HairOnFire Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 No matter where you put this guy....someone good is getting the ax to make room for him. It may or may not happen this year, but Brian Simmons isn't going to retire as a Bengal. At best he's one and done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengalbob Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 This is from Scout.com . . ."Ahmad Brooks, LB, Virginia6-3 3/8, 260 pounds, 4.69 40-yard dashStrengths: When in peak condition, he was a prospect with an outstanding combination of size, speed and athletic ability. He has shown the ability to be extremely productive and versatile at the highest collegiate level. He plays the game with a mean streak and flashes the ability to hold ground at the point of attack. Shows outstanding instincts and always seems to be around the ball. Has the speed and lateral mobility to make plays from sideline-to-sideline versus the run. Can change directions quickly, has the burst to get into the backfield and makes plays in space. Possesses outstanding athletic ability for his size. Displays good range in zone coverage. Shows good ball skills and is a playmaker. Is fast for size and has the cover skills to stay with most backs and tight ends in man coverage. Takes little time to reach his top speed, does an adequate job of anticipating the snap and is a relentless pass rusher. Explodes into tackles and is powerful hitter capable of forcing some fumbles. Has experience lining up at defensive end in pass rush situations, can line up at inside or outside linebacker, has some experience retuning kicks and has excellent versatility.Weaknesses: While he possesses great recognition skills, he doesn't always play with sound technique and is still somewhat raw. Doesn't always use hands well, is vulnerable to cut blocks and takes too long to shed blocks at times. Needs to improve his overall consistency. There are also major concerns regarding his durability, work ethic and character.Bottom line: Brooks attended Hargrave Military Academy in the fall of 2002 before enrolling at Virginia for the spring semester. He broke the school record for tackles registered by a freshman in 2003 and was named one of the 12 finalists for the Butkus Award in 2004. Brooks, whose father played defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins, finished the 2004 season with 90 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 6½ sacks and two interceptions. Brooks played in just six games as a junior in 2005, as he was sidelined in six others due to injuries (knee, ankle and back). He reportedly ballooned to 280 pounds before hiring a trainer to prepare him for his June 22 individual workout for NFL scouts.Brooks reminds me in many ways of Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, as he possesses a similarly rare combination of size, speed and athletic ability. Brooks has the potential to play inside or outside linebacker in the NFL and can also be effective when turned loose off the edge on obvious passing downs. Unfortunately, Brooks has some major "red flags" as a pro prospect, including character, work ethic and durability. In our opinion, Brooks is too risky to consider in the first round but too talented to pass up in the third round. "First Peppers and now Urlacher comparisons? Is this hyperbole or truth? I for one can't wait to find out! Man, 8/13 cannot come soon enough!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alleycat Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 From nfldraftcountdown.com on Brooks:Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260 | 40-Time: 4.69Official BioStrengths:The type of premier athlete that just doesn't come around very often...Has outstanding timed speed...Great size and a big, solid frame...Explosive with a burst...Good functional strength and plays with a killer instinct...A punishing tackler...Versatile and could project inside or outside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme...Has good range and can make plays sideline-to-sideline as well as in coverage...Very agile and changes direction well...An excellent pass rusher and blitzer...Dynamic playmaker who is always around the action...Has tons of upside. Weaknesses:Has dealt with injuries the past two years...Keeping his weight in check has become a major issue...Character is a concern after some off-the-field troubles and his dismissal from the team...Still raw and needs to work on his technique and not rely so heavily on his athleticism...Will disappear from the action at times...Classic boom or bust prospect who could either be great or a total flop. Notes:Father Perry Brooks played defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins from 1977-85...Attended Hargrave Military Academy in 2002...Just to give you an idea about this guys athleticism the Cavs actually had him return a couple of kicks and he averaged 27.5 per...Has all the ability in the world and looked like an elite pro prospect early in his career...Has all the tools to be an impact linebacker in the NFL if he can stay healthy, in shape and out of trouble but those are big "if's". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofLnMU Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I'm actually optimistic on this guy. I'd think we could put him at DE and let the D run roughshod on any and all in our way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJJackson Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I feel it coming o again as you homers try to sell me on this being a great move.....uhhhh.......resisting........W D E.....oh well, I tried to resist.the w in wde just got worse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I feel it coming o again as you homers try to sell me on this being a great move.....uhhhh.......resisting........W D E.....oh well, I tried to resist.the w in wde just got worseI accuse you and your avatar of having bad character issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 BBSDE Best...Bengal...Supplemental...Draft...Ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingwilly Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I think this draft + supp. draft set this team back a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldBFree Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 Jditty - I see you have Odartay on your sig. I'm a UNLV alum and saw him in the Vegas Summer League trying to earn a roster spot with the Kings along with Amundson. The NBA needs more Rebels!As for the topic, I'm excited to see that the team is being proactive about fixing the defense and not worrying about all the chatter over character issues. I do wonder what's the deal with Odell though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alleycat Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 How do we feel about Brooks now that we know we don't have Odell for 4 games? