Rookie to make an Impact?

[NJ29]

I know a lot of us are really excited about seeing some of the rookies and second year players on the field, but it seems like there are traffic jams of veterans in front of most of the rookies, and a lot them won't log much time. Some I'd like to see play.

- Marvin White - If Dex stays healthy, he'll probably get on the field in extra-DB situations, but when else?

- Kenny Irons - It'll take him some time to pick up the playbook, so it's likely that Watson will be in front of him for awhile. When will he get on?

- Peko, Fanene, Toeaina - Along with a lot of other guys, I'd like to see the Samoans on the field as much ass possible, as I think all three of them play with more fire, leverage and playmaking ability than Thornton or Robinson.

- Eric Henderson - Since he's switching positions, will he be able to hop any of the more experienced players, or Jeanty, the guy who is doing the same thing as him, but with a year head start?

- Frostee Rucker - Hasn't really shown anything to prove that he should be on the field, but is he ever going to get on the field at all?

- AJ Nicholson - Doesn't quite have the speed as some over the other 'backers, but he's a big hitter and a good run stopper.

- Earl Everett - Has caught a lot of s**t for not running well at the combine (4.8), but did so with a pulled hamstring, and has never shown any evidence of deficient speed in college. Has good pass rushing and coverage ability, and would be a good dime 'backer if he makes the active roster.

- Skyler Green - Been forgotten in offseason discussions, but was a great returner at LSU, and could make a splash in the slot if given the opportunity. I think he's an upgrade over Chatman.

- Tim Day / Ronnie Ghent - With Stewart gone, they're really the only receiving threats at tight end.

- Bennie Brazell - Olympic speed, could be really helpful if he can hold up.

I think there are more weapons and playmakers on the roster than we realize, they just can't make it on the field. Obviously the coaching staff knows better than I do, but I think some of these younger players can make an impact, but probably won't get that opportunity. It seems like old, ineffective veterans like Thornton, Adams, and Ratliff will continue to see the field instead. As far as the linebackers, they could add a spark in certain siuations, but will probably remain behind steady but unspectacular guys like Miller and Landon.

[JPW]

From scout.com:

Skyler Green the No. 125 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, 5-foot-9, 192, 4.5 forty.

Green is a short, compact return specialist who established an LSU record with four returns for touchdowns.

While not a sprinter in the purest sense, he has extraordinary acceleration, hitting his top speed in just a few steps, allowing him to get separation from would-be tacklers.

He also is very elusive, a shifty runner who changes direction very quickly.

Green will be thrown into the mix returning punts and probably kickoffs, and has the speed and strength to contribute on other special teams, as well.

He is something of a pinball, bouncing off opponents while maintaining his balance, and he’s able to fight through more tackles than many players his size do.

His elusiveness stems in part from his great vision and shiftiness, and in part from his solid physique, making him tough to tackle.

The 2005 Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, Green averaged 13.3 yards on 27 returns in 2005, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

A year after leading the nation with an 18.5-yard average as a sophomore.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

"Marvin White - If Dex stays healthy, he'll probably get on the field in extra-DB situations, but when else?"

Dex doesn't stay healthy.

"- Kenny Irons - It'll take him some time to pick up the playbook, so it's likely that Watson will be in front of him for awhile. When will he get on?"

It doesn't usually take RBs that long to pick up the playbook as it pertains to them, especially when not in blitzing downs. I see him pretty much used to spell Rudi here and there. If he can catch well out of the backfield, he could make Perry superfluous.

"- Peko, Fanene, Toeaina - Along with a lot of other guys, I'd like to see the Samoans on the field as much ass possible, as I think all three of them play with more fire, leverage and playmaking ability than Thornton or Robinson."

We'll see if Peko is the real deal this year. I think the other two will have trouble getting PT.

"- Eric Henderson - Since he's switching positions, will he be able to hop any of the more experienced players, or Jeanty, the guy who is doing the same thing as him, but with a year head start?"

Jeanty is too good. Don't think so.

"- Frostee Rucker - Hasn't really shown anything to prove that he should be on the field, but is he ever going to get on the field at all?"

He's so slow, by the time he gets to the huddle the ball's already snapped. DE is one spot where we're looking pretty good. He'll have a tough time getting a chance barring injury.

"- AJ Nicholson - Doesn't quite have the speed as some over the other 'backers, but he's a big hitter and a good run stopper. "

With our LB corps, all warm bodies will get a chance in camp. If Odell and Pollack don't play this year and he's healthy, he'll get a real chance in camp.

"- Earl Everett - Has caught a lot of s**t for not running well at the combine (4.8), but did so with a pulled hamstring, and has never shown any evidence of deficient speed in college. Has good pass rushing and coverage ability, and would be a good dime 'backer if he makes the active roster."

See above.

"- Skyler Green - Been forgotten in offseason discussions, but was a great returner at LSU, and could make a splash in the slot if given the opportunity. I think he's an upgrade over Chatman."

