Thepudge's Bengals Draft Database Update IV

[thepudgester]

Back again with what may be my last update until my final one in the week leading up to the draft. I'm hitting you with a totally new mock draft, some new and updated player evaluations, a LB section, and an updated Round by Round and Chart of Needs section. Basically, everything has been touched haha. Any questions/comments/complaints are welcome and encouraged. Enjoy!

MOCK DRAFT

1. (24)- Donte Whitner, SS/CB, Ohio State- A guy who has really watched his stock soar this offseason. Whitner is a fast, durable, tough Safety who can also play Cornerback, just like Madieu Williams. Donte is a great athlete with the size, speed, and skills to make a big splash for our defense. Whitner is tough against the run and was one of the top blitzing Safeties in college football a year ago. His game is very rangy and he’s a playmaker in many senses of the word. Whitner would be a good value at 24 and would give us either an immediate starter, or take over Dexter Jackson’s job in 2007. Whitner is the balanced, aggressive player our secondary has lacked for years and the guy still has some upside.

Other Possibilities: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson; Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan; Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia.

2. (55)- Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA- Would be an excellent value here and there is a good chance it could happen with Dominique Byrd’s impressive Senior Bowl. Lewis is a big TE, who is a better blocker than he gets credit for. Though he doesn’t have great speed, Lewis is athletic and has very good skills as a receiver. He had a good senior season and has been considered a First Round pick since last year; That changed when Leonard Pope, Vernon Davis, and Anthony Fasano declared and with the emergence of Byrd. Lewis is still a great talent, though he needs to continue to bulk up and refine his blocking skills and technique. Lewis is a hard worker and has been a strong character throughout his career. He has tremendous red zone skills with great leaping and adjustment ability.

Other Possibilities: Daniel Bullocks, S, Nebraska; Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami; Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame; Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech.

3. (91)- Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech- Tapp’s stock took a hit when he ran the 40 in over 4.8 at the Combine. Still, Tapp remains a solid prospect because of his college credentials, pass-rushing instincts, and burst off the edge. Tapp is very strong and manhandled D’Brickashaw Ferguson twice and impressed at the Senior Bowl in practices and the game. Tapp can play forever and is very intense on the field. Tapp has top-notch intangibles and is a very mature leader on and off the field. I can see the Bengals taking this guy for his college credentials and leadership alone, but Tapp is also a very natural pass-rusher who put up big time numbers at the college level. There are definitely worries that he won’t translate well to the NFL, and there is definitely reasoning behind that. He lacks size and speed, simple enough; however, he will be a great situational pass-rusher.

Other Possibilities: Dee Webb, CB, Florida; Devin Hester, ATH, Miami; Stanley McClover, DE, Auburn; Jesse Mahelona, DT, Tennessee; Roman Harper, S, Alabama.

4. (123)- Barry Cofield, DT/DE, Northwestern- Had a tremendous Combine. A solid college player with above average measurables. The knock on Cofield is his lack of a true position. Cofield has never been committed to one position in his life and is a DT-DE tweener. He is definitely a good fit as a 3-4 DE, but would be a valuable backup here at both DL positions. Similar to Carl Powell, Cofield would be an upgrade though. Cofield may go a bit earlier than this to a team trying to use him as a 3-4 DE (cough Cleveland cough). However, most people doubt Cofield’s ability to ever start and probably won’t crack Day One. The guy is a great leader, with top intangibles, but he is not a good pass rusher and lacks the mean streak you’d like from a guy battling in the trenches. A good locker room presence.

5. (157)- James Anderson, OLB, Virginia Tech- This speedy LB from Virginia Tech has been steadily climbing boards and may go earlier than this. A developmental project at LB who should make a big impact on Special Teams. At 6’2 229, Anderson has the frame to get bigger and may lack instincts. However, Anderson’s speed, athleticism, and quickness make him an impressive Special Teams/Depth option with some upside as a blitzer. Another solid character who is willing to work.

6. (193)- Chris Kuper, OG, North Dakota- Bobbie and Steinbach are good starters but behind them we are a bit lacking. Kuper is a small school prospect that could develop into a fine backup in a couple years. No expects him to ever start, but he should provide adequate depth behind Steinbach and still has some upside.

