To Early To Figure Out What To Do ??

[ArmyBengal]

So I was making my best efforts to research the players coming out and reformulate draft possibilities for the Bengals. Here's some of why I think it's d*mn near impossible to put much thought to what direction they may travel.

#1. Do we go OT in the first ?? I use to think this was a lock, but now I'm not so firm on that stance. Does a healthy Levi make a difference ?? How much faith does anyone have in Collins holding it down ?? Those two things right there are huge decisions we have no idea how the organization is going to look at. If they are good with Levi and or Collins, LT isn't a need in their eyes. If we still want to address RT, it can be done later. Like 4th round later.

#2. Do we go after a LB in the first regardless of trading down ?? If so, do we go inside or outside ?? If they still think Dhani is the answer and will provide the leadership needed with youngsters on either side, I'm thinking it's Curry. If the faith in Dhani is waning, it's Maualuga. What about the other FA linebackers we have as well ??

#3. What's going on with Chad and TJ ?? If TJ leaves, are they good with Caldwell and the unkown in Simpson ?? If they trade Chad, who's going to step into the #1 spot ?? Henry ?? If they both leave, so they now consider WR in free agency and or the draft or to they consider bringing up a practice squad player ??

#4. How much faith do they have in the big dollar guys they have in defensive ends Geathers and Odom ?? Do they overlook the fact they have buttloads of cash wrapped up those two and go DE in the first with a guy like Orakpo ?? Do they wait to find a pass rush specialist in the later rounds ?? Do they roll with what they've got and do nothing at the position at all ??

#5. Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? Are they going to bring Benson back ?? What's going to happen with Watson, Perry, Dorsey, James and Jeremi Johnson ?? Can they target a change of pace back that provides some sort pass catching threat out of the backfield ??

#6. What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? What about the use of a pick in the top 3 at this position ??

#7. How about the secondary ?? Is Crocker going to get serious consideration ?? How's White's knee ?? DJ coming back ?? Will JJoe ever become the pro bowl player most think he has the potential to become and if not do we now consider drafting more than just a nickel corner in the later rounds ??

#8. What about the center position ?? Ghiaciuc is nothing more than depth that I would prefer never see needed and is a FA. Does he return ?? Can they get someone in free agency to cover the need to draft or do they do both ?? Is there anyone else on the team that could merit consideration at the position ??

Those are just a few of the things that came into mind when considering how this is all going to play out. This might be the biggest free agency period in the Marvin Lewis era and the biggest in some time for this organization. Here's to hoping the scouting staff and coaches are really putting in time to figure out which direction this team needs to go in. God, that seems like a ton to ask for from this organization doesn't it ??

[walzav29]

I still say that have to go tackle with 1st pick. It's tempting to say defense though since they don't have a playmaker on D, but you have to protect the franchise. Especially going against Pitt and the Ravens twice a year.

[BlainThePain]

Signing Jason Brown and Houshmanzadeh would go a long way. Jason Brown is the Ravens center. He was the center I wanted instead of Ghiaciuc and he was taken by the Ravens a couple of spots after Ghiaciuc if I remember correctly. The dude is one of the strongest centers in the NFL. Getting Brown would make us a lot stronger and a divisional opponent a lot weaker.

[Bearcat1975]

#1. Do we go OT in the first ?? Hard to say with this franchise. They SHOULD. But maybe they draft a WR at #6 instead.

#2. Do we go after a LB in the first regardless of trading down ?? Since when do the Bengals ever do anything as complicated as that?

#3. What's going on with Chad and TJ ?? Neither player wants to be here. And TJ has all but said he will sit out if he gets tagged. Therefore, knowing the Bengals, I'm thinking TJ gets tagged and Chad stays here as well.

#4. How much faith do they have in the big dollar guys they have in defensive ends Geathers and Odom ?? Probably easy to blame it on the "injury bug." So I doubt they pay much attention to DE in the draft.

#5. Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? If they overpay, they might be able to keep Benson. Simply because he hasn't been with the Bengals long enough to truly want out at all costs. Jeremi? Dude tried to eat his way out, last I heard. Seemed to have worked too.

#6. What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? That position is still in need of a huge upgrade. With or without JT and Peko.

