Round 3: DE Frostee Rucker

[AGrizzlyBaer]

Frostee was projected as a 7th rounder. I'm sorry, but you may ignore some of the stuff, but these guys don't miss that much. He had little college production, small measurables, etc. Why take him in the 3rd?

Okay.... Antajj Hawthorne was projected as a late 1st rounder last year. Ko Simpson was projected as a 2nd rounder this year. Then there are the endless numbers of late round guys that were taken "too early" that end up in the pro-bowl. Since when do the "experts" not miss that much?

hell the shazor train last year. i mean it happens every year

[jditty47]

nfl nowadays is alot more about talent/skill/potential/intelligence than it has ever before. athletes are different now than they have ever been before. talent is judged differently in the nfl now than before. that is why the bengals drafted as they did...its the type of team marvin is creating - not who or where they are from.

[cincy9275]

i am shaking my head in total disbelief at these pick .

1st rd. a player that would have been there in the2nd

woah settle down there joseph was the one solid pick he was the second fastest player of the combine. and a solid corner

this guy played 11 total div 1 games that makes him a solid corner more like a project he could be a good corner a year or two from now but how does that help us in the up coming season. there were alot of better players on the board and you could have got him in the 2nd.

Well, since you sem to be putting so much stock in the "expert" opinions that talk about where these players deserve to go... Mel had Joseph ranked as the best DB available... and had him above Cromartie. It is very doubtful that he would have been there at pick 55.

i don't think the word experts were even in my post i am going off of what i seen not what mels says why are you getting so defensive because i think there were alot of better players on the board

[derekshank]

I would also like to add that his college production has been criticized... so I looked it up.

Last year he had 56 tackles, 14 for a loss, with 6.5 sacks.

Tamba Hali, the 1st rounder that went before our pick (that many of us coveted) had 62 tackles, 17 for a loss, with 11 sacks. Hardly the difference between a 1st rounder and a 7th rounder. More like the difference between a 1st rounder and a 3rd rounder.

Listen... the guy was a 3rd round pick, and will probably only make a marginal impact - mostly on special teams. But he will be able to give us help in the pass rush on passing downs... our biggest weakness last year.

Like I said, I'm not jumping up and down about it, but it's not like this was the 1st overall pick in the place of Reggie Bush. It is a late 3rd round pick, and we got someone who should make an impact. A guy who based on some of his write-ups went right about where he should go.

[TJJackson]

Hawthorne was a well known druggy and had weight and endurance problems

What problems do you attribute to Ko?

[derekshank]

Hawthorne was a well known druggy and had weight and endurance problems

What problems do you attribute to Ko?

I don't know. Like I said... I'm not an NFL scout. But I heard whispers long ago that there were no NFL teams that had graded him any where nearly as high as Mel had. This seems to be the case, since no one has drafted him... not even the Bengals!

I guess I'd have to say it's another Shazor. A player that guys like Mel rate high, and stat nerds and forum geeks (myself included) get all excited about... but there's just something about him that NFL teams don't like. This seems to be the issue with Ko, Watson and Rod Wright. I'll be happy to have any of them in the 2nd day... but the fact that no one is taking a flyer on them shows me that Mel gets way too much credit around here.

[ArmyBengal]

Ok, went back and read a little bit and must say I'm not horrible happy with this one either. I'm not going to scream "worst draft ever" crap, but must say, there had to be someone else with a higher grade than the "Cold Mother Rucker".

I'll let the fact of the scouts know more than we do go without question, but seriously now, Rucker ??? I'm just a little clueless to the pick. Not saying he won't be good at the pass rush we need, but that's what he was brought in here for, don't you think he would have been touted as this above average pass rusher SOMEWHERE ?? No one has any info on this guy at all and has everyone shaking their heads...

Yes, it's a third round pick, but I really hope this turns out like the Madieu pick and it suprises the hell out of me. Like TDB, I'll be more than happy to choke down some crow. Until then, I remain baffled...

Oh yeah, I like "Cold Mother Rucker" for the record... It beats the hell out of "WTF Rucker" !!!

WHODEY !!!

[bwillycuse]

Tab Perry in the 6th round

Odell in the Second

Henry in the Third

Levi in the First? Oh my lord!!

11-5 last year.

AFC North Champions

6th rated offense

Its cant be all that bad.

