Draft Preview.

[ChadJohnson-85]

Now that were half way threw the season what position do you all think is going to be our biggest need in the 2007 draft?

[Kazkal]

3 Postions I could see us going for day 1

1.)WLB need a Stud sense odell is done (if hes not i'm having everyone eat their own crow.)

2.)Defensive end(this I would like even if we resigned justin and kept geathers around never can have enough depth on Dline

3.)Defensive Tackle young Stud to be pekos future partner

4.)Center only if guycheck shows he can't be a center in the nfl

not really needs but could use depth/upgrade

5.)Safety (probbley just for depth or to devolope in too dexters replacement in a few years) could see it being day 1 pick in 2008

6.)Tight End 4th rounder mybe? bring in graham and keep kelly

I dunno I suck at this ask schweinhart

[Stripes]

WSLB and DE.

[derekshank]

LB is my #1 priority. DE is becoming less and less a priority for me. We need to re-sign Justin Smith. Geathers is becoming a very good pass-rusher, and I have faith that Frostee Rucker can be the non-passing down DE of the future... but that's too hard to know for sure. I wouldn't be surprised one way or the other on DE. If a highly rated one falls to us, I imagine we'd grab them... but I don't see us reaching for one.

TE, S and DT are always positions that fans want to draft. I could see us addressing all or none of them in the 2nd day.

Honestly there aren't a lot of glaring holes on this team right now. Our biggest needs will depend on who we let walk in FA. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see another 1st day O-Lineman in this draft. We've certainly needed Whitworth this year... and that is with Steiny still on the roster. With him gone, and if Braham doesn't come back, we'll need to get someone, either through the draft or FA.

[Kazkal]

Agreed derek

Though DT I look at same as DE if theres a awesome one that feel to us and is clearly BPA I woulden't mind seeing us draft one...but its not something need reach for and can even put off for another year or try find nother rnd 4 stud

Anyone have thoughts on some good WLB this year?

[Tasher]

Agreed derek

Though DT I look at same as DE if theres a awesome one that feel to us and is clearly BPA I woulden't mind seeing us draft one...but its not something need reach for and can even put off for another year or try find nother rnd 4 stud

Anyone have thoughts on some good WLB this year?

OLB Rankings from Draft Countdown...

# Name College Height Weight 40-Time

1. Paul Posluszny Penn St. 6-2 238 4.65

2. Rufus Alexander Oklahoma 6-1 230 4.60

3. Earl Everett Florida 6-3 234 4.55

4. Juwan Simpson Alabama 6-3 222 4.70

5. Tim Shaw Penn St. 6-1 237 4.75

6. KaMichael Hall Georgia Tech 6-0 225 4.65

7. Brian Smith Missouri 6-4 230 4.80

8. Stephen Nicholas South Florida 6-3 225 4.70

9. David Holloway Maryland 6-2 230 4.85

10. Justin Durant Hampton 6-2 230 4.65

11. Prescott Burgess Michigan 6-3 243 4.75

12. Dallas Sartz USC 6-5 240 4.70

13. Quincy Black New Mexico 6-3 227 4.60

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/olb.html

Note, these are all seniors, no underclassmen that might declare.

My thoughts on our needs are thus:

DE HUGE priority, then speed LB or DE tweaner (another Pollack or conversion DE/LB rusher?), Safety, TE

Earl Everett stands out to me, but I have not seen him play yet... Nice size and speed for a weak side guy...

Just for giggles, here are the ILBs on the board...

# Name College Height Weight 40-Time

1. Patrick Willis Ole Miss 6-2 240 4.60

2. Buster Davis Florida St. 5-10 240 4.65

3. H.B. Blades Pittsburgh 6-0 240 4.75

4. Anthony Waters Clemson 6-3 235 4.65

5. David Harris Michigan 6-2 251 4.75

6. Justin Warren Texas A&M 6-3 242 4.95

7. Nate Harris Louisville 6-1 232 4.65

8. Kelvin Smith Syracuse 6-2 233 4.80

9. Desmond Bishop California 6-2 243 4.75

10. Thaddaeus Washington Colorado 5-11 245 4.80

11. Oscar Lua USC 6-1 240 4.85

12. Cameron Jensen B.Y.U. 6-2 247 4.90

13. Dedrick Harrington Missouri 6-3 245 4.75

[schweinhart]

I'd rate the weakside backers as:

1. Earl Everett

2. Rufus Alexander

3. Prescott Burgess

4. Steve Nicholas

5. Juwann Simpson

But I'd put the odds at slim to none that the Bengals target the position in the 1st day. Landon probably gets the 1st round RFA tender and Miller gets the RFA min tender, which would give the Bengals a 3rd if another team offers more and that seems unlikely. They still got Simmons too so all said they're pretty much set at WSLB. Plus the most likely available ones after Everett probably won't be much improvement over what they got.

