Grade the Bengals Draft

[Kazkal]

I'm sorry marvin and Co doesn't know what their doing they should have went too the fans about how too build a football team.

<bookmarks this thread>

[membengal]

For what it's worth, Scouts Inc. had very nice things to say about the Bengals' Joseph and Whitworth selections, as well as good things to say about Peko and McNeil.

They only did paragraphs on each pick in the 1st and 2nd for each team, but the notices of those were damn good. So...there's one impartial national source not killing the Bengals by any stretch...

[da boss]

I am sure that if there were better players available in the later rounds Marvin would have chosen them. We are putting too much thought into this draft and we need to just sit back and let Marvin do his thing.

HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!!!

[HoosierCat]

For what it's worth, Scouts Inc. had very nice things to say about the Bengals' Joseph and Whitworth selections, as well as good things to say about Peko and McNeil.

They only did paragraphs on each pick in the 1st and 2nd for each team, but the notices of those were damn good. So...there's one impartial national source not killing the Bengals by any stretch...

On that note, Prisco at sportsline was iffy on the Whitworth pick, but liked Joseph and thought the best Bengals pick was (wait for it) Frostee Rucker.

And just for s*its and giggles, I would like to give a big to Mel Kiper, ESPN, and the rest of the national media. A few years ago, the Bengals unexpectedly took a LT by the name of Levi Jones and got shredded for it. It became a draft-day-long joke. ESPN couldn't stop laughing at it since he went, oh, 3-5 picks higher than he should have.

Well, I guess they learned something. Because the Bills took Donte Whiter something like 7-20 spots higher than he ought to have gone, depending on the mock you like, and they got no complaints. ESPN just passed 'em by. Even now...nada. Not that Donte will be a bad player, but where's the "they could have traded down and still got him" BS we got? Mel & Co. can bite me.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

For what it's worth, Scouts Inc. had very nice things to say about the Bengals' Joseph and Whitworth selections, as well as good things to say about Peko and McNeil.

They only did paragraphs on each pick in the 1st and 2nd for each team, but the notices of those were damn good. So...there's one impartial national source not killing the Bengals by any stretch...

On that note, Prisco at sportsline was iffy on the Whitworth pick, but liked Joseph and thought the best Bengals pick was (wait for it) Frostee Rucker.

And just for s*its and giggles, I would like to give a big to Mel Kiper, ESPN, and the rest of the national media. A few years ago, the Bengals unexpectedly took a LT by the name of Levi Jones and got shredded for it. It became a draft-day-long joke. ESPN couldn't stop laughing at it since he went, oh, 3-5 picks higher than he should have.

Well, I guess they learned something. Because the Bills took Donte Whiter something like 7-20 spots higher than he ought to have gone, depending on the mock you like, and they got no complaints. ESPN just passed 'em by. Even now...nada. Not that Donte will be a bad player, but where's the "they could have traded down and still got him" BS we got? Mel & Co. can bite me.

Huh? I've seen the Bills get nothing but blasted by the media. Rightfully so, that Whitner pick was absolutely retarded.

[membengal]

For what it's worth, Scouts Inc. had very nice things to say about the Bengals' Joseph and Whitworth selections, as well as good things to say about Peko and McNeil.

They only did paragraphs on each pick in the 1st and 2nd for each team, but the notices of those were damn good. So...there's one impartial national source not killing the Bengals by any stretch...

On that note, Prisco at sportsline was iffy on the Whitworth pick, but liked Joseph and thought the best Bengals pick was (wait for it) Frostee Rucker.

And just for s*its and giggles, I would like to give a big to Mel Kiper, ESPN, and the rest of the national media. A few years ago, the Bengals unexpectedly took a LT by the name of Levi Jones and got shredded for it. It became a draft-day-long joke. ESPN couldn't stop laughing at it since he went, oh, 3-5 picks higher than he should have.

Well, I guess they learned something. Because the Bills took Donte Whiter something like 7-20 spots higher than he ought to have gone, depending on the mock you like, and they got no complaints. ESPN just passed 'em by. Even now...nada. Not that Donte will be a bad player, but where's the "they could have traded down and still got him" BS we got? Mel & Co. can bite me.

Berman probably wouldn't let them...

[cover2]

Excellent draft, i couldn't of thought it up much better, we got both the best players available when we picked, and they also fit needs, amazing.

I had a B+ grade for it, but because some of the names were lesser known, and it casued TJJackson to make some of the funniest posts ive ever read, I upped it to an A. Thanks marvin.