I bet a bunch of you were b/tching about Levi being drafted instead of Shockey. Secretly agreeing with Berman.

Every drafted player doesnt hit - some do. Lets wait awhile to crucify the team that will challenge again for North tiltle this year. We got help on D in Adams and Jackson and Williams. If we need to rely on rookies to win the Super Bowl then we arent ready yet. These picks will help the team but wont be shoved in there like Odell and Pollack were. There is no need for that. We have depth. More experience and more swagger and a chip.

I really cant believe the outright anger about these picks. Do we really need a pass catching tight-end? You can never have too many Offensive lineman. If they reached, so be it. They had their board.

I will trust these picks. Just because we were told by the media and the hair who was good doesn't necessarily make them right for the Bengals.

We have 4 more rounds.

Who Dey

[TJJackson]

Lets wait awhile to crucify the team

Nah. the draft was today, so I'll crucify them today and rightly so.

I'm sorry, this is a discussion board. It is for the offerrng of opinions. You would prefer that we all talk about the 2003 draft today instead?

We got help on D in Adams and Jackson and Williams. If we need to rely on rookies to win the Super Bowl then we arent ready yet.

Sorry about your lack of NFL knowlege.

Let me give you four names, and tell me if you can identify what connects them all

Lofa Tatupu

Leroy Hill

Heath Miller

Bryant McFadden

Don't know? I understand, based on your statement above. These are 2005 rookies who started and/or contrbuted significantly to the success of their respective teams: the Steelers and the Seahawks. They were the ones who played in this year's Superbowl

These picks will help the team but wont be shoved in there like Odell and Pollack were.

You're right -- they are not nearly as high quality picks at positions of extrem need, as ollack and Thurman were. Poor picks = no starters. Yes. I agree.

There is no need for that. We have depth. More experience and more swagger and a chip.

I'd trade all that fo the ability to stop the pass and the run. You know, play defense. Oh, and win a playoff game. That sort of thing. You keep the swagger and the chip, OK?

I really cant believe the outright anger about these picks.

There is an expression that fis you to a tee, and this is why you do not understand: you are "blissfully ignorant". Fits.

Do we really need a pass catching tight-end?

I dunno. Does Peyton Manning throw much to Dallas Clark? Ever heard of Antonio Gates? How about Tony Gonzalez? No, I don't think you do.

You can never have too many Offensive lineman.

So be it.

Let's go with a 53 man roster of nothing but OLs. That'll work.

If they reached, so be it. They had their board.

Brilliant.

We have 4 more rounds.

Thank god.

We may actually be able to get a player who can contribute in 2006 yet......

[BengalszoneBilly]

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingr...steerucker.html

Strengths:

Athletic with good speed and quickness...Has good range and a burst...Does a nice job in the open field and in pursuit...Versatile player with experience at linebacker...Relatively productive and makes a lot of plays behind the line.

Weaknesses:

Undersized and doesn't have the bulk you look for...Needs to hit the weights and get stronger...Might be a bit of a 'tweener...Struggles to locate the ball...Is not stout at the point of attack...Has a inconsistent motor...Plays with poor leverage.

Notes:

Began his career at Colorado St. where he redshirted as a linebacker but never actually played before transferring to USC...Might have to move to outside linebacker...Lacks ideal measurables but he can definitely rush the passer.

Damn. Marvin sure does have a thing for "tweeners" doesn't he? I think way back in his past some big fatass lineman kicked his ass, stole his girlfriend, or screwed him over so bad that he can't stand to give one a break since!!

[TJJackson]

err...he just handed some money over to Sam Adams, who is clearly a "big fat lineman" so I don't understand your comment?

[BengalszoneBilly]

err...he just handed some money over to Sam Adams, who is clearly a "big fat lineman" so I don't understand your comment?

The point I was trying to make T.J. (through an admitted weak attempt at humor) is guy's like what Marvin usually goes for makes the larger, Sam Adams types he signed recently the rare exception, with smaller, faster guys remaining almost exclusively the rule. Don't you agree his history of preferring under sized, but aggressive players is quite clear in the players he's brought to Cincinnati since his arrival?

[derekshank]

We got help on D in Adams and Jackson and Williams. If we need to rely on rookies to win the Super Bowl then we arent ready yet.

Sorry about your lack of NFL knowlege.

