Falcons want O'neal?

[ArmyBengal]

If Marvin views Deltha as that much of a problem, then I think (as a fan) we would have to support him trying to clean things up a bit and set an example that even a pro bowler can be replaced. That might not mean that much to some players, but you get what I'm saying. At this point, knowing what defensive needs we have and no 3rd round pick, I wouldn't be that disappointed with their 3rd round pick, but would obviously prefer their 2nd. I would love to see best CB in the first. I think Revis could start right away as he was a 4 year starter, very disciplined by all who comment about him, has long arms, very solid tackler, not to mention he could be a HUGE punt returner... That being said, I would like to see a linebacker and safety with the following picks, maybe another CB as mentioned earlier...

Give me defense on day one. Maybe something like this:

1st- CB-Revis or best available

2nd- OLB-Alexander or Safety- Griffin

3rd- Safety- Rouse or OLB Everett

I guess you could always consider a TE, but I would rather not, as I think our offense is MORE than potent and our defense is in greater need. MAKE THE DEAL !!!

Just my 2 cents...

WHODEY !!!

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

If Marvin views Deltha as that much of a problem, then I think (as a fan) we would have to support him trying to clean things up a bit and set an example that even a pro bowler can be replaced. That might not mean that much to some players, but you get what I'm saying. At this point, knowing what defensive needs we have and no 3rd round pick, I wouldn't be that disappointed with their 3rd round pick, but would obviously prefer their 2nd. I would love to see best CB in the first. I think Revis could start right away as he was a 4 year starter, very disciplined by all who comment about him, has long arms, very solid tackler, not to mention he could be a HUGE punt returner... That being said, I would like to see a linebacker and safety with the following picks, maybe another CB as mentioned earlier...

Give me defense on day one. Maybe something like this:

1st- CB-Revis or best available

2nd- OLB-Alexander or Safety- Griffin

3rd- Safety- Rouse or OLB Everett

I guess you could always consider a TE, but I would rather not, as I think our offense is MORE than potent and our defense is in greater need. MAKE THE DEAL !!!

Just my 2 cents...

WHODEY !!!

Agree on all points. They better not take a TE on day 1 after signing Reggie given the state of our defense. I wouldn't be anxious to let Deltha go for less than a second, but then again if they know he's in the doghouse (and if we do, how can they not?), it kills trade leverage so we might do no better than a 3rd.

I'd still rather not trade away one of the few starters we have that has proven his ability to be a star-quality defender. We get rid of him, that leaves really Justin as the only player on defense that other teams might worry about, followed by Geathers, Dexter, and trailing pretty far after last year, Madieu. Perhaps JonJoe plays his way onto that list. But long story short, we don't have enough good players on defense to start getting rid of them.

And while we may be fairly bad at LB, at least we have some depth, so we're not 100% screwed going into the season. We get rid of Deltha, and if we don't hit it with a draft pick, we are definitely screwed.

Just increases the odds on what's already looking like a troubling season on the D side of the ball.

[HoosierCat]

There have been rumors for a while that the Bengals were shopping O'Neal, but hadn't gotten any takers. At this point, I have to think chances of a deal are slim, at least for anything better than a day 2 selection.

[bengalboomer7]

So, if we trade him, who the hell plays corner? I'm not at all comfortable with any of our other players or a rookie getting that much PT

[7/11]

If Deltha does leave, is it safe to assume that Madieu starts opposite Joseph? Does that sell us out on Reggie Nelson in the first?

Is safety an easier position for a rookie to step into than corner?

the only chance we have at getting reggie nelson is to trade up.

the jags are infatuated with nelson and having pick #17, the pick before us, he is sure to be gone at 18.

even trading up doesn't ensure that we get him, as his stock has gone up in the past month...

as for stealtha...

he is one of the better corners in the league most of the time, and because we have kiewan and greg brooks behind him, i would be pissed to get anything less than a third.

none of the "first-round" corners impress me (at least the ones i've seen play), so if this goes through, we BETTER have an improved pass rush to take the heat off our corners. regardless of the compensation, this trade could hinder our defense pretty good...