Im also happy that Lewis didnt get suckered into drafting a TE. With all the pressure from fans, media, and hobson, i was afraid hed waste a first day pick on a TE, but thankfully he doesnt make those kind of mistakes.

Speaking of tight ends who do we have?

[Kazkal]

For what it's worth, Scouts Inc. had very nice things to say about the Bengals' Joseph and Whitworth selections, as well as good things to say about Peko and McNeil.

They only did paragraphs on each pick in the 1st and 2nd for each team, but the notices of those were damn good. So...there's one impartial national source not killing the Bengals by any stretch...

On that note, Prisco at sportsline was iffy on the Whitworth pick, but liked Joseph and thought the best Bengals pick was (wait for it) Frostee Rucker.

And just for s*its and giggles, I would like to give a big to Mel Kiper, ESPN, and the rest of the national media. A few years ago, the Bengals unexpectedly took a LT by the name of Levi Jones and got shredded for it. It became a draft-day-long joke. ESPN couldn't stop laughing at it since he went, oh, 3-5 picks higher than he should have.

Well, I guess they learned something. Because the Bills took Donte Whiter something like 7-20 spots higher than he ought to have gone, depending on the mock you like, and they got no complaints. ESPN just passed 'em by. Even now...nada. Not that Donte will be a bad player, but where's the "they could have traded down and still got him" BS we got? Mel & Co. can bite me.

Kiper really diden't rip us too much for everyone saying we took rnds 2-4 a round or 3 early =P

[HoosierCat]

Huh? I've seen the Bills get nothing but blasted by the media. Rightfully so, that Whitner pick was absolutely retarded.

I haven't seen anything but if anyone is giving them crap more power to them, . But I do no Mel & Co. gave them abosolutely no crap in round one on ESPN, beyond the pick being a "curveball." And Prisco didn't even mention it in his roundup. Personally, I think Whitner will be a good player and any crap the Bills take is likely undeserved...but compared to the Levi slagging they have gotten nothing...

[Stripes]

I give our Bengals a fitting B.

Round by round:

1 - Good

2 - Satisfactory

3 - Huh? Whatever.

4 - Great

5 - Good

6 - Great

7a - Good

7b - Who cares?

Draft grades are usually pretty pointless though... Like any of us really knows a damned thing, eh?

[DontPushMe]

I'm not sure who is more wrong, bengal fans for blasting our draft, or the general media for thinking the Cardinals had a good draft.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I do look forward to seeing how Joseph, McNeal, AJ, Rucker and Peko pan out, and seeing them in preseason.

Not real fond of Marvin selling out for AJ seeing as though he talked about how character issues in this draft would be a major factor - literally said just that a day or so ago. Same with Rucker.

Wish he'd just be honest about it, and not make himself sound so full of it.

AJ will have to win me over both on and off the field (as if he cares) but just speaking generally as a fan.

The Tobin's have done a good job since they've been here. I trust them for the most part after the last two drafts.

[San Antonio Bengal]

It would have been a B+ or A- if Dallas hadn't wasted their pick on Fasano when they already have Witten.

Sorry, don't mean to go off topic here, but the Dallas pick isn't wasted. Dallas will be switching to a two TE, two WR offense so they will carry a couple additional TEs in lieu of WRs.

[Stripes]

It would have been a B+ or A- if Dallas hadn't wasted their pick on Fasano when they already have Witten.

Sorry, don't mean to go off topic here, but the Dallas pick isn't wasted. Dallas will be switching to a two TE, two WR offense so they will carry a couple additional TEs in lieu of WRs.

I highly doubt the Bengals would have taken Fasano were he available anyways.

[AGrizzlyBaer]

i like the fact we added 4 guys that ran 4.33 forty or faster

[BengalPappaw]

After reviewing some game tapes -- I give us a "D"

1. Joseph -- "B+" needs to develop better techniques and not bite on the first move.

2. Whitworth -- "C" good player, but certainly NOT great.

3. Rucker -- "D" wasted pick. Doesn't show much of a pass rush, gets beaten on draw plays. Good linemen handle him with ease. How is he an upgrade over what we have?

4. Peko -- "C-" Good size and hustle. Doesn't have much push at the line of scrimmage. Askew looked better!

I only wish Askew had Peko's drive. How is he an upgrade?

5. Nicholson -- "B-" made lots of plays as a college player. Looks like a decent back up, but is he an upgrade over Landon Johson?

