengals signed Wilkerson after taking Central Michigan center Eric Ghiaciuc in the fourth round, Rich Braham is expecting the Bengals to try and sign him for his 12th season with the club.

College web sites are reporting the Bengals have also signed Toledo safety Patrick Body and Kansas tight end Lyonel Anderson as free agents. The Bengals won't release a list of their college free agents until they have all signed.

The Bengals have also shown interest on the veteran free agent front in Chad Brown, but now they don’t look to have a lot of room for a 35-year-old outside linebacker after drafting one in the first round less than a week ago.

Brown is visiting Pittsburgh Wednesday, the place where it all began 12 years ago. It’s also where Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was his first NFL position coach, and the two have remained close. That may indicate there is at least a visit in the future.

The 6-3, 300-pound Wilkerson sees a bright future in Cincinnati even though he may not be quite ready to work in this weekend’s rookie camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Unable to fully work out since tearing the patella tendon in his kneecap on the last play of a 24-7 win Oct. 30 against Vanderbilt, Wilkerson went undrafted.

But he still won the Rimington Award as the nation's best center with Michigan's David Baas, the coaches still voted him the best center in the SEC, and at least one of the five teams that offered him a post-draft contract were prepared to give him an astounding bonus of $20,000.

The Bengals weren’t that team, but after speaking extensively with Troy Blackburn, the club’s director of business development, Dye came away convinced his client would get his best shot to play in Cincinnati because it’s a team without an established long-term center.

“Our sense is they have a high opinion of Ben and that they gave him an excellent grade except for the injury,” Dye said. “Troy was honest and said they hoped to re-sign Rich Braham. We certainly have respect for Eric as a player and understand why they took him where they did. We think they’ll be patient with Ben’s knee and that he’ll have a chance to compete for the starting job next year.”

Dye said Wilkerson is close to being 100 percent, but that he’s probably still a few weeks away. Wilkerson, who grew up in Texas, came to Baton Rouge as a highly-celebrated recruit and didn’t disappoint.

“A natural offensive center,” is the call by Ourlads Scouting Services. “Tough, physical, and intelligent. Does a good job making line calls and leading the offensive line. . .Struggles in space. Does a good job pulling on trap plays and screens.”

Although Wilkerson hasn’t played guard, Dye believes he not only has the athleticism to do it, but also the realization of how important it is to play all three interior spots.

“I know he’s excited about the opportunity there,” Dye said. “We feel good about how they feel about him. They paid him much more than the average they paid their free agents last season.”

Braham, 34, expects his negotiations for a one-year deal to speed up fairly quickly now that the draft is over and he has been cleared medically. Braham, who missed the last three games with a broken bone near his knee, said he got the OK from the doctor last week.

He said he still wants to play and has the sense the Bengals want him. But he isn’t surprised in the least that he’ll have two centers behind him who were in grade school when he joined the Bengals in 1994.

“It would have happened the last two years if the guys they wanted were still around,” said Braham of the recent drafts. “They have to do that if they want to get guys who can play for the future.

“Unless you draft a guy real early, it’s tough for him to come in as a rookie and play.”

With another season, Braham becomes the 12th player to play at least 12 years as a Bengal and the fifth offensive linemen in joining Anthony Munoz and Joe Walter (13), and Bob Johnson and Bruce Kozerski with 12.

[HairOnFire]

Latest update from Hobson. Confirms the signing -- and that Wilkerson turned down more money elsewhere to come here since it was his best chance to start. Boy, Ghaicuic must be banging his head against a wall right about now...

I have to wonder why? Ghiacuic has enough on his plate to worry about, from facing NFL level opposition during games to trying to beat out NFL level competition for a roster spot. Besides, if the idea of competing with Wilkerson starts to bug him I'd suggest he could cheer himself up by comparing paychecks.

[HoosierCat]

Besides, if the idea of competing with Wilkerson starts to bug him I'd suggest he could cheer himself up by comparing paychecks.

Well, were he getting paid, he might be able to. But Wilkerson has one more thing he doesn't: a contract with the bengals. And apparently a lucrative one for street FA, too.

No, somehow I doubt Ghiacuic greeted this news with a smile. Competition is good...long as you aren't the one being competed with...

[Whur CHad At?]

Finally we have someone who can fill in for Braham or Bobbie Williams when needed. I said we needed to draft him, but i guess this is even better.

[chrishcovga]

I'm really glad they got Wilkerson, He'll have basically the whole summer to get healthy and according to the story, he's almost at 100 % now, so things look good there.

I also read that we signed Toledo Safety Patrick Body

Here's a little bit of information on him.

Body is one of the fastest athletes in college football, boasting a 4.25 clocking in the 40-yard dash. The three-year starter at free safety began his collegiate career as a weakside outside linebacker, but the coaches felt his speed and range were more suited for the secondary.

Body was a standout defensive back and receiver at Scheley High School. He had 27 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior, leading the team to its first City League championship in 49 years. As a free safety, he had 11 interceptions, three of which he ran back for touchdowns and also returned two kickoffs for scores. He was named first-team All-City League and chosen to the All-City Academic team. He also caught 18 balls for 414 yards and had seven interceptions on defense as a junior.

Body was a reserve weakside outside linebacker as a true freshman at Toledo in 2001. He recorded nine tackles that year and gained 42 yards on three kickoff returns. The speedy defender started the first six games of the 2002 campaign at weakside linebacker

Before moving to free safety, he ranked fourth on the team with 83 tackles (45 solos), a sack, five stops for losses, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and three pass breakups.