#7. How about the secondary ?? Secondary looks strong to me. My only concern is what the Ravens saw when they used Hall over and over again.

#8. What about the center position ?? The thing about the Center position is the light doesn't go on for a lot of players until halfway through their careers. Braham was a good example. He was actually a converted guard if memory serves. Point being, you can't just draft a Center to solve your problems. Not right away anyway. Even if he has the tools, someone has to coach him up. Alexander? Guichaic? Yeah, that'll turn out well... The Bengals need a vet at Center. Like a Birk, or Saturday. That would require imagination though so I don't see it happening.

This might be the biggest free agency period in the Marvin Lewis era and the biggest in some time for this organization.

Agreed. Which is why I am guessing the Bengals will sit on their hands through free agency, and draft based on a combination of internet rankings and Mike Brown's "gut feeling."

[GregCook]

#1. Do we go OT in the first ?? Hard to say with this franchise. They SHOULD. But maybe they draft a WR at #6 instead.

#2. Do we go after a LB in the first regardless of trading down ?? Since when do the Bengals ever do anything as complicated as that?

#3. What's going on with Chad and TJ ?? Neither player wants to be here. And TJ has all but said he will sit out if he gets tagged. Therefore, knowing the Bengals, I'm thinking TJ gets tagged and Chad stays here as well.

#4. How much faith do they have in the big dollar guys they have in defensive ends Geathers and Odom ?? Probably easy to blame it on the "injury bug." So I doubt they pay much attention to DE in the draft.

#5. Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? If they overpay, they might be able to keep Benson. Simply because he hasn't been with the Bengals long enough to truly want out at all costs. Jeremi? Dude tried to eat his way out, last I heard. Seemed to have worked too.

#6. What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? That position is still in need of a huge upgrade. With or without JT and Peko.

#7. How about the secondary ?? Secondary looks strong to me. My only concern is what the Ravens saw when they used Hall over and over again.

#8. What about the center position ?? The thing about the Center position is the light doesn't go on for a lot of players until halfway through their careers. Braham was a good example. He was actually a converted guard if memory serves. Point being, you can't just draft a Center to solve your problems. Not right away anyway. Even if he has the tools, someone has to coach him up. Alexander? Guichaic? Yeah, that'll turn out well... The Bengals need a vet at Center. Like a Birk, or Saturday. That would require imagination though so I don't see it happening.

This might be the biggest free agency period in the Marvin Lewis era and the biggest in some time for this organization.

Agreed. Which is why I am guessing the Bengals will sit on their hands

through free agency, and draft based on a combination of internet rankings and Mike Brown's "gut feeling."

Look at the depth chart, that will tell you where they must focus the draft.

Look at tackle:

Levi Jones

Anthony Collins

Dennis Roland

They need 4 by start of season. You really want this group bolstered by just a second rounder and maybe a 4th? Carson got killed in 2006 and 2008, which tracks nicely with the decline of the run offense. The line is a mess and needs an overhaul.

Center position has Dan Santucci, Crummey, Cook, Bujnoch and Bobbie Williams. Comfortable with that?

DT has Pat Sims, Peko, Shirley. They need 4 to start the season.

LB has Rivers, Jeanty and Dhani with absolute nobodies backing them up. Dhani is 31 years old next month.

Running Back, if they don't re-sign Cedric, that position is a mess with James Johnson, Kenny Watson and Chris Perry.

I'd say there are 5 positions to look at on the first draft day and could focus on all 5 for the entire draft. But then you have Zimmer calling out Joesph again and saying they need another cover corner.

The beautiful thing about the state of the Bengals is they could draft best player available in every round and immediately upgrade that spot.

[HairOnFire]

Questions, questions, questions...

Do we go OT in the first ??

Absolutely probably. Then again, not a chance if it's Oher.

Does a healthy Levi make a difference ?? How much faith does anyone have in Collins holding it down ?? Those two things right there are huge decisions we have no idea how the organization is going to look at.

I can't judge Levi's medical condition and won't try. Suffice to say I don't want him at all if he can't improve. As for Collins, he was drafted to play and I'd say he played well enough to get more chances.

If we still want to address RT, it can be done later. Like 4th round later.

