Here's why we wouldn't trade up

[COB]

Marvin talked to the Columbus Dispatch about not trading up to get Ellis. Here's the pertinant part of the the article, along with the link. Now that I read this, I'm really glad we got Rivers. We could have ended up with that corner. Good player, but that would have been too many high picks on corners!

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/conte...H4.html?sid=101

Not willing to trade

It is widely believed the Bengals' top target was defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, and they might have grabbed him if they were willing to let go of their third-round pick.

"Later on, we're going to wish we had that pick," Lewis said.

The New Orleans Saints were not so attached to theirs, and they were able to move ahead of the Bengals and draft Ellis. They traded their first- and third-round picks -- Nos. 10 and 78 overall -- to New England in exchange for the No. 7 pick and a fifth-round pick.

The Bengals had the Nos. 9 and 77 picks. They drafted USC linebacker Keith Rivers at No. 9.

Ellis would have filled a bigger need as an interior defender capable of disrupting running plays and pressuring the quarterback.

When the No. 7 pick arrived, Lewis said there were four defensive players on the board whom the Bengals liked -- believed to be Ellis, Rivers, end Derrick Harvey and cornerback Leodis McKelvin -- so they knew they could remain at No. 9 and get a player they liked without losing a later pick.

Lewis said the expectation is that the player at No. 77 "will be a legitimate player for us by the end of this season and for sure next season."

[Kazkal]

If we had taken Mckelvin....I would have cut myself.

[GregCook]

If we had taken Mckelvin....I would have cut myself.

I would have bought Al Davis colors......psychologically much worse than cutting.

[BlainThePain]

I like Pat Sims but I would give Keith Rivers and Pat Sims up for Ellis in a heartbeat.

[JPW]

I like Pat Sims but I would give Keith Rivers and Pat Sims up for Ellis in a heartbeat.

You would ?

I sure wouldn't ...

[kentjett]

I truly think could Ellis could bust out, he fits that mold. He's not physically dominate but has a high motor. I think he will be overwelmed by the strength and the size of NFL guards. I truly believe that one of our DT's will end up w/ a better career. Dorsey would have been worth it but it would have took more to get him.

[HairOnFire]

When the No. 7 pick arrived, Lewis said there were four defensive players on the board whom the Bengals liked -- believed to be Ellis, Rivers, end Derrick Harvey and cornerback Leodis McKelvin -- so they knew they could remain at No. 9 and get a player they liked without losing a later pick.

I didn't do too bad. Prior to the draft I posted a short list ranking the 4 players I coveted at #9, Ellis, Rivers, McKelvin, and in the worst case scenario...Jeff Otah. Obviously I missed on Derrick Harvey, said to be a love him or hate him player, but in truth someone I never developed a strong opinion about.

FWIW, Cincinnati selected Pat Sims with the pick they would have traded, and New England selected Shawn Crable with the pick they received from New Orleans.

[Pidge]

FWIW, Cincinnati selected Pat Sims with the pick they would have traded, and New England selected Shawn Crable with the pick they received from New Orleans.

Indeed. We'd have had Ellis, which I'd have loved, but as it is we have Rivers and Sims (not a totally crappy alternative) at DT. I can see why they didn't trade. It's not like the Defense was just missing that one piece. It's a work in progress. I'm looking forward to seeing how our much younger D, compared to a couple of years ago, developes.

[kingwilly]

I truly think could Ellis could bust out, he fits that mold. He's not physically dominate but has a high motor. I think he will be overwelmed by the strength and the size of NFL guards. I truly believe that one of our DT's will end up w/ a better career. Dorsey would have been worth it but it would have took more to get him.

It is interesting that you say this. Of all the top 10 guys, I rate Ellis to have one of the lowest "bust" rates...much of it has to do with which team each goes to.

J. Long will be decent in Miami...will he have a Joe Thomas rookie season...maybe if Steiny lined up to his right!

C. Long in STL? hmmm...at least he's playing indoors 8 games a year. STL D is bad.

Ryan...highest bust rate in top 10...what line? what WR's? Turner is an unproven starter...ATL offense is dreadful and has tons of new faces. big curve.

McFadden...second hishest bust rate...what line? he is the 5th RB who wants snaps...what passing game? As Reggie Bush found out, NFL speed is different.

Dorsey...will be challenged in AFC west where all teams have talented RB's and O-lines are not like playing Vandy.

Gholston...could be a good player in NY scheme, though run support is not his strength and the Jets will be run on a lot playing from behind all year

Ellis...f NO for jumping us...damn that eats me up...NO plays in weak NFC South and the NO offense is strong and will play with a lead quite a bit.

Harvey...JAX D is good so I think Harvery could excel there. Will make an impact

Rivers...solid technique prevents him from "busting"...will need to prove he can step up and crack the AFC North RB's over and over.

Mayo...hard to think he'd "bust" in NE but how he fits in their 3-4 hybrid blitz schemes will be interesting. He's not an S/W OLB, so can we assume he can play inside and take the gaps off Wilfork or Seymor???? TBD.

[TippCityRick]

It's interesting that everyone believes that Marvin would have taken Ellis with the pick if he was sitting there. However he doesn't fit the mold of the other DTs we selected and fits the mold of the DT we passed on in Round 2 (Laws). Marvin has been and will always be a "measurables" guy, for better or worse. I think it's possible that they would have passed on Ellis if he was sitting there at 9 . . . Just sayin'.

[Kazkal]

Being that the saints inquired a full day before do people really feel it would have only took a 1st and a 3rd to get the patriots pick? What would stop the patriots giving saints a shot to counter offer who I'm sure would be willing to go pretty damn high after offering 2 1sts and a 2nd to get dorsey.

Gholston...could be a good player in NY schemer

Eh I'd say Gholston has the 2nd highest bust rate workout warrior who was invisible constantly during games.As for Ellis being a bust I agree he has a low busr rate but still has alot to over come with his size and short arms you never know his size may help him didn't rams superbowl team have a really short DT?

[Ickey44]

I don't know. I know Kelly Gregg is 6'0" and he's great against the run for the Ravens. He just knows he to get leverage. It's not always about the measurables.

[HAPPYJAQ]

I don't know. I know Kelly Gregg is 6'0" and he's great against the run for the Ravens. He just knows he to get leverage. It's not always about the measurables.

That's just it. To me, he's a 3-4 end, not a 4-3 tackle. His POA ratings are not very high, and imagine him against some of the large G's and C's in the NFL. I guess you could even ask, do you think he could consistently best Steve Hutchinson, Alan Faneca, Eric Steinbach or Brian Walters over the course of the game. If you are willing to spend the #9 pick on him, you have to be sure that he will.