Senior Bowl

[icehole3]

put me in the Ellis will be long gone at no. 9 camp, he's a force in the middle and they are hard to find. I do think that with the rise of Ellis means Gholston or Long will fall in our lap... so Marvin just sit tight dont panic and you'll be rewarded, because teams ahead of you after the combine are going to freak the phuck out and start grabbing RBs and QBs. Just glance at these quick mocks and tell me teams ahead of the Bengals wont go offense. Some of the worse offenses in the league are ahead of the Bengals and cant afford to draft defense.

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/2...mock_draft.cfm

check out Ellis in the Senior Bowl

http://www.nfl.com/videos;jsessionid...000d5d8064624a

more Senior Bowl highlights

http://www.nfl.com/seniorbowl

[Pidge]

Haven't seen it due to living across the pond but a friend emailed me saying he liked the look of Trevor Laws.

[icehole3]

he had 1 highlight were he blew thru the line and caused a fumble in the Senior Bowl. Draft Scout has him in the 3rd but moving up fast. Says he has a non stop motor.

Ellis round 1

Campbell Mia round 2

Laws round 3

I would sit back like a fat cat after thanksgiving dinner if this happens.

[Pidge]

he had 1 highlight were he blew thru the line and caused a fumble in the Senior Bowl. Draft Scout has him in the 3rd but moving up fast. Says he has a non stop motor.

Ellis round 1

Campbell Mia round 2

Laws round 3

I would sit back like a fat cat after thanksgiving dinner if this happens.

I'd love that!. Really don't think Calais drops tp the second. He's a freak, oodles of upside. Nowehere near the finished article but neither was Cromartie (even moreso) and he got picked in the first due to his potential.

Maybe go after Gholston/hope that Laws drops to the second*.

*Only if Ellis is gone, imo.

[kingwilly]

I concede that Ellis might be gone by 9....dammit. Dude is a monster.

That will change up the options for sure.

I think Ghoulston is a big reach at 9. He is a good player but not at 9.

I will need to rethink what the top 10 looks like. Some of the coaching changes could impact how tems go. Obviously, we will see a wild change-up after the data nerds gobble up the combine numbers and spew their data-driven ratings and projections.

I a hopeful Ellis is there at 9. If not, then we've got to seriously consider trading down to get some picks. I think the Bengals will gut the D and having the extra picks will give us extra players to make up for it. Getting an extra r2 or r3 or r4 pick would be big.

[Pidge]

I a hopeful Ellis is there at 9. If not, then we've got to seriously consider trading down to get some picks. I think the Bengals will gut the D and having the extra picks will give us extra players to make up for it. Getting an extra r2 or r3 or r4 pick would be big.

I agree entirely.

[kentjett]

I think we'll have to give up a 2nd round pick to move up and get Ellis. If Gholston and Ellis are gone, we need to trade down and get a LB or a pass rushing DE. Phillip Merling is a good 3-4 DE but he is not a great rusher, he just does everything good. Harvey is 1 dimensional but he knows how to get to the QB. Harvey and Kearse are very similiar and I'll take that production for his first few years. Put me in the anti-Merling boat, he doesn't do anything spectacular and I think that is what you look for in a top ten pick. We need an impact player in this draft because this is a make or break year. If we don't make something happen, this whole team will be broken apart.

[walzav29]

Look at it logically. Ellis looks great, but Dorsey is the #1 ranked DT. Regardless you have to figure

McFadden

Jake Long

Chris Long

Dorsey

Are locks to be gone before #9, but there should be a QB, CB, and some teams reaching at other positions. I don't think it's a lock that 2 DT's will be taken in the 1st 8 picks. I hope we get Ellis.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

PFW has Gholston going to the Pats at #7 and the Bengals' picking up the Florida DE at #9 - thing about Gholston is that his pass rushing abilities/production haven't been realized yet.

I will go on record saying Gholston is underrated and will be a very good pro, and a worthwhile pick at #9 if he falls. But I'd rather have Ellis, just don't think he'll be there. A capable DE will though, and they should really go that direction unless one of the top 2 OT's fall to them - then they should think hard about it.

[TJJackson]

If Ellis is not available, then it's Clady, Harvey, or Campbell...and preferably we trade down a few spots before making that selection.

I'd honestly be happy, projecting that we'll pick up a second r3 pick for the loss of Steinbach, to package our pick at 9 and our regular r3 pick to move up to pick 5 or 6 to get Ellis, because quite frankly he appears to be the complete package including not only production but also brains, maturity, work ethic, character, and motor. He WANTS to be great, not just to "get paid" as so many other athletes do.