Return ability mitigated if Tab's back. Still deep at receiver, it'll be tough for him.

"- Tim Day / Ronnie Ghent - With Stewart gone, they're really the only receiving threats at tight end."

Come on, Reggie Kelly's not that bad. He caught more passes/yards than Stewart.

"- Bennie Brazell - Olympic speed, could be really helpful if he can hold up."

Particularly when Henry comes back, I think we'll have the burners we need. I'd rather have another good route runner/hands guy.

It seems like old, ineffective veterans like Thornton, Adams, and Ratliff will continue to see the field instead. As far as the linebackers, they could add a spark in certain siuations, but will probably remain behind steady but unspectacular guys like Miller and Landon.

True. Now I will say, Ratliff's not old, he just sucks. We need Miller and Landon if only because we need a couple of guys that at least don't totally suck, we've got enough gambles at LB. I'm really hoping some of the younger guys prove themselves at LB this year, which would allow us to let those mediocre guys go. As for Adams and Thornton...we can't let them go, they're sadly two of our top 3 DTs (even assuming Peko is better). That's how thin we are.

[bengalsfansince68]

Do we really have to scroll through endless quotes that have already been read?

Seriously guys, use the fast reply!

[NJ29]

Come on, Reggie Kelly's not that bad. He caught more passes/yards than Stewart.

It's not that Kelly is bad, I think he's very valuable as a blocker. As a receiver, he's reliable, but Day and Ghent have a lot more speed and could be used situationally.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Come on, Reggie Kelly's not that bad. He caught more passes/yards than Stewart.

It's not that Kelly is bad, I think he's very valuable as a blocker. As a receiver, he's reliable, but Day and Ghent have a lot more speed and could be used situationally.

Problem when you do that TE platoon, you get the old Matt "It's a PASS!!!!" Schobel effect. I'd rather have one good all-around TE than start doing that, personally.

Of course, if Schobel didn't have stonehands, maybe it might have been worth it.

[DesperateDerelict]

DE is one spot where we're looking pretty good.

DC - What you been smokin', home? Althouigh I agree with SOME of what you say, I have to take exception with your above comment - Our biggest weakness on "D" has been containment (especially on cut-backs) and QB pressure - the two primary functions of the DE.

It's not just the players' faults - J. Hayes is BY FAR our worst position coach. If he wasn't Marvin's butt-buddy, he'd be long gone. Forget "Improved tackling" and "backfield speed" - a dominant DE would instantly turn around the Bengals Defense.

Although I like Hall at Number 18, I was really rooting for Jamaal Anderson to fall to us - instant legitimacy for our pass D and this year's playoff bid.

[BengalPappaw]

I believe that Kenny Irons is going to make an impact.

There's a possibility that he will be running kick offs back.

I like his instincts and I have great faith in Jim Anderson to teach Kenny what he needs to know.

I am excited about what Irons might be able to do this year and in the future.

[hrod382]

Hall will have a decent impact (a little less than JJ did last year).

Irons will have a solid impact as our #2.

White strictly depends on how often DJax is hurt, I think he'll be adequate when DJax goes down but nothing more.

The rest we won't see much of.

[JoePong]

Don't know why everyone is down n Rucker. I watched him at USC and he was impreessive, and he was impressive in the the pre-season last year. He would have played if he had not been hurt. Very strong at the point of attack against the run, and he can provide a little pass rush too. And Fanene will get playing time if he's healthy. He's strong, athletic, and seems to always make plays.

DE is one spot where we're looking pretty good.

DC - What you been smokin', home? Althouigh I agree with SOME of what you say, I have to take exception with your above comment - Our biggest weakness on "D" has been containment (especially on cut-backs) and QB pressure - the two primary functions of the DE.

It's not just the players' faults - J. Hayes is BY FAR our worst position coach. If he wasn't Marvin's butt-buddy, he'd be long gone. Forget "Improved tackling" and "backfield speed" - a dominant DE would instantly turn around the Bengals Defense.

Although I like Hall at Number 18, I was really rooting for Jamaal Anderson to fall to us - instant legitimacy for our pass D and this year's playoff bid.

I agree that the pass rush was the biggest weakness on this defense, and that includes containment where there were always gaping holes up the middle for the QB to run for big yardageon 3rd downs. You talk about DE providing pas rush, but our LBs were just as big of a problem. We get no pass rush from our OLBs-and Brian Simmons was a big part of that. That's one reason I like Ahmad Brooks at weakside OLB if he doesn't play the middle for some reason. I think our DEs would be more effective if the offense had more than just them to worry about coming after the QB.

[HairOnFire]

Don't know why everyone is down n Rucker. I watched him at USC and he was impreessive, and he was impressive in the the pre-season last year. He would have played if he had not been hurt. Very strong at the point of attack against the run, and he can provide a little pass rush too.

