Who do you hope the Bengals take?

[TippCityRick]

If the top two OT's are gone then I would like to see Raji or Maluaga. Either of these two would bring a mean streak I'd like to see on that side of the ball. A Smith has too many on-the-field question marks for me. Give me someone productive over a headcase any day.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm sorry, but I just don't get all the "on field" question marks in regards to Andre Smith. On the field, he's the most dominant OT in the draft hands down.

Unless we are now concerned about his tits flying out of his jersey during a game...

Maualuga, while I love what he brings, doesn't provide good value at the #6 spot.

[TippCityRick]

Most if not all reports say that A Smith is a RT or a OG in the league. RT concerns me at #6, but a guard at 6 would be disasterous. I like Maluaga's wreckless attitude . . . a balance to River's approach. I liken it a bit to the Spikes/Simmons combo. That said I feel there are parts of every player's game that will discount them. I'm trying to match with what we already have.

As far as the other players "assigned" to us by the pundits, we need production at 6 more than anything else. If they get a guy who they feel confident will play hard every down then I will be happy. This team doesn't have room for any more projects IMHO.

[ArmyBengal]

RT at #6 is still not the worst case scenario that some want to envision it to be. Whitworth was a LT in college and is now a better than average Guard and no one is complaining. Anyone saying Andre Smith will be best suited for Guard at the next level is just crazy. If after watching what this guy does during the game at the LT position they still come away unimpressed, then fine, but I doubt that is the case.

I like what could be with Rivers and Maualuga as well, but it would really suprise me to see the Bengals take him at #6...

[derekshank]

RT at #6 is still not the worst case scenario that some want to envision it to be. Whitworth was a LT in college and is now a better than average Guard and no one is complaining. Anyone saying Andre Smith will be best suited for Guard at the next level is just crazy. If after watching what this guy does during the game at the LT position they still come away unimpressed, then fine, but I doubt that is the case.

I like what could be with Rivers and Maualuga as well, but it would really suprise me to see the Bengals take him at #6...

Yeah. There's no way in hell A. Smith tops out as a guard. The knocks on him are his weight and his height. But he is still incredibly quick and light on his feet, and has incredibly long arms. If he's not a LT, it's only because he might struggle slightly on an island against complex pass rushing schemes like he will see against Pittsburgh. Even there I'm not sold. I think if he loses 15 pounds and works on his technique, it's problem solved.

Regardless he will be one of the best run blocking OT in the NFL the second he is drafted. Think of the second coming of Willie Anderson. Is that really not worth a 1st round pick?

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I'm sorry, but I just don't get all the "on field" question marks in regards to Andre Smith. On the field, he's the most dominant OT in the draft hands down.

He was in college, presumably while his coaches were constantly babysitting him. The concern (for me) is that once he was done playing college ball that he didn't have the internal motivation to prepare for the combine, in terms of selecting an agent, preparing for interviews, or training for the (admittedly preposterous) workouts.

I still think it's an open question whether it's just that Andre Smith plays football well but doesn't interview, or whether Andre Smith can't keep himself on track when he doesn't have coaches constantly mommy-ing him. If it's the former, who cares? But if it's the latter, eventually his lack of preparation will show up on the football field. An incredible athlete might be able to dominate college without a work ethic, but I don't see that working in the pros.

I've just seen this movie too many times before. He could be like a fat Akili Smith.

That said, I say take him - either it works out and he's an all-pro for a decade, or it's funny as hell.

[BengalByTheBay]

I'm sorry, but I just don't get all the "on field" question marks in regards to Andre Smith. On the field, he's the most dominant OT in the draft hands down.

He was in college, presumably while his coaches were constantly babysitting him. The concern (for me) is that once he was done playing college ball that he didn't have the internal motivation to prepare for the combine, in terms of selecting an agent, preparing for interviews, or training for the (admittedly preposterous) workouts.

I still think it's an open question whether it's just that Andre Smith plays football well but doesn't interview, or whether Andre Smith can't keep himself on track when he doesn't have coaches constantly mommy-ing him. If it's the former, who cares? But if it's the latter, eventually his lack of preparation will show up on the football field. An incredible athlete might be able to dominate college without a work ethic, but I don't see that working in the pros.

I've just seen this movie too many times before. He could be like a fat Akili Smith.

That said, I say take him - either it works out and he's an all-pro for a decade, or it's funny as hell.

Akili Smith played elite level college ball for a handfull of games while Andre's been at it for 3 years. Further, I'm having trouble understanding the concept that he was fine in college because the coaches helped him, but won't do so in the NFL with coaches to help him essentially full time. This is the logical disconnect with everybody who complains about the combine weirdness and then says, inevitably, he's just in it for the money. If he was just in it for the money, wouldn't he have been a combine and workout warrior -- after all you only have to eat boiled chicken and broccoli for 2 months for that -- rather than let himself get fat? Everybody agrees he's dropped down the board because of his poor workouts, so as much as anything that could show he's not just about the money. Maybe he just likes to play football and doesn't like to work out.