Let me give you four names, and tell me if you can identify what connects them all

Lofa Tatupu

Leroy Hill

Heath Miller

Bryant McFadden

Don't know? I understand, based on your statement above. These are 2005 rookies who started and/or contrbuted significantly to the success of their respective teams: the Steelers and the Seahawks. They were the ones who played in this year's Superbowl

Unbelievable. We have the best off-season in recent memory addressing all our immediate needs on defense through FA, we draft a cornerback in the first round that should make an immediate impact, address the 3rd down pass rush issue in the 3rd round (Even if it is a reach.... it still addresses a need. Not to mention how well Pollack was rushing the QB by the end of the season) and you're bitching about how we need more rookies to contribute? Ok... who should we have drafted that would start over a player we currently have?

We only had one pick that isn't addressing a need for the '06 season... and it is addressing a need that will be felt very painfully in '07 if we don't deal with it now. Don't worry, Ko Simpson, Darnell Bing, Rod Wright and Gabe Watson are all still out there for us to draft and sit on our bench. Honestly, if we had drafted any of these guys in the first day, they would do nothing but give you an erection... because they aren't the solutions to any of our immediate needs. So if you really want rookies that will make an impact on the '06 Bengals, look no further than the guys we drafted.

By the way... there are still TE's out there like Jeff King and Tim Day that will be able to make an impact, so there's no need to panic on the TE front.

[jamesbrooks21]

I'm not pissed on who that passed on as much as taking Frostee Rucker in the 3rd. He would be there in round 4, and more than likley 5 or 6. That is what I am pissed about.

What part do you not understand? Marvin and staff draft who they think is the best available they aren't going to pass on someone they have ranked higher than someone else just to satisfy people like you.

[Kazkal]

Eric Smith went too the jets in 3rd

there were 20 other safetys rated higher then him by draft experts =P

[turningpoint]

everyone that complains about who we draft has issues.

[UK Bengal]

people need to calm down and understand things. I must admit i was wtf last night now i have had time to sleep on it and calm down I realise that exactly what the bengals did was pick for future needs and an a need for a good pass rushing end.

jj - eventualy take over tory's starting role i would say by 07

aw - depth on the line and a possible replacement for levi if he decides to test the waters next year we allready have a replacement for willie in big stacy.

fr - someone else to rush the passer giving the offence different people to contain one down u have robert gethers then a swop for frostie then pollock and gethers/frostie on 3rd looks to me like they are looking at depth and stratigies with this pick.

just because we didnt draft 3 starters doesnt mean its a wasted draft we have to see how these players develop, they may be busts they may not be for example.

david klingler 1st round utter s**te big bust - Tim krumrie - 10th round superstar NT

not much more to be said than in marvin we trust and thats what we have to do as we dont run the team.

[Spain]

AW will go right, and stacey left.

[HoTbOy]

All this talk about Frostee has me thinking about a snowman or a drink from Wendy's, i don't know anything about him, so I will have to think MLewis knows what he is doing... I thought maybe TE would be addressed at #3...maybe this FRucker is taking JSmith's spot to free up $ to resign WAnderson for another 3-4 years...I would much rather lose JSmith than WAnderson...

[CJBestInAFC]

maybe we could only afford to scout the East-West Shrine game?

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2006/shrine.html

"On the defensive side of the ball for the West, Southern Cal end Frostee Rucker provided consistent pressure on East quarterbacks whenever he was on the field. Rucker tipped two passes on the day and showed an impressive burst off the snap, and the change of direction ability to get consistent penetration into the backfield. He is still viewed as a tweener, but he looked very good with his hand down off the edge."

Andrew Whitworth was also in the game-- maybe even assigned vs. Rucker

I look for TE Tim Day from the West squad to be pick no. 4

I want Brian Iwuh in the 4th round.

[Spain]

doesnt this guy look like the Pollak pick, this guy might go to outside LB. 14.5 TFL thats why I like this pick.

[derekshank]

doesnt this guy look like the Pollak pick, this guy might go to outside LB. 14.5 TFL thats why I like this pick.

Spain... I hate to agree with you, because it means that my wife has been smoking in the bathroom again and I am unknowingly stoned, but the more I think about this, the more this looks like the Pollack pick.

The guy played LB in college before being switched to DE, so it shouldn't even be as difficult a transition. He'll provide depth at both the DE and the OLB positions, which is the versatility Marvin likes... and as much as I hate to say it... it gives us the kind of OLB's you want in a 3-4 defense.