6. McNeal -- "C-" POTENTIAL -- but we don't even know if he can run routes or catch the ball. I'm not even convinced that he's an upgrade over "squirrel"

7. Kilmer -- "D" can we afford some one just for special teams? Is he an upgrade? Over whom?

7. Brazell -- "D" if we start a "developmental track" team he would be handy -- but

[walshfan]

After reviewing some game tapes -- I give us a "D"

1. Joseph -- "B+" needs to develop better techniques and not bite on the first move.

2. Whitworth -- "C" good player, but certainly NOT great.

3. Rucker -- "D" wasted pick. Doesn't show much of a pass rush, gets beaten on draw plays. Good linemen handle him with ease. How is he an upgrade over what we have?

4. Peko -- "C-" Good size and hustle. Doesn't have much push at the line of scrimmage. Askew looked better!

I only wish Askew had Peko's drive. How is he an upgrade?

5. Nicholson -- "B-" made lots of plays as a college player. Looks like a decent back up, but is he an upgrade over Landon Johson?

6. McNeal -- "C-" POTENTIAL -- but we don't even know if he can run routes or catch the ball. I'm not even convinced that he's an upgrade over "squirrel"

7. Kilmer -- "D" can we afford some one just for special teams? Is he an upgrade? Over whom?

7. Brazell -- "D" if we start a "developmental track" team he would be handy -- but

I can show you mistakes made by allmost every kid drafted this year on any team..

You did a nice job of pointing out their weaknesses..now here are their strengths..

Joseph will be a good one in time

Whitworth is a technician and will be a solid RT

Peko is very strong and a run stuffer..

Nicholson is a short yardage run stuffer and better at it than Johnson

McNeal could be another Randle El in time only much faster

Kilmer is one of the best gunners in the draft ( 23 tackles)

Look at the bright side sometimes...

[andybren]

Now as far as Joseph taking over for Ohalate. Move him into that position. The Bengals don't need another CB with Deltha and Tory James. The Bengals need a Safety that can cover and tackle. Now, if one of the CB's can't play, then you have an insurance policy in Joseph. But I say, move Joseph to SS and let go of Ohalate.

The Bengals do need a CB. Tory James is old and on the last year of his contract. And Ohalete was replaced by Dexter Jackson. Remember free agency? Ohalete is old news.

The Bengals aren't going to convert a first round CB into a safety. Joseph may be versatile enough to play both positions, but there's no reason to think that's what they were intending to do.

[BengalPappaw]

After reviewing some game tapes -- I give us a "D"

1. Joseph -- "B+" needs to develop better techniques and not bite on the first move.

2. Whitworth -- "C" good player, but certainly NOT great.

3. Rucker -- "D" wasted pick. Doesn't show much of a pass rush, gets beaten on draw plays. Good linemen handle him with ease. How is he an upgrade over what we have?

4. Peko -- "C-" Good size and hustle. Doesn't have much push at the line of scrimmage. Askew looked better!

I only wish Askew had Peko's drive. How is he an upgrade?

5. Nicholson -- "B-" made lots of plays as a college player. Looks like a decent back up, but is he an upgrade over Landon Johson?

6. McNeal -- "C-" POTENTIAL -- but we don't even know if he can run routes or catch the ball. I'm not even convinced that he's an upgrade over "squirrel"

7. Kilmer -- "D" can we afford some one just for special teams? Is he an upgrade? Over whom?

7. Brazell -- "D" if we start a "developmental track" team he would be handy -- but

I can show you mistakes made by allmost every kid drafted this year on any team..

You did a nice job of pointing out their weaknesses..now here are their strengths..

Joseph will be a good one in time

Whitworth is a technician and will be a solid RT

Peko is very strong and a run stuffer..

Nicholson is a short yardage run stuffer and better at it than Johnson

McNeal could be another Randle El in time only much faster

Kilmer is one of the best gunners in the draft ( 23 tackles)

Look at the bright side sometimes...

I was giving you the reasons I did NOT like the draft, not trying to convince myself that it was good.

You are drinking too much of the ML koolaid -- face the possibility that this draft was NOT good

Since when is 25 reps of 225 lbs -- VERY STRONG

What has shown you that McNeal is the next Randle EL -- he was a QB and now is a WR. That does NOT make him a good WR.

Wow the best gunner in the draft -- but is he good at anything else? Pat Watkins was a good S and gunner.

Joseph and Whitworth are the two players that should help the team -- thats brightest side I can find.