True, or as early as 6th overall if the right player is there. (Hint: Not Oher)

Do we go after a LB in the first regardless of trading down ?? If so, do we go inside or outside ??

If the last blue chip standing is a LB then you call his name regardless of which spot he plays.

If TJ leaves, are they good with Caldwell and the unkown in Simpson ??

No, they're not good under that scenario. That said, if they make the right call on other roster moves they're probably good enough to accept the risk.

How much faith do they have in the big dollar guys they have in defensive ends Geathers and Odom ?? Do they overlook the fact they have buttloads of cash wrapped up those two and go DE in the first with a guy like Orakpo ??

The game at #6 never changes for me. You take Orakpo if he's the highest ranked player available. Pass on him if he isn't. And no, I don't let the money previously allocated change my thinking because you can never have enough options at DE, especially when players like Geathers and Orakpo can shift so easily between DE and OLB roles.

Do they wait to find a pass rush specialist in the later rounds ?? Do they roll with what they've got and do nothing at the position at all ??

IMHO there isn't much to wait on. Beyond the 1st round the DE class is fairly weak, and the hybrid DE/OLB tweener cupboard is nearly bare. Put either choice off until after the 2nd round and you'll probably go begging, force yourself to reach, or most likely....settle for nothing.

[Kazkal]

#1. Do we go OT in the first ?? I use to think this was a lock, but now I'm not so firm on that stance. Does a healthy Levi make a difference ?? How much faith does anyone have in Collins holding it down ?? Those two things right there are huge decisions we have no idea how the organization is going to look at. If they are good with Levi and or Collins, LT isn't a need in their eyes. If we still want to address RT, it can be done later. Like 4th round later.

Few things to factor in

-We are likely to keep Levi Jones rather take a 5million dollar cap hit so he'll more likely be given another shot

-Anthony Collins They could stick him on the Right side or Keep him on left and move Whitworth to the right...which in place they could draft a guard instead of a tackle.

#2. Do we go after a LB in the first regardless of trading down ?? If so, do we go inside or outside ?? If they still think Dhani is the answer and will provide the leadership needed with youngsters on either side, I'm thinking it's Curry. If the faith in Dhani is waning, it's Maualuga. What about the other FA linebackers we have as well ??

-I don't doubt Dhani could be serviceable starter but Marvin has been trying to get his Stud MLB since he's came here,Rey is a great character guy after having a rough start in college.He would be the force\playmaker that we've all been waiting for on defense.

#3. What's going on with Chad and TJ ?? If TJ leaves, are they good with Caldwell and the unkown in Simpson ?? If they trade Chad, who's going to step into the #1 spot ?? Henry ?? If they both leave, so they now consider WR in free agency and or the draft or to they consider bringing up a practice squad player ??

Hard to justify going WR in the 1st,2nd or 3rd unless they trade both chad and TJ ....

#4. How much faith do they have in the big dollar guys they have in defensive ends Geathers and Odom ?? Do they overlook the fact they have buttloads of cash wrapped up those two and go DE in the first with a guy like Orakpo ?? Do they wait to find a pass rush specialist in the later rounds ?? Do they roll with what they've got and do nothing at the position at all ??

-Jumpy has had two down years but He played SLB one year and was injured the other I think he'll be fien this season...Odom I dunno how much faith I have in him I think he's serviceable but I would like to see us draft a pure passrusher in Rnd3-5 area someone who just comes in on 3rd downs....

#5. Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? Are they going to bring Benson back ?? What's going to happen with Watson, Perry, Dorsey, James and Jeremi Johnson ?? Can they target a change of pace back that provides some sort pass catching threat out of the backfield ??

Wondering where J.johnson will go out of oregon probably 2early for us to consider...I just hope we resign benson...

#6. What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? What about the use of a pick in the top 3 at this position ??

I'm happy with our current DT rotation of Beefcakeness <320,325,338> I Like the upside in shirly so for the 4th spot I'd say either a veteran or low round draft pick to develop

#7. How about the secondary ?? Is Crocker going to get serious consideration ?? How's White's knee ?? DJ coming back ?? Will JJoe ever become the pro bowl player most think he has the potential to become and if not do we now consider drafting more than just a nickel corner in the later rounds ??

Not ready to give up on JJoe just yet,Draft a corner back in round 3-5 for Nickle and hope he develops in to more if Jjoe gets hurt....