[The PatternMaster]

Deltha s a pot head big time.

I was going to say that, I'm sure it's known that the Cali boy loves some chronic, can't say I blame him. Maybe if he passed the blunt to Marvin every once in a while everything would be peace.

[ArmyBengal]

Remember when we had Madieu starting at Corner and getting burnt ?? He learned quick and I think with the speed of some of these guys, it would help them at least catch up if they bit hard on a particular play. Sometimes you have to let some go. The extra draft pick and money saved, let alone getting rid of a (at least perceived) problem wouldn't be the worst of things and Deltha is not the sole problem that needs to be solved with this defense. He didn't play a huge part in anything last year. I still say make the deal for at least a third and no less.

WHODEY !!!

[HoosierCat]

So, if we trade him, who the hell plays corner? I'm not at all comfortable with any of our other players or a rookie getting that much PT

Well, "and move Madieu to corner" was the corrollary to the "trade Deltha" rumors. Which would I suppose mean a rook starting at FS.

[jjakq27]

Did Deltha Oneal run over Marvin's dog during that DUI last year? Sheesh.

You know, we do have to have some corners next year. Madieu looked bad on some deep balls last year, I don't much like the idea of him at CB. Ratliff is horrible. JonJoe's looked good, but I don't think he's ready to be the #1 corner just yet.

Even if they get a 2nd for him, and draft a CB, you'd rather not go into the opener with a rookie starting there.

So is Deltha completely shot here?

I have mixed emotions about this scenario. Marvin thinks Deltha is a bad role model for the younger players. He comes to meetings late and he recieved a DUI. Then I looked at our roster and we only have Ratliff, Greg Jones, and Brandon Williams behind Joseph. We need another veteran if we make this trade.

I heard that Deltha and Tory keep to themself and rarely eat lunch with the other players at the stadium. They have also taken JJo under their wing and I am sure they are concerned about their influence on him.

[schweinhart]

So, if we trade him, who the hell plays corner? I'm not at all comfortable with any of our other players or a rookie getting that much PT

Well, "and move Madieu to corner" was the corrollary to the "trade Deltha" rumors. Which would I suppose mean a rook starting at FS.

Unless Greg Brooks can come through or the bottom of the free agency barrell provides a stop gap. But there would be worse things than Madieu back at corner in Deltha's spot again. And a free safety should be easier to find, maybe even Indiana Jones can do it.

[fattyjay]

Let's say the Bengals are able to pull off this trade and end up with the Falcons 2nd round pick at #39, what then are the possibilities of who they draft on day 1?

[Bobcat Bengal]

Deltha s a pot head big time.

I was going to say that, I'm sure it's known that the Cali boy loves some chronic, can't say I blame him. Maybe if he passed the blunt to Marvin every once in a while everything would be peace.

What are you, HaironFire's comedy writer?

you're funny man....

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

So, if we trade him, who the hell plays corner? I'm not at all comfortable with any of our other players or a rookie getting that much PT

Well, "and move Madieu to corner" was the corrollary to the "trade Deltha" rumors. Which would I suppose mean a rook starting at FS.

And another starter we need to fill through the draft. If this deal goes through, we'll need at least 1 (ideally starting) LB (replace Odell/Pollack), 1 starting CB/S (replace Deltha), 1 backup CB (replace Tory), 1 backup DT (replace Smith), 1 backup S (replace Kaesviharn), 1 backup G (replace Steinbach). That's 6 guys who are either going to need to start or be a first line backup (with exception of Smith, who kind of fell out of favor). Even if we get Atlanta's pick, that's 7 picks. Of the up and comers, we'd better hope that Kilmer and Brooks are ready to make the jump, which would reduce the degree to which we count on the rookies.