[ArmyBengal]

I'm sorry, but I just don't get all the "on field" question marks in regards to Andre Smith. On the field, he's the most dominant OT in the draft hands down.

He was in college, presumably while his coaches were constantly babysitting him.

In college ?? You mean like all the other NFL "prospects" in the draft right ?? Certainly you're not holding that against him are you ??

Presumably in like an "assumption" or saying "I imagine" or "It would seem", but not "definitively" or "exactly".

In other words, a guess...

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Further, I'm having trouble understanding the concept that he was fine in college because the coaches helped him, but won't do so in the NFL with coaches to help him essentially full time.

Except that experience has shown that a great many NFL players get in craploads of trouble, or get out of shape, out of season. I think that players have a much stronger support system in college to keep them doing things like going to class and stay in shape. In theory, the NFL is a full-time job, but lots of guys don't get that memo. Remember, the CBA states that players only have to show up for mandatory workouts out of season. As we saw with Odell and Henry, there's only so much the coaches can do to correct various problems.

This is the logical disconnect with everybody who complains about the combine weirdness and then says, inevitably, he's just in it for the money. If he was just in it for the money, wouldn't he have been a combine and workout warrior -- after all you only have to eat boiled chicken and broccoli for 2 months for that -- rather than let himself get fat? Everybody agrees he's dropped down the board because of his poor workouts, so as much as anything that could show he's not just about the money.

I agree on that - but I'd look at it from another perspective, namely that not even *money* motivates this guy.

Maybe he just likes to play football and doesn't like to work out.

Quite possible. There's a good chance that's the actual reason. But there's also the possibility that it's because he can't keep motivated. It's not like it's never happened before.

[ArmyBengal]

I do understand the concern on keeping a guy motivated, especially after him being one of the top 5 money makers on the team before taking a snap in practice, let alone a game. He just seems to bring it when it's game time. Wasn't this along the same question with Sims last year ?? I like how that has turned out to this point...

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

In college ?? You mean like all the other NFL "prospects" in the draft right ?? Certainly you're not holding that against him are you ??

That's exactly right. But not all the other prospects in the draft crapped the bed at the combine, inviting people to question their motivation. Other guys took care of business, so you're left worrying a lot less about how they'll react when they're truly on their own for the first time in their lives. That's the thing - college programs can cover up a lot of character issues, and self-motivation is one of them. That tends to get revealed in the NFL.

Presumably in like an "assumption" or saying "I imagine" or "It would seem", but not "definitively" or "exactly".

In other words, a guess...

Your point is spot on about guessing - thing is, this is the draft and that's the name of the game. However, if you draft Andre Smith, you're guessing about more things than with the usual pick. The question becomes how much "guessing" you want to do at the #6 pick. Particularly considering how badly such "guessing" has burned the Bengals in prior drafts.

If I were GM, I'd do a whole helluvalot of digging to make sure he's the kind of kid who's internally motivated to play football, because his actions to date leave room to question that. But as a fan, like I said, I either get all-pro or funny as hell, and probably not much in between.

[Bearcat1975]

-Bengals draft the big baby from Alabama with #6

-#6 Holds out until the final game of preseason

-When he does report, he is grossly out of shape

-Takes him half the season to get into playing shape

-Finally does see action around week 9, not due to earning a spot, but gets plugged in there due to other injuries on the oline

-plays for 3 years here, serviceable but not great, then spends the rest of his time warming the bench, half-assing it, and trying to find a way out

Feel free to print out this list and check the events off as they happen, for those of you keeping score at home.

[ArmyBengal]

In college ?? You mean like all the other NFL "prospects" in the draft right ?? Certainly you're not holding that against him are you ??

That's exactly right. But not all the other prospects in the draft crapped the bed at the combine, inviting people to question their motivation. Other guys took care of business, so you're left worrying a lot less about how they'll react when they're truly on their own for the first time in their lives. That's the thing - college programs can cover up a lot of character issues, and self-motivation is one of them. That tends to get revealed in the NFL.

Presumably in like an "assumption" or saying "I imagine" or "It would seem", but not "definitively" or "exactly".

In other words, a guess...

Your point is spot on about guessing - thing is, this is the draft and that's the name of the game. However, if you draft Andre Smith, you're guessing about more things than with the usual pick. The question becomes how much "guessing" you want to do at the #6 pick. Particularly considering how badly such "guessing" has burned the Bengals in prior drafts.

If I were GM, I'd do a whole helluvalot of digging to make sure he's the kind of kid who's internally motivated to play football, because his actions to date leave room to question that. But as a fan, like I said, I either get all-pro or funny as hell, and probably not much in between.

Good post and agree about not taking chances with the #6 pick. I guess I'm just more comfortable than some with Andre Smith being that pick. All good...