[HoosierCat]

I think we'll have to give up a 2nd round pick to move up and get Ellis.

I've been toying with that idea myself. Even minus the pick they traded for Fitzpatrick (I'm still not positive but I think it was a 6th) they should still have 8-9 total once the comp picks come in. Including, in all likelihood, an extra at the end of the 3rd. So yeah, if they really want Ellis and they have a pair of 3rds I am OK with packaging our 1st and 2nd to move up. Atlanta might be a good partner...

[DesperateDerelict]

Moderators: Why isn't this in the NFL Draft section??

Anywho, although the most prestigious, the Senior Bowl isn't the only NFL showcase. Here is the link to a report of the other 3, as well as the article itself:

Link: Link

Article: (Mostly about Day 2 people)

As the NFL draft approaches, here's a stock watch from the college all-star circuit.

SENIOR BOWL

Quick injury updates from Mobile, Ala., site of Saturday's Senior Bowl:

• Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden was unable to compete this week due to a hip flexor. He was replaced on the South roster by Georgia Tech linebacker Gary Guyton.

• North Carolina defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer suffered a minor hamstring injury that forced him to miss Tuesday's practice. He will sit out the rest of the week and be replaced on the North roster by Iowa defensive lineman Bryan Mattison.

• Iowa State defensive tackle Athyba Rubin was a late addition to the South roster.

• Florida State defensive tackle Andre Fluellen is playing with a tight quad, but he plans to play through the rest of the week.

• UNLV linebacker Beau Bell (knee) and LSU wide receiver Early Doucet (left hamstring) both could head back to their training centers to recover from injuries they suffered in practice.

• Notre Dame tight end John Carlson (stomach virus), Auburn defensive end/outside linebacker Quentin Groves (shoulder) and Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm (leg) all skipped the game because of injuries.

EAST-WEST SHRINE GAME:

NFL teams spent last week in Houston observing more 100 top prospects as the postseason evaluation process continued. With six weeks left before the all-important NFL Combine and precious few invites still remaining for seniors, the practice sessions were more aggressive than in past years.

Both squads featured a number of players who, according to scouts, helped their draft status, including a few small-school prospects. Here are the observations from the Shrine Game.

East Roster:

• Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jerome Simpson is a smooth route runner who caught the ball every time it came his way and also showed an extra burst while the ball was in the air. I liked how he made plays each day but never seemed impressed with his play or that he was making them against top division defenders.

• Auburn cornerback Jonathan Wilhite had been overshadowed by teammate Patrick Lee, but he broke out of that shadow by displaying the best cover skills of anyone in attendance. He was aggressive, played the ball and broke up several passes. Scouts walked away saying they would go back and watch more film on him, plus many commented that he appeared to be faster than his previous 40 times.

• Georgia running back Thomas Brown might have been the most exciting offensive player in the game, as he displayed excellent ball skills as both a runner and receiver. Has very good vision, does not hesitate to hit the hole and is stronger than his size would indicate. He is not small, just shorter than ideal, but his acceleration in the open field should help bolster his grade.

• Arkansas defensive back Michael Grant is a versatile defender who played cornerback at the Shrine game and clearly helped raise his value. He was very fluid in showing the hips to stick with any receiver on the field and expects to run sub-4.4 times in the 40, as well. Likes to hit and should be able to get on the field as a rookie; some scouts mentioned that he could go as high as the second or third round.

• Virginia Tech offensive tackle Duane Brown showed the footwork and body type to remain at left tackle in the NFL. He struggled at times to lock out and could increase his strength at the point of attack by adding 10-15 pounds, but once you get past the top-tier tackles, Brown could become an attractive prospect come the third round.

West Roster:

• Iowa State defensive tackle Athyba Rubin was rated among my top five defensive tackles last month, and the massive space-eater did nothing to dispute earlier findings as he won most of his one-on-one battles and bull-rushed his way into creating havoc on the interior linemen he faced.

• Arizona linebacker Spencer Larsen entered the season as a mid- to late-round choice, but after an MVP performance at the Shrine game he now is expected to go between the second and third round. Great intangibles, he was the instant leader of the West defensive unit.

• Iowa State linebacker Alvin Bowen showed very good range and got to the ball quickly all week. He capped his fine performance with an interception returned for a touchdown in the game. Can over-pursue at times, but takes the right angle to the ball and flies in to make tackles, which earned him high praise from the coaching staff.