I think the people who claim that Rucker is slow have never watched him play a down, and furthermore....I bet most didn't even see him run at the combine. In fact, I'd say most are simply reacting to his slow timing in the 40 without considering even once that he has no track background and didn't practice for his 40 until a week or so before the event. Thus, the catchy nickname of "Frostee the Slowman" has been placed on a very good DE prospect.

It's unfair but hardly surprising considering the source. (Worst draft ever?)

[Bobcat Bengal]

Anthony Gonzalez is like Marvin Harrison ver. 2

[NJ29]

The only problem with that is that he doesn't play for the Bengals.

[GregCook]

Leon Hall has an excellent chance to be the big rook for the team. He's inherited the nickel back so that ought to give him at least one snap per offensive set. Against some teams he'll play most downs.

He might force Delta to the nickel by November. I hope he's better than I've thought. I can't get Ted Ginn out of my mind. But I hope Leon has.

I don't know if Irons can force Watson off the field this year, Kenny can block pretty good. Iron's time to shine is after he's learned to block and protect Carson's back. Of course if Rudi goes down, the kid starts.

[HoosierCat]

Jeff Rowe will lead us to the Super Bowl!

(man, this is some good crack! )

[hrod382]

Jeff Rowe will lead us to the Super Bowl!

I wouldn't go that far.

Rowe played a different system in college, one in which he actually played. His transition to the pro game is going to involve a lot of change. One year is a short time to evolve adequate skills at clipboard holding. Hopefully Doug Johnson can mentor him in the manner that Kitna mentored Carson. Call me a homer but I honestly believe Johnson is the best clipboard holder in the league, he just handles it with such finesse.

[HoosierCat]

Jeff Rowe will lead us to the Super Bowl!

I wouldn't go that far.

My sources tell me that Brat is actually working feverishly to design the NFL's first 3-in-1 offense. Depending on down and distance, the Bengals will work out of the "pistol" (Rowe), the "shotgun" (Johnson) or the "howitzer" (Palmer).

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

DC - What you been smokin', home? Althouigh I agree with SOME of what you say, I have to take exception with your above comment - Our biggest weakness on "D" has been containment (especially on cut-backs) and QB pressure - the two primary functions of the DE.

It's not just the players' faults - J. Hayes is BY FAR our worst position coach. If he wasn't Marvin's butt-buddy, he'd be long gone. Forget "Improved tackling" and "backfield speed" - a dominant DE would instantly turn around the Bengals Defense.

Although I like Hall at Number 18, I was really rooting for Jamaal Anderson to fall to us - instant legitimacy for our pass D and this year's playoff bid.

As far as QB pressure goes, I'm operating under the theory that the DE's have trouble getting free because 1) the DTs aren't doing their jobs, and 2) Chuck's blitz schemes are retarded (meaning the DEs can be easily doubled). And I'm not saying our DEs are fantastic - but I think any outside observer would conclude that it's the best part of our D. Well, until jonJoe and Hall turn into Pro Bowlers.

Regarding containment, yeah, Justin overpursues. But Geathers is underrated in that regard, in my opinion. And a lot of the problem was LBs flying straight into the first blocker they could find and getting tied up, leading to some big runs against us (I hate to speak ill of the dead, but Simmons was bad at that).

I'm not saying our DEs are fantastic, just that they're better than our DTs. And our LBs last year. And our safeties last year (Madieu did not play well). And our corners last year (Tory looked like he was running in molasses).

[Tasher]

White and Hall. White will push for a starters job in my opinion and will get plenty of PT all year. Hall, if he isnt starting immediately will be on the field a ton as the third DB. He will get thrown at alot this year cause he is a rook and he will get his fair share of INTs.

White will decapitate Braylon Edwards in the first Cleveland game, most will say in retaliation for the hit Johnson took last year, but White wasnt even part of the team then. In any event, the hit will be legal and clean but Braylon will never run another route with any type of cut in it, especially vs the Bengals.

And a Bengal identity and physicality on defense will be born and indelibly etched in the nation's mind, and certainly on the Brownies.

[Kazkal]

Of course, if Schobel didn't have stonehands, maybe it might have been worth it.

Aye,If he could catch ball he could be a true weapon but he was ex QB making switch.

Hall will have a decent impact (a little less than JJ did last year).

Less passes defended but I bet hall has atleast 1 int heh.

[HoosierCat]

Some bulletin board material for Leon Hall already...

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDr...dholm050307.htm

It's over, baby, you've been declared a bust five days after you were drafted. May as well retire now and save Mikey some money!

[HairOnFire]

So far my favorite draft analysis of the Bengals picks came from the NFL Networks Brian Baldinger.(Sp?)

He gave the Bengals no credit for selecting Hall at #18 because Hall was so good, and such a great value, that even a team without a scouting department would have realized that Hall was the right choice. Then he slagged the Bengals 2nd round selection of RB Kenny Irons by explaining..."I thought the Bengals were fine there with Chris Henry and Kenny Watson backing up...ummmm....errrr.....Rudi."