7. (209)- Willie Reid, WR/PR/KR. Florida State- The draft really becomes a crap shoot down here, where we are more likely to simply look to take the best player available. Willie Reid is a versatile WR/PR prospect from a big name college. Reid’s a burner and could be a nice fit as a situational vertical threat or Punt Returner. He may not make the team, but he’s a nice late round prospect because of his speed and versatility.

7. (231)- J.D. Runnels, FB, Oklahoma- Jeremi Johnson is on a one year contract and though Runnels is a bit smaller, he may have superior hands and benefits from playing at big school like Oklahoma. Doubtful to ever make an impact, but is a well-rounded prospect with some ability.

CHART OF NEEDS

QB-3

RB-1

FB-1

WR-1

TE-7

OT-3

OG-3

DT-6

DE-5

SLB-2

WLB-4

MLB-1

CB-6

FS-1

SS-7

K-1

P-1

and here is a little more... just a few targets for each round

ROUND BY ROUND

FIRST ROUND

1. Tye Hill CB Clemson

2. Donte Whitner S/CB OSU

3. Gabe Watson DT Michigan

4. Leonard Pope TE Georgia

5. Marcus McNeill OT Auburn

SECOND ROUND

1. Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA

2. Daniel Bullocks S Nebraska

3. Kelly Jennings CB Miami

4. Anthony Fasano TE Notre Dame

5. Jonathan Lewis DT Virginia Tech

THIRD ROUND

1. Pat Watkins S Florida State

2. Darryl Tapp DE Virginia Tech

3. Roman Harper S Alabama

4. Babatunde Oshinowo DT Stanford

5. Dee Webb CB Florida

FOURTH ROUND

1. Parys Haralson DE Tennessee

2. David Thomas TE Texas

3. Barry Cofield DT/DE Northwestern

4. Rob Sims OG Ohio State

5. Will Blackmon ATH Boston College

FIFTH THROUGH SEVENTH

1. The Best Player Available

2. OG depth

3. LB depth, generally faster (Travis Williams, Brian Iwuh, James Anderson, etc.)

4. QB is a possiblity in the late rounds, Doug Johnson is on a 1-year deal

***NOTES***

DT's---At what we need is talent, not depth. That makes this a Day One need ONLY.With Shaun Smith and Matthias Askew we are fine depth wise. However, Bryan Robinson and John Thornton just aren't really getting the job done. A quicker, stronger, agressive guy is the type of DT Marvin likes. He DOES NOT want a space eater that will sit there and just take up space and not play hard for him. As you can tell, he is trying to build an agressive team, not a lazy team.

Now, with the signing of Sam Adams, everyone is asking the question “Do we draft a DT?, Is Gabe Watson still a possibility at 24?, etc.” The answer to the 1st question, it’d be good to add another DT on the 1st day, but it is not as urgent a need as it was pre-Adams. If Bunkley is there at 24, we obviously still take him; if John McCargo is there at 55, I think we still take him; Jesse Mahelona and Kyle Williams are also still possibilities in the 3rd. The answer to the second question is yes. Gabe Watson is still a possibility at 24. Gabe Watson would fit into our rotation and could easily replace John Thornton by his second year or Sam Adams in the near future. Who better to learn from than Adams. Watson and a DT are still possible.

The dream situation would be getting Brodrick Bunkley. Bunkley is an elite physical specimen who fits the Bengals system extremely well. Bunkley is a quick, strong, and very productive in his senior year. There is a chance Bunkley could bust, but that goes for just about anyone. Bunkley has slight durability issues, but that’s just about it. A great Senior season with 25 TFL and 9 sacks, arguably the best DT in the country a year ago. Will likely be gone by #24.

If Gabe Watson can show that he has a good work ethic the Bengals may take him at #24 because of his talent. No, I am not going against what I said earlier. Watson is not a soft space eater, Watson is a player, when he wants to, who can cause all kinds of problems for opponents OL's, especially stuffing the run. However, will he be willing to cut his laziness out and get to work in the NFL? No one doubts his talent. Watson is a guy who we could end up taking 24th.