• Utah State wide receiver Kevin Robinson stole the show from Appalachian State wide receiver Dexter Jackson, who earlier in the week was exciting scouts with his speed and open field burst. But in the game, Robinson he returned a punt for a touchdown and added a second score on a pass from Josh Johnson. His return skills could provide him the chance to be selected late.

• San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson has proved to be the best of the group of QBs, but his value is rising more as an athletic, down-the-road project than a finished product. He throws the ball well on the move and was accurate with his vertical passes, but he has a slim frame and was not great throwing from the pocket or reading the field. He had two impressive runs in the game, which helped him earn Offensive MVP honors.

• On the flip side, players who struggled to make their mark on scouts mainly were held back by injuries, including Missouri wide receiver Willie Franklin (hamstring), Rutgers offensive lineman Pedro Sosa (knee), Maryland offensive lineman Andrew Crummey (left ankle) and Army safety Caleb Campbell (hamstring).

Meanwhile, TCU defensive end Tommy Blake (slight concussion), Oklahoma tight end Joe Jon Finley (hamstring), Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick (mild knee sprain), USC linebacker Thomas Williams (sternum) and TCU safety David Roach (hamstring) all suffered in-game injuries, although none are expected to miss extend time from their pre-combine training schedules.

• Kansas fullback Brandon McAnderson was back fulltime at fullback after playing halfback this season. He is not a great lead blocker, but scouts feel he lacks the speed to be an every-down back.

• Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller struggled with his accuracy and downfield passing, both of which stemmed from a throwing style that needs some adjusting for him to make it at the next level. He seemed to be pushing the ball more like a shot put rather than having smooth follow-through. Overall, the quarterback play had many commenting how the top-tier of this year's QB class is strong, but afterward a number of prospects are vying to be considered in the mid to late rounds.

AMERICAN HERITAGE BOWL:

A first-year game that has rosters filled with historically black college senior prospects has gone mostly unnoticed since they are contending with the Senior Bowl practice sessions.

However, a few names who have come out of the early practices are Winston Salem State defensive end William Hayes, Arkansas Pine-Bluff wide receiver Jason Jones, Jackson State defensive tackle Corey Clark and Southern U. wide receiver Gerard Landry.

Hayes is 6-foot-3, 270 pounds and has earned a closer look for scouts thanks to his ability to get up-field. He has been the top pass rusher in the CIAA the past two years.

Jones is a tall, lanky receiver with good hands, but to date scouts are not sure of his top-end speed.

Clark is a Mississippi State transfer who could be a nice free-agent find after the draft since he has that wide-body frame to be a situational run stuffer at the next level.

Landry could be a versatile pass-catcher who some have viewed as a possible H-Back or even fullback based on his body type. He reminds some of Delanie Walker of the San Francisco 49ers.

HULA BOWL:

• Connecticut cornerback/return man Tyvon Branch could be the highest player drafted out of the game as he is dual threat prospect, earning high grades for his ball skills, speed and potential as a kickoff returner. He is a fluid-looking defender who can run with most receivers and has good upper-body strength, as well. On returns, he is a natural, showing ideal vision and then an extra burst of speed once he finds the seam.

• Akron wide receiver Jabari Arthur was the MAC's most productive receiver this past season and continued his drive toward the NFL by scoring a touchdown in the game. He has great natural size but is more athletic than blazing fast on the field. He moves well after the catch and can be a steady pass-catcher in the middle of the field. His Pro Day 40-times will determine his short-term future, as the Montreal native was a first-rounder in last year's CFL Draft.

• USC linebacker Thomas Williams is a versatile, athletic defender who was able to get out of the shadows of the Trojans' prospect factory and create a name for himself during the practices. He runs well in the open field, locates the ball quickly and showed the ability to line up at all three spots. Williams expects to run in the high 4.5s, which could vault him into the last few rounds of the draft.

• San Diego State offensive tackle William Robinson is somewhat of an unknown to most outside of West Coast scouts as he has come along slowly over the past two years. Now he has risen into a potential late-round draft choice. He is nearly 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, which is about 15 pounds heavier than his previous weight listed on the school's Web site. A raw-skilled left tackle with good feet, he plays with balance but needs to get stronger.

• Toledo running back Jalen Parmele was the game's leading rusher (46 yards). He ran with good power and vision, but his true test will come when he runs the 40-yard dash at the Combine. Players such as Parmele are now left to fight for mid- to late-round positioning after so many top junior running backs declared for the draft

[HairOnFire]

I think we'll have to give up a 2nd round pick to move up and get Ellis.