[ArmyBengal]

The other thing I was thinking was that with the possiblity of picking up a 2nd or 3rd and knowing how marvin loves to have a bundle of draft picks, it wouldn't suprise me to see them trade down in the second to pick up another 3rd possibly giving us 4 day one picks. I wouldn't mind staying put in the 1st and then trading down in the 2nd one bit. Just another thought in the attempts of addressing such defensive needs or maybe looking at the TE no one wants on day one.

WHODEY !!!

[HairOnFire]

I'm not sure that you can ever rely on a rookie to be ready to start in the defensive backfield. So much of this rumor doesn't seem to make sense - why would the Falcons want Deltha when they have (I think) four or five day one picks? It seems like they could get somebody with a comparable skill set with one of those picks.

The Falcons' coach also announced today or yesterday that Jimmy Williams will be starting next year, and it doesn't seem likely that Deltha could supplant D'Angelo Hall. Presumably, then, they want him for depth. If that's the case, $2million/year is a lot to pay for a nickel back (plus whatever signing bonus they'd have to give him).

Adam Schefter(sp?) of the NFL Network broke the rumor and claimed that the Falcons intend to pair Deltha with D'Angelo Hall at CB. Last years 2nd round pick Jimmy Williams wasn't mentioned so let's be clear that everything that follows is just me speculating about what they may be thinking.

Prior to last years draft there was plenty of speculation about Williams being a fairly marginal CB prospect (Too big/stiff)...with FS being his best position. Williams then struggled badly at CB last year, making a switch to FS an even more popular idea. The trade would also free up the Falcons to pass on Laron Landry or a 1st round CB in favor of an offensive or defensive lineman, both of which they need badly. Last, the Falcons may feel, as others do, that waiting until the 2nd round for a CB would result in most, if not all, of the best prospects being off the board.

[HairOnFire]

Personally, I have absolutely no problem with the idea of having a rookie CB or S added to the mix....especially if we're talking about Revis, Hall, or Nelson. Those are smart players that have outstanding instincts and it probably won't take long getting any of them up to speed.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Don't forget about Greg Brooks - the oft-injured one. He's superior to Ratliff and it's just a matter of him getting over his injury bugs and beating someone out in preseason.

If they somehow could swing Leon Hall at #18 (doubting it) I would be ecstatic to have him and JJ locked up here for the next 3-5 years.

[fattyjay]

Adam Schefter(sp?) of the NFL Network broke the rumor and claimed that the Falcons intend to pair Deltha with D'Angelo Hall at CB. Last years 2nd round pick Jimmy Williams wasn't mentioned so let's be clear that everything that follows is just me speculating about what they may be thinking.

Prior to last years draft there was plenty of speculation about Williams being a fairly marginal CB prospect (Too big/stiff)...with FS being his best position. Williams then struggled badly at CB last year, making a switch to FS an even more popular idea. The trade would also free up the Falcons to pass on Laron Landry or a 1st round CB in favor of an offensive or defensive lineman, both of which they need badly. Last, the Falcons may feel, as others do, that waiting until the 2nd round for a CB would result in most, if not all, of the best prospects being off the board.

[kayaker0678]

whats wrong with JJ and Tory james until a rookie steps up. I would love to see detha for Warrick Dunn with some pick trading

[TJJackson]

what's wrong is that Marvin has already said Tory James is done here....several times......

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

whats wrong with JJ and Tory james until a rookie steps up. I would love to see detha for Warrick Dunn with some pick trading

You watch Tory last year? He went from fairly slow in 2005 to "running in sand" slow in 2006. I fully expect he'll be in a wheelchair by 2009 at this pace.

[The PatternMaster]

whats wrong with JJ and Tory james until a rookie steps up. I would love to see detha for Warrick Dunn with some pick trading

and some of you guys think I'm funny...

Seriously though, fattyjay stole my thunder but I agree that this make sense from Atl's p.o.v. as they can move Williams to FS to team with Milloy and start Deltha and D.Hall, that's a pretty formiable secondary, on Madden 2007 atleast. Plus it would allow Petrino to draft a guy he's been coaching since he was 14, everybody's favorite African Amobi Okoye.