Claude Wroten in the 2nd round is another guy who fits the system and could contribute immediately. Wroten is not as bulky as Bunkley, but is just about as bulky as the guys we have now and is a playmaker in the backfield. He provided great push for that LSU defensive line this past year and gets great penetration as a pass-rusher. Wroten comes with a bit of a character concern as he was busted for marijuana. The guy will need to fall a little more so we can take him at 55. As of right now he’s in that Mid 2nd Round mix.

Dusty Dvoracek is another possibility. Dvoracek right now is 6'2 3/4 306, and he'd be a good find in the 3rd Round. However, his stock has been on the rise and figures to be taken in the Early-Mid 3rd, rather than fall to us at 91. Dvoracek is a fiery, disruptive DT who would bring a little more intensity to the Bengals front four. He is an agressive pass-rusher who would take double teams off Justin Smith. Dvoracek had some character concerns in the past with alcohol, but most signs point to those concerns being gone.

Orien Harris is a possibility in the second round. He’d be a steal if Marvin could get him motivated. He has only average size for a DT but gets a solid push and is a pretty good run stuffer. He is a strong character and is a leader on the field, but tends to be a bit inconsistent. Has had durability issues and still has to work to fulfill his potential. However, Harris has no elite qualities and is on the decline because of poor workouts. He figures to be taken in the Early 3rd, but remains a faint possibility at 55.

Notice I do not have Rodrique Wright listed anywhere in this whole article. Mostly because Wright's draft stock has been going down as of late. If he shows he is committed and he shows he can be more agressive, I think Wright has monster potential. However, as of right now I, and many others, see a lazy player who is a little soft. Also, Wright recently said he was a finesse player, not an agressive player, for that reason alone Marvin may not go near him. Wright projects right now as a 2nd or 3rd Round Pick. However, the guy could become the best DT to come out of this draft. In his Sophomore season, Wright would’ve projected as a Top 5 pick, easy. If we could get him back to that form he’d be well worth a 2nd Round pick.

S's--- The Bengals tend to like their safety's rangy and agressive, yet they will play a big part in coverage as well. Marvin likes versatile, balanced safety's who don't miss tackles and who can make plays. Consistency is another thing that Marvin is very big on and likely won't take a streaky S. As I said before, he doesn't just want an enforcer, he wants a guy that can run and cover too. With the recent signing of Dexter Jackson Safety is not necessarily an urgent need. If we don’t pick up one in this years draft it’s not the end of the world. However, Jackson is 29 and is only an adequate starter, his signing shouldn’t change the Bengals draft plans all that much. Safety is still a 1st Day possibility, maybe even likelihood.

Darnell Bing is one guy no one is really sure of. Bing has some speed and cover ability but is only adequate in both categories. Like Ohalete, he tends to overrun plays a little bit, taking himself out of them. Yet Bing is big and is an enforcer. He has plenty of experience and has good natural instincts. Once again his speed though is a concern. He should be a fine NFL Safety, and could slide to #55 with a couple more rising stars.

Ko Simpson is versatile, aggressive, and good in coverage. Simpson may not have been as good as his Freshman production will tell you, but the guy has plenty of talent. He’s a ballhawk who is a very willing run supporter. He’s a good tackler and very balanced as a S. Could play either Safety position. On the downside, he has little experience and some consider him a bit raw. Is a possibility at 24, but Donte Whitner has moved ahead of Simpson on most boards.

Donte Whitner’s stock has risen big-time after a very good Combine. Whitner is now a Mid-Late 1st Round guy after impressing at the Combine and his Pro Day. There is a good chance we could take him in the 1st, because he is a great fit. He has nice size, speed, and is very versatile, some think he is a better prospect at CB. Whitner is also a local product and you can expect the Bengals staff to know plenty about this guy. He’s emerging as a real possibility at 24.

Jason Allen is a name that has been mentioned a lot recently. The guy is a tweener and it concerns some scouts that he may not have a true position. I wouldn’t count on that to turn Marvin off. However, he has yet to master either and will have to set his mind on one position in the NFL. He has a history of injury problems, but has had strong workouts recently. He has all the physical skills you look for at 6’1 209 running a 4.39 and had a good career at Tennessee. I see him as Very Late 1st-Early 2nd round guy. Word is Dallas may be interested in Allen with the 18th pick.