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I think this draft + supp. draft set this team back a year. No, if anything sets this team back a year it'll be the draft that netted Thurman and Henry. Then again, that draft helped get the Bengals to the playoffs last year. Go figure, huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny44 Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I hear that Brooks maybe made a DE. I like Pollack at LB. I think he is better suited there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadraftnick Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 BBSDE Best...Bengal...Supplemental...Draft...Ever.Lets wait and see if he can stay off the wacky tobacky long enough to get through a few seasons to proclaim him anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 BBSDE Best...Bengal...Supplemental...Draft...Ever.Lets wait and see if he can stay off the wacky tobacky long enough to get through a few seasons to proclaim him anything.Funny that you should take that approach -- should we assume your wait-&-see opinion is the same about Frostee Rucker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wraith Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 The Problem with Rucker is/was that he wasn't on my board because of the ON-THE-FIELD issues, we don't have that problem with Brooks. Rucker was very disappointing to me last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 Nick has convicted Rucker in his court of private opinion. To that is the reference directed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ox Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 I absolutely love this pick. The guy is a monster. I just have a feeling he will contribute immediatly, and with Odell out, he'll have his snaps for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadraftnick Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 BBSDE Best...Bengal...Supplemental...Draft...Ever.Lets wait and see if he can stay off the wacky tobacky long enough to get through a few seasons to proclaim him anything.Funny that you should take that approach -- should we assume your wait-&-see opinion is the same about Frostee Rucker?Rucker has already shown himself again and againThat said if Rucker can make it to the team with out getting suspended and have a couple of years of double digits sacks and the whole time not sexually assualt women I will be happy as can be ........Im just not holding my breath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierCat Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 No, if anything sets this team back a year it'll be the draft that netted Thurman and Henry.Yup. Rucker and Nicholson would just be icing on the proverbial cake. What a mucking fess.As for Brooks, I'm actually less concerned about his character questions than I am about his injury history. It sounds to me like the prospect of him regaining his '04 form is far from certain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BengalByTheBay Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 BBSDE Best...Bengal...Supplemental...Draft...Ever.Lets wait and see if he can stay off the wacky tobacky long enough to get through a few seasons to proclaim him anything.Funny that you should take that approach -- should we assume your wait-&-see opinion is the same about Frostee Rucker?Rucker has already shown himself again and againThat said if Rucker can make it to the team with out getting suspended and have a couple of years of double digits sacks and the whole time not sexually assualt women I will be happy as can be ........Im just not holding my breath.Is that a yes? Good to see that you'll reconsider your call that he should be immediately cut if he plays at a Pro Bowl level for two years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HairOnFire Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 The Problem with Rucker is/was that he wasn't on my board because of the ON-THE-FIELD issues, we don't have that problem with Brooks. Rucker was very disappointing to me last year. Then find yourself a tape of the USC/Oklahoma Bowl game. Rucker left his mark all over that game despite not starting. As for Brooks, I'm actually less concerned about his character questions than I am about his injury history. It sounds to me like the prospect of him regaining his '04 form is far from certain. I'm guessing the past injury situation was sorted out to the Bengals satisfaction. What concerns me is Brooks level of conditioning weighed against the desire to rush him into the mix now that Odell has been suspended. Players who dump weight quickly are prone to hamstring pulls and comparable tweaks. I'd jump start Nicholson while holding back Brooks for maybe a half season or more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 Gotta be the best 3rd round pick this year! Surprised the Bengals were willing to go that high but Brooks can be an absolute roving monster who could give the Bengals another true pass rushing 3-4 LB to use more in passing situations with Pollack on the other side. Voila...a real pass rush with either of those 2 able to drop back into short area coverage.Doubt we'll see him in the middle with Odell gone, though. Too much experience there with Landon and B-Simms and more polished skills in dropping back into coverage. Still, the guy is pretty good in shorter are coverage even if he's not quite as capable in dropping as far back as those 2.Glad to see the Bengals aren't gunshy about character issues when it comes to this kind of reward potential, even if it turns out to be short term. If he effs it all up so be it. But I like the idea of going after a player as talented as Brooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kazkal Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 I'm happy with the pick up because our linebacker corps is now freaking scary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jditty47 Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 Jditty - I see you have Odartay on your sig. I'm a UNLV alum and saw him in the Vegas Summer League trying to earn a roster spot with the Kings along with Amundson. The NBA needs more Rebels!As for the topic, I'm excited to see that the team is being proactive about fixing the defense and not worrying about all the chatter over character issues. I do wonder what's the deal with Odell though.nice. im an alum too =) Rebels are gonna be good i think this year in Bball...they got the coaches son who is a 3 point specialist and our answer at point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted July 14, 2006 Report Share Posted July 14, 2006 Well, I think this boils down to they knew Odell was going to be gone the first four games AND WE HAVE NO DEPTH !!! I'm not bothered by this pick today as much as I'm disheartened by Odell. What a disappointment !!!WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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