However, if they go BPA w/ a LB in the 1st, then I'd be looking hard at Desmond Bishop. He can probably swing all 3 spots in a 4-3 as could Brandon Siler if he enters early. When you watch Landon or Caleb try to play SSLB, I think it's much clearer that more is needed there and if Brooks is going to be used in the middle then they ought to get the most athletic LB they can get who's got the size to step in at strong plus backup the other 2 positions. Yes they got Jeanty but I still don't think he's the long-term answer there.

The wiser course would be a SSLB/DE like Woodley if he's there. But there's a bunch of solid cover corners in this draft, especially if some early entries declare. I'm starting to lean toward CB based on the likely available talent at the end of Round 1.

[Tasher]

...When you watch Landon or Caleb try to play SSLB, I think it's much clearer that more is needed there and if Brooks is going to be used in the middle then they ought to get the most athletic LB they can get who's got the size to step in at strong plus backup the other 2 positions. Yes they got Jeanty but I still don't think he's the long-term answer there.

The wiser course would be a SSLB/DE like Woodley if he's there. But there's a bunch of solid cover corners in this draft, especially if some early entries declare. I'm starting to lean toward CB based on the likely available talent at the end of Round 1.

You really think that we are short on the strong side with Jeanty and Pollack? I know it is undetermined at this point as to whether or not Pollack can return at this point and will be for a good part of the early off season, but with Simmons getting up there in years and everyone saying that his best days are behind him, I expected to hear more about those guys to eventually replace Simmons.

My opinion is that I think the Bengals will focus on other positions unless it is clear that Pollack and Thurman will not be back, or someone drops into their lap.

[Kazkal]

If pollack knows he is done draft day I woulden't mind a woodley or hickmann to replace him. if it's still up in air well may just have take chance with jeanty though with all praise he got from the coaching staff should be fine.

[Tasher]

If pollack knows he is done draft day I woulden't mind a woodley or hickmann to replace him. if it's still up in air well may just have take chance with jeanty though with all praise he got from the coaching staff should be fine.

Boy, this is sure uncharted territory for us, huh? Usually we need just about everything, or a couple of very clear weak spots that need shoring up. Now with our depth and quality, yet questions around injuries, we are just lost!

Sure is a lot more fun this way though!

[schweinhart]

You really think that we are short on the strong side with Jeanty and Pollack? I know it is undetermined at this point as to whether or not Pollack can return at this point and will be for a good part of the early off season, but with Simmons getting up there in years and everyone saying that his best days are behind him, I expected to hear more about those guys to eventually replace Simmons.

My opinion is that I think the Bengals will focus on other positions unless it is clear that Pollack and Thurman will not be back, or someone drops into their lap.

I'd say the Bengals have to proceed thinking Pollack is out for the year and they already know O'Dumb is gone for at least 4 games. IMO Jeanty is not the answer at strongside but is a solid reserve.

If Woodley falls into the Bengals lap at the end of the 1st, he would be an ideal pick for them, especially if Justin moves on. They will need another DE, which Woodley may be able to play every down. He's plays with strength and leverage at the point of attack and has the quickness needed to rush and pursue the run. Those same qualities also should suit him as an OLB even though he's better suited for OLB in a 3-4 than 4-3 SSLB. The ? for him to answer is how well he can transition into short area coverage in space.

But the Bengals used Jumpy Jr. in this capacity a lot last week. He dropped back into coverage more vs. the Panthers than I've seen him do before. If the Bengals continue to groom him for more coverage drops and essentially SSLB play, then they might be better served focusing on a truer DE, which, again, Woodley may be.

[Tasher]

BRob, Geathers and Fanene are the DEs next year, along with Henderson and Rucker. (Not that we won't draft one, I suspect that is very likely)

I do not believe that Odell is gone for 4 games NEXT year. He has to apply for reinstatement after this season is over. The original 4 game suspension was extended to a full season, not original 4 game suspension was finished, then he was suspended for another full season, which would be 16 additional games to the 4 originally served.