Daniel Bullocks is a guy I believe the Bengals are watching closely. They had several guys at his Pro Day and I’m sure they looked at him at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine. Bullocks is 6’0 ½ 212 and runs a 4.38, great measurables for a Safety. He has had some trouble in coverage, but can improve. Bullocks plays the run very well and has good instincts in coverage. He’d be a great pickup in the 2nd.

Pat Watkins and Bernard Pollard are two 3rd Round options. Watkins is inconsistent and must get stronger, but is a balanced performer that is a good leader on and off the field. Pollard lacks elite speed and has only adequate cover skills, but is bulky and is an enforcer against the run. Watkins figures to be taken a little earlier though, and Pollard may be a reach because of character concerns and a lack of elite speed.

TE's---At TE, the Bengals would like their guy to be as balanced as possible. They also want a guy who can take pressure of the WR's and proivide Carson with an alternate option, especially in the redzone. With the Bengals growing problems with WR depth (Kelley Washington as a RFA, Chris Henry will likely be suspened) they are now more likely to draft a guy who is a good receiver. This is a deep class at TE, so a 1st Round TE like Pope seems unlikely.

Leonard Pope is the best fit and is probably the most likely TE for the Bengals 1st Round pick. Pope is huge, fast, and can really stretch the field as a receiver and is one of the best blocking TE’s in this class. At 6'8 260, Pope also has great potential. He is a prospect who is far from polished, but could start immediately and will just get better.

Marcedes Lewis who accelled as a blocker not a receiver at the Senior Bowl and erased balance doubts, is another good fit, but he'd have to fall to the 2nd for the Bengals to take him. With so many prospects on the rise there is actually a good chance Lewis falls to the 2nd Round.

Joe Klopfenstein is looking like a possibility for the Bengals. Klopfenstein is tall and a good receiver, but needs to get bigger and become a better blocker. Right now he would just be like another Matt Schobel. Eventually, Klopfenstein could prove to be much more. Schobel did not have the physical ability this guy has, or the redzone potential. Klopfenstein won’t fall to us in the 3rd so we’d have to either trade down or reach for him at 55.

Notre Dame’s Anthony Fasano is a possibility in the 2nd. He may lack athleticism and elite speed, but he has enough and is a solid all-around Tight End. He has very good hands, is big, and might be one of the best fits. He gives a good effort. He may lack potential, but he’ll be a solid TE in the NFL.

Tim Day figures to be the popular choice in the 3rd. If the Bengals WR issue gets as bad as it is capable of getting, he may not be enough of a field-stretcher. Day is a below average blocker, but would provide Palmer with a good safety blanket with reliable hands. He could make an impact in the redzone. Expect Day to be selected in the Late 3rd Round or Early 4th.

Western Michigan’s Tony Scheffler also looked promising at the Combine. He is a prospect similar to Joe Klopfenstein but he may just be a workout warrior. He has proven nothing against a high level of competition. A sleeper who we could consider in the 3rd, or who may fall to us in the 4th.

CB's---This position is very unclear. Some people believe this is a need that needs to be adressed is the first two rounds, some don't think it's even neccessary. What we need is a fast corner that does not miss tackles. If only that was as easy as it sounds. A cover corner is needed opposite Deltha O'Neal, Tory James is still decent but is aging and misses too many tackles, Keiwan Ratliff is a more physical guy but probably does not have the speed to be a starting CB. Depth is another issue, behind Ratliff there is really no one. Hopefully this need is filled through FA so we don't have to use a pick on it. If not, as said in the beginning, it could be anywhere from a 2nd to 5th round need.

Tye Hill is a very good CB prospect if we are to target one in the 1st Round. He may be this draft's top cover corner. He's very fast and is willing in run support. He's very durable and is a good leader, a capable replacement for Tory James. He'll likely be gone, but he's definitely a good prospect.