With Petrino's first pick as HC, he has to go with the surest thing and Okoye is that for Petrino. The NFL draft can be quite a crap shoot, (i.e. Akili, Klingler, KiJana etc..) so if Petrino can get a good player that knows how to motivate and he knows like one of his own kids it would make perfect sense to draft him. Plus Grady Jackson and Rod Coleman aren't getting younger and they lost Kerney in FA, they need a talent infusion on the d-line and Okoye would be just that. Over-rated he may be, but he could easily be a top 10 pick.

[WhoDeyForever]

I'll trade him and our 1st rounder for their 1st rounder and a 4th

[derekshank]

I'll trade him and our 1st rounder for their 1st rounder and a 4th

I'm sure you would. Moving up 10 spots in the 1st round would be about the sweetest deal you could possibly imagine. That is exactly what we gave to Denver for Deltha actually... but that was moving from 16th to 26th... not the same thing as 8th to 18th. Those first 10 picks carry a lot more value than later in the 1st round.

That trade will never happen. Droping from 8th to 18th is incredibly valuable... much more value than Deltha has right now... let alone an additional 4th rounder. As someone already mentioned... Atlanta is probably eyeing Okoye, and they aren't going to part with that 8th overall pick - no way.

What I'm personally hoping for is to move up 5 spots in the 2nd round (Atlanta has two 2nd rounders) and maybe get a 4th or a 5th round additional pick. I think that would be max value for Deltha at this point... and a good deal for us. We'd be able to get a 1st round CB at 18, moving from 49 to 44 in round 2 would nearly guarantee Marvin of getting a shot at his boy Durant if he wants him - Plus, since we don't have a 3rd rounder, an additional 4th or 5th could be pretty important.

If they offer to swap 2nd round picks and give a 4th round pick for Deltha, I'd jump all over it.

[mjm47]

Hobson says no trade is likely...

Hobson's Choice: O'Neal staying for now

March 29, 2007

Hello Geoff how are you doing these days well I hope, anyway to the big question. What is this I am hearing about Deltha O'Neal being shopped around? Who would take his place as the other starting corner if we trade him?

I don't have that much confidence in Keiwan. Does Marvin? What are they looking to get out of him if this is true? A 3rd round pick I would assume or do you think we could get a 2nd? Can't wait to hear your opinion on this topic.Curtis, Middletown, OH

CURTIS: That O’Neal trade report sounds like it’s a little dated, although nothing can be ruled out on Draft Day. But the temperature right is now is that he’s not on the block, he’s not going anywhere, and they need him because who is going to take his place?

Moving Madieu Williams from safety to cornerback is an idea that’s being kicked around but is probably going to depend on how the draft goes. And a move may end up being moot with his backup, Kevin Kaesviharn, now in New Orleans.

But Williams’ flexibility gives you flexibility in the first round. You take a corner, you can leave him at safety. You take a safety and then maybe you think about moving him, although there is some concern that Williams can play corner down after down. But certainly on nickel downs and in a Cover 2 he’d be a terrific corner because he can run and blitz.

But even if they draft a corner at No. 18, that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to go into the opener with their two starting cornerbacks having nine NFL starts among them, and all of them belonging to Johnathan Joseph.

All of which reflects why there are no plans to trade O’Neal at this point in time.

Now, maybe O’Neal wants to get traded but that’s a different story. During this past offseason Marvin Lewis has alluded to guys in ’06 who didn’t play well because they were thinking about contracts and O’Neal is a leading candidate because they didn’t re-do his deal after he went to the Pro Bowl and became the first Bengal ever with 10 interceptions in 2005.

All that said, I love the guy. He may be the best athlete on the team, he’s got great hands, and except for last season, always seems to be around the ball and makes something happen.

Why he struggled so badly last season, who knows? Injuries were a part of it and maybe the contract had something do with it. But if he returns to ’05 form (and they apparently have not counted him out), it’s almost like getting a big-time free agent.