I've been toying with that idea myself. Even minus the pick they traded for Fitzpatrick (I'm still not positive but I think it was a 6th) they should still have 8-9 total once the comp picks come in. Including, in all likelihood, an extra at the end of the 3rd. So yeah, if they really want Ellis and they have a pair of 3rds I am OK with packaging our 1st and 2nd to move up. Atlanta might be a good partner...

Here's the problem...as I see it.

I'm simply unwilling to package the Bengals 1st and 2nd round picks. Sorry, I've pimped Ellis from Day1 but that's just too rich for my tastes...end of discussion. And a less expensive trade proposal involving the Bengals 1st and 3rd round picks only gives the Bengals enough firepower to leapfrog from #9 to #7.

All things considered I think you have to stay put at #9.

[Pidge]

I think we'll have to give up a 2nd round pick to move up and get Ellis.

I've been toying with that idea myself. Even minus the pick they traded for Fitzpatrick (I'm still not positive but I think it was a 6th) they should still have 8-9 total once the comp picks come in. Including, in all likelihood, an extra at the end of the 3rd. So yeah, if they really want Ellis and they have a pair of 3rds I am OK with packaging our 1st and 2nd to move up. Atlanta might be a good partner...

Here's the problem...as I see it.

I'm simply unwilling to package the Bengals 1st and 2nd round picks. Sorry, I've pimped Ellis from Day1 but that's just too rich for my tastes...end of discussion. And a less expensive trade proposal involving the Bengals 1st and 3rd round picks only gives the Bengals enough firepower to leapfrog from #9 to #7.

All things considered I think you have to stay put at #9.

Especially as DT isn't the only position we need a serious upgrade at. Use the #9 on a different position if it offers more value.

[Kazkal]

I wanna see Ellis but not for 1st and 2nd...1st and 3rd wouldn't be bad because we should have 2 3rd round picks but even then that was round I wanted see Oline.

[HoosierCat]

The picture today isn't clear enough to decisively rule anything in or out. If Odell and/or Pollack return -- and Odell looks good at the moment -- needs at linebacker go down. The secondary is in pretty good shape, even if Madieu does walk. Are they sticking ith the 4-3...or going 3-4? There's still FA to be gotten through, and who knows what that might yield? O-line? DE? DT I can easily see a scenario where I'm unconcerned about giving up the second, especially if I'm a Bengals team who is convinced Ellis is the missing piece. Well just have to see how it all shakes out.

[HairOnFire]

I can easily see a scenario where I'm unconcerned about giving up the second, especially if I'm a Bengals team who is convinced Ellis is the missing piece. Well just have to see how it all shakes out.

In theory I agree. In reality I'd never be able to pull the trigger on a move that costly. At best I can envision a scenario where the Bengals watch the first 6 picks come off the board and then, if Ellis was still available, attempt the leapfrog to #7....and only then if they were absolutely convinced that Ellis would be taken at 7 or 8...either by the teams currently holding those spots or by a team looking to trade ahead of the Bengals to select Ellis.

For whatever it might be worth, another trade up scenario involving the Bengals 3rd round pick that I would consider is packaging it with the Bengals 2nd round picks to move into the late 1st round, targeting the 28th or 29th slot.

[Spor_tees]

Well if the Bengals are also high on Merling, what are the chances they move down into the teens to select him and pick up extra picks? Lets' say the Chicago Bears want to move up and select a QB like Brohm or Ryan? Or Detroit or Arizona for that matter....

What about making a 3-way deal with the Dolphins, who Chad wants to play for...and the Dolphins want out of the first pick, and with the Cowboys who want the first pick and to unload Spears and Carpenter. I'm sure something could get worked out.

Now for my third part...if for say Chad was to scat out of town, what WR in the draft would be worthy of picking? If it were in the second round, I'd go Fore Limas Sweed or Mario Manningham...if in the later rounds, I really like Jordie Nelson from K-State, or Eddie Royal from Vatech

[HoosierCat]

In theory I agree. In reality I'd never be able to pull the trigger on a move that costly. At best I can envision a scenario where the Bengals watch the first 6 picks come off the board and then, if Ellis was still available, attempt the leapfrog to #7....and only then if they were absolutely convinced that Ellis would be taken at 7 or 8...either by the teams currently holding those spots or by a team looking to trade ahead of the Bengals to select Ellis.