Jonathan Joseph is an very good cover corner who really came on for South Carolina last season. This guy is flying up boards and after he ran a 4.31 at the Combine, and may rise even more if a couple top CB’s don’t run well. The problem there is durability and he is a bit inexperienced. There have been rumors about Joseph maybe even sneaking into the 1st. I doubt that, but don’t expect to see him around when the Bengals pick in the 2nd.

Richard Marshall is another cover corner with similar skills to Joseph. Marshall may not be quite as fast, but his speed is pretty good. He's a better cover corner than Joseph, but is not very polished and doesn't have those ideal instincts. Has pretty good size and is willing in run support. Marshall likely will not be there when we pick in the 2nd Round but is a great fit worth talking about.

Cedric Griffin is a bigger guy, however, like Keiwan Ratliff, he has only average speed and doesn't fit the mold the Bengals would like to fit.

Anwar Phillips and DeMario Minter are a couple guys who fit the mold decently and could be available in the 3rd-4th Round.

On the second day, Charles Gordon, Devin Hester, and Will Blackmon would be intruiging picks. All three of these guys also provide a spark on special teams however they are raw as corners and may not upgrade the CB position as much as they would the PR position. They would definitley help to solve the depth problem and all have very good potential. Hester is a 3rd round talent. Blackmon is a 4th Rounder. Charles Gordon may be a 4th or 5th Rounder.

DE's---Another controversial position. Some feel this is a need that should be addressed on the first day because they feel Geathers is not getting the job done. Others feel we simply lack depth and youth behind Smith and Geathers and that Robert should continue to get his chance to prove himself. I am part of that 2nd group. With Clemons and Powell both over 30 some new faces are definitely needed. The best fit as a backup RE would be a pass-rusher to supplant Geathers and give him some rest at times. This could be targeted anywhere from the 3rd to 5th round, but it seems pointless to take a DE any later than that.

Penn State’s Tamba Hali would be a great value at #24. At 6’3 265, Hali is not as undersized as originally thought, but still not big by any standards. A good emotional leader who has a great story behind him. He has blown away scouts because of his great interviews and good senior season. He needs to develop a wider array of pass-rushing moves, but is a good pass-rusher and would be a decent value at 24. Hali is on the decline after a bad Pro Day workout.

If you are a fan of taking a DE early, Matthias Kiwanuka is a decent fit. Kiwanuka has the potential to be a dominant edge rusher. He is very tall, with long arms and has pretty good speed. However, he lacks bulk and will be shut down by the league's better OT's. If Kiwanuka gains weight and gives a consitent effort he could be an elite DE in the NFL. It would take the Bengals 1st Rounder to get Kiwanuka.

Parys Haralson has l below average size, but is quick off the edge and knows how to get to the QB. If Haralson can put on about 10 lbs he could be a great backup and a potential starter one day. He’s not very fast but showed quick feet and good athleticism in drills at the Combine. Look for him as a potential 3rd or 4th Rounder.

Darryl Tapp was one of college's top pass-rushers this past year. Though short, Tapp draws comparisons to the Colts Dwight Freeney. However Tapp doesn't have nearly Freeney's sub-4.5 speed. Still, Tapp shows great burst off the edge and could make a good impact as a pass-rusher. Tapp’s stock has been falling due to his slow Combine time, but his college production and showings at the Senior Bowl should make him at least a Third Round pick.

Indiana's Victor Adeyanju is a name Bengals fans have heard a lot. The guy has all the physical tools, he has the work ethic and he has the experience. At 6’4 267 he runs a 4.67, which are great measurables. Yet Adeyanju remains a raw prospect and would likely fit better on the left side. I would not be willing to use a 2nd Rounder on him, yet if he is there in the 3rd Marvin may take a long look at this guy.

Stanley McClover is another pass-rushing DE that we may look at. McClover, like Tapp, is very quick off the edge and is a very good pass-rusher. At 6'2 252, the guy is undersized. However, McClover has decent speed and potential. Even though McClover lacks experience and ideal size. If he's there in the 3rd or 4th, we may consider this tenacious pass rusher.

Mark Anderson has had a very good offseason and Combine. He could emerge as a strong candidate for the 91st. Anderson is flying up the boards; He is 6’4 254 and runs a 4.61, he shows great athleticism and had an impressive game at the Senior Bowl. Still, Anderson lacks good strength and bulk. He is flying up boards, and some experts think that Anderson may be a Late 2nd Round talent.

