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ESPN/Sportsnation mock draft


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http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?id=2406023

Some of you may have already been following this... It's a clever way for fans accross the country to determine how a draft will go through a series of polls for each team at each draft spot (first round only).

The Bengals took Pope by a 28% to 23% edging over 2nd place Marecedes Lewis. On the board at the time were Donte Whitner (whom received the most votes in Ohio for the Bengals), Kamerion Wimbley, Manny Lawson, Matthias Kiwanuka, Tamba Hali, and Chad Greenway. Other Bengals potentials fell as follows... Bunkley (Chiefs, #20), Cromartie (Chargers, #19), and Sims (Vikings, #17).

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I just read this write up on Donte Whitner:

Strengths

- Donte is a tremendous athlete who has a ton of upside. He has a very nice size/speed ratio. He can play anywhere on the field, he has played both safety spots and can play cornerback as well. He has tremendous ball skills, and seems to always be around the ball. He has play making ability and really excels in man to man coverage. He is a hard hitter. A receiver going across the middle must think twice before challenging Whitner. He really proved his draft stock having a solid combine. Tackles well and displays great technique. Overall he is the total package at DB and is very flexible as to where you can play him on the field. He does not give up big plays and is very reliable in pass and run support. Very explosive and quick to the ball. An effective blitzer who really excels in all aspects of the game at safety. Has great hands to make the interception, is good at going up and taking the ball away while it is at its highest peak, does not wait on the ball, he goes and gets it. A team leader who will add something to the locker room. Smart player with great instincts.

Weaknesses

- Some teams may not know where to play him CB or S. Isn't a big concern but they may not know his true position. Had a minor injury but he appears to be healthy. Played on a very good Ohio State defense so he was overshadowed by many.

When your weaknesses are that you can play anywhere in the secondary, and that you played for a really good defense... you might just make for a good 1st round pick! He's the hard hitting DB the Bengals are lacking right now, and he fits Marvin Lewis' bill for being versatile. If we pass on him to take a damned TE, I will be really pissed off!

The only way I would be okay with passing on Whitner (if he's even there) is if Vernon Davis also falls to us. Otherwise, Whitner is my pick. I'm giddy thinking about it... which is why I'm going to be really bummed to see Baltimore take him.

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I just read this write up on Donte Whitner:

Strengths

- Donte is a tremendous athlete who has a ton of upside. He has a very nice size/speed ratio. He can play anywhere on the field, he has played both safety spots and can play cornerback as well. He has tremendous ball skills, and seems to always be around the ball. He has play making ability and really excels in man to man coverage. He is a hard hitter. A receiver going across the middle must think twice before challenging Whitner. He really proved his draft stock having a solid combine. Tackles well and displays great technique. Overall he is the total package at DB and is very flexible as to where you can play him on the field. He does not give up big plays and is very reliable in pass and run support. Very explosive and quick to the ball. An effective blitzer who really excels in all aspects of the game at safety. Has great hands to make the interception, is good at going up and taking the ball away while it is at its highest peak, does not wait on the ball, he goes and gets it. A team leader who will add something to the locker room. Smart player with great instincts.

Weaknesses

- Some teams may not know where to play him CB or S. Isn't a big concern but they may not know his true position. Had a minor injury but he appears to be healthy. Played on a very good Ohio State defense so he was overshadowed by many.

That is an impressive write indeed !!! Like I said before, I don't think I'll be to upset with a defensive pick in the first, but wow that is a hell of a write up !!! I wish my only weakness (if I played DB) was to know every position in the backfield !!!

WHODEY !!!

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Donte's plays the run really well. He blitzes off the corner like a bat out of hell. His pass coverage is above average. His play recognition is excellent. And he has a non-stop motor. I would LOVE it if he fell to us.

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The only way I would be okay with passing on Whitner (if he's even there) is if Vernon Davis also falls to us. Otherwise, Whitner is my pick. I'm giddy thinking about it... which is why I'm going to be really bummed to see Baltimore take him.

I am under the impression that Thomas Howard (OLB/S - UTEP) is MUCH bigger, just as fast, plays extremely well in traffic, and can knock the snot-bubbles out of even the largest TE's.

Who do you want - a 5'11" CB playing SS and covering TE's like Gates, Miller, K2, etc.? Or a 6'04" Snot-Bubbler"? I can't imagine ANY rookie playing in the defensive backfield this year unless it's at SS or nickel.

Although I do NOT want a TE in the 1st round (or 2nd), I want our 1st rounder to PLAY & CONTRIBUTE THIS YEAR!!

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Whitner has been my guy for a while now as far as DB's go.

I only want a complete TE in the 1st round, and Vernon Davis is the only TE I'd go for - and he may go in the top 15.

I will be nervously waiting for his name to come up day one. He would give the Bengals' a 1980's-like 49er's passing game that is unstoppable.

But I know it'll never happen.

Whitner could back-up at Safety and conceivably replace James, and put Tory into the nickel position where he belongs at this point.

I think Whitner can play weak side CB in the NFL as a rookie, ecspecially with two very good cover safeties behind him in Madeiu and Dexter.

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