[Jet23]

Nothing sexy, but that's what happens when you draft for depth. The draft didn't really flow their way as IMO a couple of guys that they targeted were snapped up right before their selection. Seriously, how many damn tight ends does New England need? That's o.k. they didn't reach and that's what is important. No Sean Brewer's in this draft. I was obvioulsy disappointed in the fact that Carpenter was selected by Dallas and yes I did set a new record for the loudest f*ck ever uttered, but he never would have made it past New England anyway.

I am a bit troubled by the Whitworth pick. Was he really selected because he was able to wow Alexander in an interview. Really, just how hard can that be? Yet another high pick on the OL indicates they may not be planning on signing everyone and apparently none of the projects have been 'coached up' to the level of starter. Is big Stacy destined to be a career back-up. And what about Kieft coming off of injury? The bottom line is, you better be developed when you get here, because there won't be a whole lot of developing going on while you are here.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Overall C/C+

Rd. 1 Joseph CB takes care of the most pressing need in my opinion. Insurance against injury to James/Oneal/Ratliff.

A+ (4.25)

Rd. 2 Whitworth OL Insurance and negotiation leverage for sigining/not signing 3 of the returning OL this season. He is the most reliable OL in the draft and can play RT/LT/and G.

B (3.00)

Rd. 3 Rucker DE Seems like a reach, may not even make the roster.

C- (1.75)

Rd. 4 Peko DL Another project DL pick, seems like he has potential to send Askew away.

B (3.00)

Rd. 5 Nicholson LB Not a need and too slow to preform on ST

D (1.00)

Rd. 6 Mcneal QB/WR Our slash Athlete. Lots of potential and talent if used correctly he adds another dimension to the offense.

B (3.00)

Rd. 7A Kilmer WR/S No need for another WR. If he is going to be used as S backup he gets a better grade.

D/C (1.00/2.00) see change to overall grade

Rd. 7B Brazell WR Speed to burn no experience, no need for another WR

F (0.00)

overall

2.125 C/ 2.25 C+

[TippCityRick]

All I know is I'm glad we're drafting for depth and not for immediate starters anymore. We'll see how this draft pans out over time, but whether it is good or not will have little effect on the coming season.

WHAT A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!!!!!!!!!

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

I went with a B. I like the Joseph pick, I like the Rucker pick, I'm intriqued by the Peko pick, I like the Nicolson pick and the McNeal pick.

I'm unsure about the Whitworth pick, but I understand the thought of signing a young guy to make sure we aren't screwed if we do indeed lose Willie.

I understand Kilmer is the real replacement for the token white receiver on our squad to play special teams. I'm not sure I like it, but he's a good gunner.

I think Brazell is the worst pick in the history of Bengals football, surpassing even big duddy himself.

[HairOnFire]

Solid B.

1 - I pimped drafting a CB in the 1st round and the Bengals did what I asked...even if they didn't draft the guy I would have. But what the heck, JJ has far more upside than the safer pick of Jennings and they do have enough time to develope a less polished prospect. Last, after watching the coaching staff tear down and then quickly rebuild O'Neal I no longer doubt the Bengals ability to develope athletic players who lack technique.

2 - Whitworth - Despite what I've read I'm skeptical that they're counting on him for any spot other than RT, but that alone is enough to justify the pick. Besides, the Bengals warned their fans that an O-line pick was likely so it shouldn't have come as the shock that it seems to.

3 - Sorry, Rucker wasn't a reach. I mentioned an article that was written prior to the bowl games where 3 NFL scouts projected where USC and UCLA prospects would go. All of them had Rucker pegged as a potential 3rd round pick, and the Bengals picked late enough in that round that no eyebrows should be raised.

4 - Hello, I must be Samoan? My least favorite pick, but I still can't bring myself to hate it.

5 - Very productive player who adds the size the Bengals sorely need. The character questions suck...why does this team always take THAT chance...but in the end I can't rule out his chances of developing into a starter someday, a rare enough thing for a 5th round pick.

6 - My reaction to the pick was something along the lines of..."Are you kidding me?" That said, I'm more than willing to give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt if they feel like taking a 6th round flyer on a guy like this.

7's - Special team warriors that Marvin always values more highly than I do.

[princeton]

I'll give 'em a C-. They anticipated a bigger run on CBs and a lesser run on TEs, and it didn't work out that way for 'em. They could have sent a message about great character, but ruined with the drafting the ILB.

My first four pix were Kiwi/Yobouty/Byrd/Harris, but I think that the Whitworth pick will prove to be a tactical victory. The Bengals always score big in Rd 2.

I like that the legacy of Jack Thompson, Natu Tuatagoloa -- and of course the immortal Samoa Samoa -- lives on.