Mike Kudla and Eric Henderson are a bit bigger and more experienced. However, Henderson has durability problems and is inconsistent and Kudla may lack the explosiveness to ever start. Kudla is very smart and was an elite college DE, but isn't quick nor is he explosive enough to get consistent pressure, he'll be a solid player whether he play LB or DE. Both are possibilities in the 4th or 5th Round.

OT’s--- A need many people are really not thinking about, but I’m not kidding when I say that we may go Offensive Tackle in the First Round. Levi Jones, our veteran LT, is expected back next year as his contract expires after the 2006 season. However, it is unsure that we will bring our Pro-Bowl RT Willie Anderson back after next year. Anderson will be 31 in July and we may let him walk, which would be a sad day. With Adam Kieft and Stacy Andrews, it looks like we have adequate depth for the future, but we may want to invest in a 2007 starter if the team plans to let Willie Anderson or Jones go. This makes OT a First Round possibility, but not at all likelihood.

Marcus McNeill looks to be the most likely suitor. Huge (6’7 5/8 336) RT from Auburn, ring any bells…The Anderson comparisons don’t end there. McNeill is a great run blocker who also shows good ability as a pass protector. This is where the comparison begins to fizzle…Marcus McNeill is an extremely athletic prospect at OT. However, McNeill has slight durability issues and plays a little too upright. The guy still has a lot of potential and an extra year to refine his technique would be a good thing. An outside possibility at 24.

Eric Winston is a RT/LT tweener. The guy played all Left Tackle in college, but because of his injuries he has looked a little stiff, leading some to believe he’s a better fit on the Right side in the NFL. He has excellent size at 6’6 5/8 310 lbs and surprising athleticism. He is smart and has top notch intangibles, however at this point he would need to add strength and bulk to play on the right side or he would have to prove that he is fully recovered from those injuries to play LT. Still has a lot of upside and a very outside possibility at 24.

LB’s--- There are varied opinions about this position, just ask Joe and Knowledge. I personally split my opinion. Linebacker is not a First Day necessity, and to tell you the truth, I would be shocked if we took a LB on the 1st Day if it wasn’t at 24. Brian Simmons is 31, and it is almost time for him to take a seat on the bench. He is a great leader, but he can be improved upon. For the Bengals to take a LB in the first, it would take either Ernie Sims or Chad Greenway to fall to 24. The reasoning there would be, as a rookie: A situational coverage LB on passing downs and maybe play Special Teams. After that either LB would take over Simmons’ job in 2007. Landon Johnson does not have any experience at WLB in the NFL and Sims and Greenway are better players. I really don’t think it happens but don’t rule it out as a possibility.

The only other way I can see us taking a LB, is a late round Special Teams standout. A smaller, faster LB would be the type we’d be looking for. Brian Iwuh, James Anderson, and Jamar Williams are 5th Round possibilities. Travis Williams is a 6th Round option. All of the above are fast, small LB’s who could dominate on Special Teams and provide us with even more depth at LB. Marvin loves his LB’s.

Ernie Sims is a top-notch prospect lacking one thing: size. At 5’11 231 Sims isn’t exactly a midget, but he’s definitely undersized. He is an elite coverage LB who plays with rare intensity. Sims is a great athlete with elite speed, instincts, and great strength for his size. He is a sure tackler with great range. He has had a few off the field incidents, but nothing too serious. A Top 20 talent that may slide to us at 24. At that point, is he the pick… Well, that is up to debate. However, he shouldn’t be counted out as a possibility.

Chad Greenway has been one of the best college LB’s over the past few years. Few LB’s have his combination of skills. Greenway is a big guy at 6’3 242, with impressive speed at (4.6), and rare college production. He is a special player, especially in coverage, but tends to be too aggressive and is still too weak, with a somewhat skinny build. There have been arguments over who is better Greenway or Sims, but both are great prospects and each is a Top 20 Talent. Just like Sims, Greenway is a possibility at 24. Not really a very strong possibility, but still, nothing erased as a possibility at this point.

Enjoy! More will be added shortly.