For whatever it might be worth, another trade up scenario involving the Bengals 3rd round pick that I would consider is packaging it with the Bengals 2nd round picks to move into the late 1st round, targeting the 28th or 29th slot.

Regarding the second rounder, I can see just as many, if not more, scenarios where I don't trade it, versus ones I do. I guess all I can say is, ask me again in April. As to packaging the 2nd and 3rd to jump back into the tail end of the 1st, that's certainly something I would be gaming out were I the Bengals. Especially if we get a comp 3 for Steiny.

[sparky151]

I don't think we'll need to trade up go get a DT. We should keep our picks and go DT, DE or TE, the other and OG in the first rounds. Maybe a WR if a good one drops. The Bengals have a lot of cap room but aren't good at attracting free agents. Suppose we re-sign Stacy and Madieu, while Justin and Landon leave. Thurman and Pollack look likely to return. Pollack would be the default RDE to replace Justin but it's risky not to have a better backup than Rucker.

[DesperateDerelict]

I don't think we'll need to trade up go get a DT. We should keep our picks and go DT, DE or TE, the other and OG in the first rounds. Maybe a WR if a good one drops. The Bengals have a lot of cap room but aren't good at attracting free agents. Suppose we re-sign Stacy and Madieu, while Justin and Landon leave. Thurman and Pollack look likely to return. Pollack would be the default RDE to replace Justin but it's risky not to have a better backup than Rucker.

I don't think Mikey & Co. will even consider trading up. By the time the Combine & Pro Days have come and gone, there will be 11 - 12 'elite' athletes. Additionally, this is a VERY deep draft in some coveted positions, such as RB, WR, OT, CB, DE, and OLB. The caliber of athlete available in the 2nd round should be very good.

Last year I wanted Okoye, who zoomed up the boards late - and went 10th. Patrick Willis went 11th. (Admittedly, Miami screwed up when they picked Ginn 9th). There will be an elite football player at a position of need available at #9.

This years #47 should be equivalent to a pick last year at the end of round 1 or top of the 2nd. We need so much help (DT, DE, LB, OL, TE, KR) we can't AFFORD to give up a day one pick.

Of course, they'll probably only give us a 5th rounder for Steiny, 'cause we're the Bengals.

[TJJackson]

Well, thats sorta my problem, DD, because I see Sedrick Ellis as this year's Willis.

The complete freakin package

[icehole3]

I don't think we'll need to trade up go get a DT. We should keep our picks and go DT, DE or TE, the other and OG in the first rounds. Maybe a WR if a good one drops. The Bengals have a lot of cap room but aren't good at attracting free agents. Suppose we re-sign Stacy and Madieu, while Justin and Landon leave. Thurman and Pollack look likely to return. Pollack would be the default RDE to replace Justin but it's risky not to have a better backup than Rucker.

I don't think Mikey & Co. will even consider trading up. By the time the Combine & Pro Days have come and gone, there will be 11 - 12 'elite' athletes. Additionally, this is a VERY deep draft in some coveted positions, such as RB, WR, OT, CB, DE, and OLB. The caliber of athlete available in the 2nd round should be very good.

Last year I wanted Okoye, who zoomed up the boards late - and went 10th. Patrick Willis went 11th. (Admittedly, Miami screwed up when they picked Ginn 9th). There will be an elite football player at a position of need available at #9.

This years #47 should be equivalent to a pick last year at the end of round 1 or top of the 2nd. We need so much help (DT, DE, LB, OL, TE, KR) we can't AFFORD to give up a day one pick.

Of course, they'll probably only give us a 5th rounder for Steiny, 'cause we're the Bengals.

I agree every year after the combine some guys shoot up and some shoot down. Remember Allen Branch last year. this bodes well for Cincy thats why I want Marvin to sit tight and dont panic, we're in a quality position at no.9, sit there and a Leon Hall type guy will fall in your lap because other teams will over value picks ahead of Cincy.

[TJJackson]

sit tight and dont panic, we're in a quality position at no.9, sit there and a Leon Hall type guy will fall in your lap because other teams will over value picks ahead of Cincy.

Possibly, but at 9 I'd prefer a Patrick Willis type (an outstanding player) over a Leon Hall type (a good player)

I think if Sedrick is still available when the 6th pick comes up, we need to start workin' the phones

[kingwilly]

Possibly, but at 9 I'd prefer a Patrick Willis type (an outstanding player) over a Leon Hall type (a good player)

Exactly.

This is the difference between a pick in the top 10 and a mid-twenties player.

At 9, they better get a serious impact player. Ellis is just that.