#8. What about the center position ?? Ghiaciuc is nothing more than depth that I would prefer never see needed and is a FA. Does he return ?? Can they get someone in free agency to cover the need to draft or do they do both ?? Is there anyone else on the team that could merit consideration at the position ??

-Well I really want us to get Alex Mack I think he'll be gone by our 2nd round pick so I really wouldn't mind seeing us bring in a FA since it shouldn't brake the bank so we may have a realistic shot.... Bring in Jason Smith Richie incognito or Mattbirk(draft a young guy still)

Just imo.

[HairOnFire]

Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? Are they going to bring Benson back ?? What's going to happen with Watson, Perry, Dorsey, James and Jeremi Johnson ?? Can they target a change of pace back that provides some sort pass catching threat out of the backfield ??

Benson is my starter, James Johnson assumes the 3rd down specialist role, and Two-Carry Perry temporarily kicks down another spot into the forgotten man role currently manned by Watson. Do that much and I don't NEED anything else here......except a true FB.

What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? What about the use of a pick in the top 3 at this position ??

Thornton was already being phased out, and his starting replacement is already here. Thus, any future impact he might have is restricted to wave duty at DT and elephant DE...which I think he can be pretty good at.

Will JJoe ever become the pro bowl player most think he has the potential to become and if not do we now consider drafting more than just a nickel corner in the later rounds ??

I'd say JJoe is at greater risk of busting outright than being elected to a ProBowl. He's almost a rebuild project at this point. As for looking for something more than a nickleback, I'd say do it if the right player falls in your lap....or if you stumble on a CB with outstanding skills as a kick or punt returner.

What about the center position ??

A veteran please.

[Pidge]

Who's the d*mn running back on this team ?? Are they going to bring Benson back ?? What's going to happen with Watson, Perry, Dorsey, James and Jeremi Johnson ?? Can they target a change of pace back that provides some sort pass catching threat out of the backfield ??

Benson is my starter, James Johnson assumes the 3rd down specialist role, and Two-Carry Perry temporarily kicks down another spot into the forgotten man role currently manned by Watson. Do that much and I don't NEED anything else here......except a true FB.

What's the status of the DT rotation and does the position become a bigger need if Thornton is sent walking ?? What about the use of a pick in the top 3 at this position ??

Thornton was already being phased out, and his starting replacement is already here. Thus, any future impact he might have is restricted to wave duty at DT and elephant DE...which I think he can be pretty good at.

Will JJoe ever become the pro bowl player most think he has the potential to become and if not do we now consider drafting more than just a nickel corner in the later rounds ??

I'd say JJoe is at greater risk of busting outright than being elected to a ProBowl. He's almost a rebuild project at this point. As for looking for something more than a nickleback, I'd say do it if the right player falls in your lap....or if you stumble on a CB with outstanding skills as a kick or punt returner.

What about the center position ??

A veteran please.

I agree with that fully up until the corner position. Yeah, JJ isn't a pro bowler right now. He can however be a Sam Madison and be made to look good if we ever manage to get some pressure on the QB. The same goes for Hall. neither are top 10 picks at corner and so it's a little unfair, IMO, to expect them to be able to cover receivers for 7 seconds each snap or have the freakishly outstanding speed to prevent them being burnt badly from time to time. Both can become good CBs for yrs to come. JJ also needs to toughen up. They must figure something out this offseason. Be it training or diet or whatever. I know CBs aren't LBers but the guy is made of glass, even for a corner.

[TJJackson]

Two-Carry Perry temporarily kicks down another spot into the forgotten man role currently manned by Watson.

Nah

The only question remaining is if he will be manning the grill, the fry station, or the register. How well can he say "would you like to supersize that?"

[ArmyBengal]

My point to all of this is to show just how great the needs are at multiple positions and I forgot to ask about signing Graham and looking at the punter position, so there's that. That and just how important this free agency period is for the Bengals. All of this came about attempting to develop another mock draft for the Bengals that I so enjoy thowing around. I came to the conclusion and you can see from the above comments that it will be d*mn near impossible to even think about coming close before we see how things shake out in free agency.

I think I will attempt it "pre FA" and "post FA" and then go from there...