Body started every game at free safety in 2003. He finished third on the squad with 76 tackles (52 solos). He caused three fumbles, batted away four passes and had three interceptions that year. Body then earned All-Mid American Conference first team honors in 2004. He led the team with a career-high 113 tackles (62 solos), adding a sack, 6½ stops behind the line of scrimmage, four forced fumbles, five pass breakups and two interceptions. He also caught a 46-yard pass on a fake punt.

In 48 games with the Rockets, Body started 38 times. He recorded 281 tackles (164 solos) with two sacks for minus-11 yards and 15½ stops for losses of 43 yards. He caused 10 fumbles and recovered one. Body gained 106 yards on seven interception returns and deflected 12 passes. He totaled 64 yards on four kickoff returns (16.0 avg.) and rushed four times for 75 yards. He also had one reception for a 46-yard gain.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a tall, slender frame with defined muscle tone in the chest and arms … Has outstanding straight-line speed, range and change-of-direction agility … Center-field type that excels playing the deep zone … Quick to step up vs. plays in front of him and is known for making cross field tackles … Good program player who works hard in the weight room and practices … Has the leaping ability to get to the ball at its highest point … Could also bring some value on offense as a receiver or ball carrier due to his quickness and experience there … Shows good explosion behind his tackles and, in 2004, showed marked improvement staying low in his pads and playing closer to the line to initiate, wrap and secure ball carriers … Takes good angles in pursuit and has the burst to chase down plays, whether playing deep or shallow … Has an effortless running style with an explosive closing burst … Shows a good feel for the crease while playing offense … Has learned the proper technique of positioning himself and lowering his shoulders to drive the opponent back … As a possible returner, he displays the burst to make the initial tacklers miss and the speed to easily break it into the open.

Negatives: While he's a physical tackler, he seems to have trouble anticipating the ball while staying tight with the receiver … Lacks deep coverage instincts and could be more suited for zone work at free safety, even though his speed would be beneficial as a cornerback … Slow to read and react to plays at times, especially when he plays too deep in the zone … Shows some hip tightness in his backpedal and looks awkward through transition … Lacks natural hands for the interception … Willing in run support, but spends too much time inspecting the action rather than initiating it when working inside the box.

INJURY REPORT

2002 -- Suffered from pharyngitis (defined as an infection or irritation of the pharynxand/or tonsils -- the etiology is usually infectious) in late September and was sick for two weeks, but did not miss any games.

2003 -- Sat out the Syracuse game after he hyper-extended the first toe on his right foot in the first quarter vs. Pittsburgh (Sept. 20).

2004 -- Left the Motor City Bowl vs. Connecticut in the second half when he broke a bone in his right arm.

AGILITY

Campus: 4.26 in the 40-yard dash … 325-pound bench press … Bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times … 790-pound leg press … Leg pressed 450 pounds 20 times … 4.1 20-yard shuttle … 11.76 60-yard shuttle … 7.05 three-cone drill … 42½-inch vertical jump … 10-foot-4 broad jump … 32¼-inch arm length … 8¾-inch hands … Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Scheley (Pittsburgh, Pa.) High School, playing football for coach James Trent … Standout defensive back and receiver … Had 27 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior, leading the team to its first City League championship in 49 years … As a free safety, he had 11 interceptions, three of which he ran back for touchdowns and also returned two kickoffs for scores … Named first-team All-City League and chosen to the All-City Academic team … Caught 18 balls for 414 yards and had seven interceptions on defense as a junior.

PERSONAL

Communications major … Son of Patricia Johnson … Born Patrick Antoine Body on Jan. 17, 1982 … Resides in Pittsburgh, Pa.

[schweinhart]

Wilkerson and Body look like the tops of the rookie free agents.

Maybe there's more that have been concealed in the organizational top secrecy but here's 10 that have some copy behind them.

1. Ben Wilkerson C LSU

2. Patrick Body FS Toledo

3. Herana-Daze Jones SS Hoosier

4. Sale Key WR Idaho State

5. Steve Vierra OT UCLA

6. Lyonel Anderson TE Kansas

7. Rich Demers FB Maine

8. Josh Haldi QB N Illini

9. Jeremy Thomas FB UGA

10. Andrew Bulman DT Kansas ST (Courtesy of the Pravda pipeline)

[chrishcovga]

Wilkerson and Body look like the tops of the rookie free agents.

Maybe there's more that have been concealed in the organizational top secrecy but here's 10 that have some copy behind them.

1. Ben Wilkerson C LSU

2. Patrick Body FS Toledo

3. Herana-Daze Jones SS Hoosier

4. Sale Key WR Idaho State

5. Steve Vierra OT UCLA

6. Lyonel Anderson TE Kansas

7. Rich Demers FB Maine

8. Josh Haldi QB N Illini

9. Jeremy Thomas FB UGA

10. Andrew Bulman DT Kansas ST (Courtesy of the Pravda pipeline)

Living down here in Georgia, I had already heard about Jeremy Thomas the fullback from Georgia going to Cincinnati...

* Interesting Story to pass on

- Since I live in East NoWhere Georgia, Monticello, Ga. is about 30 minutes from me which is O'Dell Thurmans' home town.

One of the guys' I work with is from there, and attended the O'Dell Thurman draft party that was being taped by ESPN.

-It seems that O'Dell became quite PistTT when he wasn't selected where he thought he should go, so let's just say the party was over, and the ESPN crew were told to leave !

- His " friends " say that's Just O'Dell, he's an ass !

[schweinhart]

That's good...Odell ain't partial to losing.

Just so long as he kicks a$$ on the field