If we draft Gabe Watson today, I imagine this is the route we are planning to head towards. Hell, even if we don't draft a big NT type this pick at least gives us more versatility to swithc back and forth like Marvin likes to do. I still say he would have been there in the 4th round, but I haven't heard any experts bash this pick, so I'm becoming more and more okay with it the more I think about it.

[duus]

For what it is worth, I recall a couple years back, the Steelers taking Ricardo Colclough. Man, people thought this sucked and was way too early for a guy with not much 'big game' experience. All I heard was folks talking about they could have gotten him 2 rounds later. Hmmm. Funny how everyone knows better than the folks who's livelihood depends upon the decision. I think this will work out more wonderfully than we imagine right now. No guts, no glory ... and I for one think Marvin Lewis has guts ... and we shall all take part in the glory.

[HoosierCat]

Well, the Frostee pick at least has the virtue of a good name.

If he turns out to suck, he can be Frostee the Blowman. Or maybe Suckee Rucker? I dunno, but the possibilities are endless.

On the other hand if he turns out to be a steal, he can be MuthaRucker. Or Frostee the Sackman.

[bwillycuse]

Lets wait awhile to crucify the team

Nah. the draft was today, so I'll crucify them today and rightly so.

I'm sorry, this is a discussion board. It is for the offerrng of opinions. You would prefer that we all talk about the 2003 draft today instead?

We got help on D in Adams and Jackson and Williams. If we need to rely on rookies to win the Super Bowl then we arent ready yet.

Sorry about your lack of NFL knowlege.

Let me give you four names, and tell me if you can identify what connects them all

Lofa Tatupu

Leroy Hill

Heath Miller

Bryant McFadden

Don't know? I understand, based on your statement above. These are 2005 rookies who started and/or contrbuted significantly to the success of their respective teams: the Steelers and the Seahawks. They were the ones who played in this year's Superbowl

These picks will help the team but wont be shoved in there like Odell and Pollack were.

You're right -- they are not nearly as high quality picks at positions of extrem need, as ollack and Thurman were. Poor picks = no starters. Yes. I agree.

There is no need for that. We have depth. More experience and more swagger and a chip.

I'd trade all that fo the ability to stop the pass and the run. You know, play defense. Oh, and win a playoff game. That sort of thing. You keep the swagger and the chip, OK?

I really cant believe the outright anger about these picks.

There is an expression that fis you to a tee, and this is why you do not understand: you are "blissfully ignorant". Fits.

Do we really need a pass catching tight-end?

I dunno. Does Peyton Manning throw much to Dallas Clark? Ever heard of Antonio Gates? How about Tony Gonzalez? No, I don't think you do.

You can never have too many Offensive lineman.

So be it.

Let's go with a 53 man roster of nothing but OLs. That'll work.

If they reached, so be it. They had their board.

Brilliant.

We have 4 more rounds.

Thank god.

We may actually be able to get a player who can contribute in 2006 yet......

Sorry about your anger management problem.

Seriously now. Rookies do step up and play. Do you think these teams knew they would contribute like this. Sometimes you draft a player and put them in right away. These are called plasant surprises. ala Tab Perry - Did you really want Lewis at TE in the first? Thats when Miller went. Macfadden had less than 20 tackles and 1 int. Seems like rookie stats. Pollack contributed too, but he was learning as he went - same as Thurman. I'm 100% sure hey will improve this year.

Funny thing is TJ is you will be rooting for these players when they are in there. You will be yelling at the top of your lungs when Frostee crushes Roethlesburger. You can call me ignorant and clueless, but the fact is, is that I am not an NFL scout, coach or player. Neither are you. Even though you act like you should be.

Im actually embarrassed by fans like you. Seriously, take a page from the Steeler fans and trust your team. You are acting like its 1995. We wont slide back ito that mess. Dont worry TJ.

We really dont NEED a pass catching tight end. We will get an adequate player there.

Also, we arent the Colts, Chargers , or the Chiefs. Id take our offense 'as is' every day over theirs.

Wont even comment on the other attacks.

Id rather be 'blissfully ignorant' than 'overly dramatic' dont kick the dog, it didnt do anything to you.

Make sure you keep tabs on who you wanted and who we took. Well do a comparison next year.

Much rather Trust in Marvin than Trust in TJ.

Marvin has better results.