Obviously the questions are A. whether or not the NFL reinstates him and B. whether or not he comes back to the Bengals. My guess is that the same CBA rules would apply. You cannot dismiss a player under those circumstances, just as the NFL/team cannot act until the player is convicted or pleads guilty.

[BlainThePain]

I was just thinking that if Pollack does come back, I would like to see Pollack on the strong side and Jeanty on the weakside. Let Pollack and Jeanty have first down, second down, and short yardage plays and let Landon and Caleb have the passing downs.

[Kazkal]

I'd say the Bengals have to proceed thinking Pollack is out for the year and they already know O'Dumb is gone for at least 4 games. IMO Jeanty is not the answer at strongside but is a solid reserve.

I doubt his suspension carries over either he'll probbley get it lifted or he'll get cut

BRob, Geathers and Fanene are the DEs next year, along with Henderson and Rucker. (Not that we won't draft one, I suspect that is very likely)

Henderson will be on the PS again justin will be resigned

I candream.

[schweinhart]

Good Gawd, don't nobody tell O'Dumb he's not suspended the 1st 4 games next year....He's liable to go out and get liquored up and talk Henry into riding shotgun. You know I just really haven't followed the particluars of his case because it's all out of sight out of mind for me. Gotta figure a guy like that with the world by the tail and in a position to make millions to do what a lot of men would love to make a living doing...and he blows it....I doubt any one in the Bengals org is going to count on him. Maybe he shows up, but it already sounds like they weren't going to rely on him to play MLB with the Brooks pick. And Brooks has far exceeded the expectation I had for him to adjust not only to the NFL but a 4-3 MLB. He looks like he's done it in much shorter order than I thought he would. How Brooks performs for the rest of the year obviously factors into what the Bengals will think they need to address via the draft....So far so good on that score.

But the draft waits for no one And it's high time to watch Clemson-Va. Tech. And speaking of MLBs there's Vince Hall #9 who's got a good shot to get picked high if he enters early.

Plus there's Aaroun Rouse #36, Xavier Adibi #11 and even David Clowney #87.

And watching Gaines Adams #93 is a sight to see.

[Kazkal]

Think AAron rouse could make a WLB? preatty much thomas davis? I know hes big at 6'4 220 but still need put om some weight.

[derekshank]

We know Marvin doesn't like to reach for picks... especially in the first round, so we will probably only take a WSLB if there is a really good one available. I don't see us taking a MLB, because Brooks has shown such ability, and we also have Landon and Caleb Miller who are decent back-ups.

As for SSLB, it will depend upon Pollack. Although, even with Pollack and Jeanty signed, there were rumors we were going to take Manny Lawson and convert him to a OLB... but I think that was when there was still a lot of talk about the 3-4, which has subsided significantly since this last draft.

If Pollack doesn't come back, I think Jeanty seems to be very capable... but we still lack a lot of depth there, so we'll probably need someone at least in the 2nd day to function as depth.

Regardless, I think we're going to need a LB on the 1st day, and at least one more on the second. I believe it is our greatest area of need, as well as the postion with the most uncertainties (will Odell play for us... will Pollack play... if he does, will he be the same?) It should be our 1st round pick, as long as we don't have to make a ridiculous reach.

[Kazkal]

Agreed about not reaching if theres a stud and hes bpa I'm sure will take it....

We could always try steal briggs from the bears though hes a RFA hehe so no way they let him walk this year.

[schweinhart]

Think AAron rouse could make a WLB? preatty much thomas davis? I know hes big at 6'4 220 but still need put om some weight.

Whole different league of hitter between Davis and Rouse. I watched Rouse make one of the most feeble attempts to tackle a RB on the edge that I've ever seen last night en route to a TD. Think he got benched for it and didn't come back in because other safeties were on the field that I noticed. Don't want to bust any Rouse bubbles but I'd say he's falling fast and hard on draft boards, probably down into Day 2 by now.

But this would be a good year to nab a LB in the late 1st or 2nd. With a few early entries, there'll be a cluster of really good LBs who are athletic and strong enough to probably swing multiple spots. Can't say I'm too keen on any of the true weakside types, though. Just doesn't look like anything close to a bumper crop and I do think this year will be a BPA pick in the 1st with about 6 or 7 positions in mind including WR.

[Tasher]

A look at some of the prospects for the draft that are hot and moving up boards...

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/hotlist.html

(Edited for positions that we don't need...)

1. Ray McDonald, DE, Florida (SR)

At the start of this season there were more questions than answers with Ray McDonald, ranging from his position to his health. While there is still some debate as to whether he will ultimately play end or tackle at the pro level he seems to have alleviated any concerns scouts might have had about the stability of his surgically repaired knee with his strong play as a senior. Even though his numbers (3 sacks and 4 TFL) are somewhat modest they don't accurately reflect what an impact he has had and right now his stock is soaring.

3. John Wendling, S, Wyoming (SR)

This is one of the best groups of senior safeties to come along in quite some time and while LaRon Landry, Michael Griffin, Eric Weddle, Aaron Rouse and Brandon Meriweather have received most of the attention scouts are beginning to zero in on John Wendling. An outstanding physical specimen at 6-1 and 220 pounds with reported sub-4.5 speed, Wendling is also as bright of a prospect as there is in this draft. Because of where he plays Wendling won't get a lot of pub but watch for him to really emerge as the draft gets closer.

6. Justin Hickman, DE, U.C.L.A. (SR)

A former JUCO transfer, Hickman has been relatively productive for the Bruins throughout his career but was still flying under the radar heading into his senior season. While that is still the case to a certain degree it is becoming harder and harder for scouts to ignore the production because Hickman is #2 in the nation with 10.5 sacks. Even though he doesn't really stand out physically in any one area the guy just knows how to get after the quarterback which is something every team is looking for. Hickman is a classic big school sleeper.

8. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas (SR)

There are so many great senior defensive ends in this class that Crowder tends to get lost in the shuffle but when all is said and done he'll likely end up going much higher than some of the more high-profile names. Statistically Crowder is having the best season of his career by far and through 9 games he's already notched 16 tackles for a loss and 9 sacks. If he continues on this pace don't be surprised if he finds himself in the round one mix next April. He may not be the flashiest guy around but Crowder really is an excellent player.

9. Fred Bennett, CB, South Carolina (SR)

Certain schools become known for producing pro prospects at specific positions (Penn St. and linebacker for example) and believe it or not South Carolina is quickly developing a reputation of their own. With the Gamecocks it's defensive backs and in recent years South Carolina has sent the likes of Sheldon Brown, Dunta Robinson, Johnathan Joseph and Ko Simpson (to name a few) on to the NFL. The next name that will be added to that list is Fred Bennett, who has stepped out from under the shadows of Simpson and Joseph.

[schweinhart]

I like Fred Bennett a lot but not sure he's physical enough vs. the run to fare better than 2nd or 3rd round.

Another CB who is real impressive is Arkansas' Chris Houston. He's probably the most ideal nickel back I've seen this year and has shackled some big time receivers. Robert Meachem got him for a 25 yd TD last night but it looked like the coverage was supposed to give him help over top. Still, Houston has unreal feet and makes quicker than the eye cuts reacting to receivers. He's a redshirt junior but probably will get a Day 1 early entry evaluation.

[Kazkal]

For DE's I'm really liking woodley more and more...Jackson would also be very nice if he could be had in rnd 2 if he enters or trade down and get him

[schweinhart]

For DE's I'm really liking woodley more and more...Jackson would also be very nice if he could be had in rnd 2 if he enters or trade down and get him

I hear ya Kaz. Woodley does look good and probably can kick out to the strongside with his quicks if need be.

Jackson would also be a choice pick IMO, including in the 1st. In that USC-Cal game, Jackson consistently beat a halfway decent LT in Andrew Cameron and caused even more damage from the other side. He's a truer 4-3 DE than Woodley and ought to enter early so he can shed the 3-4 USC uses him in, whether they pack the 3 in tight or let Jackson slip out a little wider. But I seriously doubt USC goes back to a 4-3 base where he will thrive....They kicked him out wide on a one 4-man front they called on a Marshawn Lynch draw and there was no way for Jackson to get to the space vacated by a a$$-handed DT in time to stop Lynch from getting a 1st down on a 3rd and 15.

So Larry, go ahead and make you some money.

[derekshank]

I watched the 2nd half of the USC/Notre Dame game. I wasn't watching closely for the purpose of scouting or anyhting like that (that's not how I watch college football)... but I was impressed with the Jr. USC DT Fili Moala. I don't know much about him, or how much playing time he's gotten, but he played a hell of a game against Notre Dame.

I wondered if he might come out, and we'd take him on the 2nd day... kind of like we did with Peko. I know what you're thinking... Domata Peko and Fili Moala as our future DT's? At least they'd have cool names.

[Kazkal]

Ya then fanene on the outside