[TJJackson]

I'll be happy at 6 with Curry, Monroe, or A Smith (dont care how he looks or whether he needs a bra or not, I care about dominating at the line of scrimmage)

Or a trade down, in which case it all depends on how far we drop, but the first pick should still be a OT or a defender who isnt a DT, WLB, or a S

Unhappy with any other scenario

[TippCityRick]

I guess I'm just more comfortable than some with Andre Smith being that pick. All good...

If they take A Smith and he turns into a fine RT for 10 years, I could live with it. The cap dictates that you pay the kind of money they'll pay #6 to a LT but you take what you get. I've just heard a number of places that he really grades as a guard and that would not be good . . . even if he's a good guard his pay will throw the cap out of wack. This is what makes me uncomfortable. That being said it's not my decision. Last year there were a few players on the board other than Rivers they could have taken but they went with what most concidered the sure thing. I agree with that stance concidering the money they'll be shelling out at #6.

[BengalByTheBay]

Maybe he just likes to play football and doesn't like to work out.

Quite possible. There's a good chance that's the actual reason. But there's also the possibility that it's because he can't keep motivated. It's not like it's never happened before.

Fine, but how's that different from any other player? In other words, you question his motivation, but what about the guy who motivates himself to give a good combine performance, gets a big first contract, and then does squat? For every one of type (a), I could probably point to a type (. In other words, neither you nor I have any idea about his motivation. As such, we're all just out here taking our pot shot. That being said, isn't it possible that most of the guys projected in the top 6 could have the same risk and just be better about listening to their agent for a short period of time? After all, isn't this what the draft is mostly about...guys who played the game better after the real games stopped.

[BengalByTheBay]

-Bengals draft the big baby from Alabama with #6

-#6 Holds out until the final game of preseason

-When he does report, he is grossly out of shape

-Takes him half the season to get into playing shape

-Finally does see action around week 9, not due to earning a spot, but gets plugged in there due to other injuries on the oline

-plays for 3 years here, serviceable but not great, then spends the rest of his time warming the bench, half-assing it, and trying to find a way out

Feel free to print out this list and check the events off as they happen, for those of you keeping score at home.

Justin Smith and David Pollack held out too and they were supposed to be super-motivated "character" guys. That seems to be more of a Bengals-specific problem than anything to do with any particular player. The Bengals aren't the only ones in this spot, of course, but they do seem to excel at not getting picks signed.

As for the rest, you're just guessing. So, is it okay to print it out and cross things off when they don't happen too? After all, I'm just guessing as well.

[HAPPYJAQ]

Does Tom Scott, Melvin Tuten or even Jeremi Johnson ring a bell? None were first round picks, but all were very talented football players who couldn't stay in shape long enough to reach their potential in Cincinnati. It's hard to imagine a 345-pound guy who has never been in top shape dating back to his high school days, will suddenly dedicate himself to working out after signing a 50 million dollar contract. These guys have much more freedom and fewer rules as professional athletes, when compared to college. The worse that Chris Henry had done at West Virginia was flip off some hecklers and get suspended for a game.

After hearing what Marvin had to say only a few days before the draft, I'm thinking we're either drafting a WR or reaching for a pash rusher at #6.

[BengalByTheBay]

After hearing what Marvin had to say only a few days before the draft, I'm thinking we're either drafting a WR or reaching for a pash rusher at #6.

Don't believe everything that you read.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Fine, but how's that different from any other player? In other words, you question his motivation, but what about the guy who motivates himself to give a good combine performance, gets a big first contract, and then does squat? For every one of type (a), I could probably point to a type (.

I think you do your best to weed both out. I'd be doing a lot of research to find out how a guy approached playing. Did he show initiative in going over film? Was he a leader? Did he need a lot of hand-holding? All very important questions. But you're right, I don't want combine warriors either (*Gholston*).

In general, I think taking the combine somewhat seriously is a good thing. Shows you care about your future. Sure there are some who can suffer through it enough and then quit, but what fraction do that? Compare that to how few guys have totally crapped out in the interviews and that sort of thing, I think the probability of flame out is far higher for those who don't "play the game". To me, it's the same as those who test positive for weed at the combine. I don't care if you smoke weed. But if a guy can't even stop when you KNOW you're being tested? Shows immaturity and a lack of discipline.

In other words, neither you nor I have any idea about his motivation. As such, we're all just out here taking our pot shot.

Sort of. I do know he wasn't sufficiently motivated to train for the combine, simply because he didn't do it. What we don't know is what he was doing in the meantime, and what his rationale was. Other than that, yeah, it's guesswork. Ain't the draft fun? What I'm hoping is that the Bengals are taking more than a pot shot (as we're doing) by doing research. Based on history, though, I'm not sure.

In any event, being as it's the offseason and this is a message board...you got anything better to speculate? I don't.

That being said, isn't it possible that most of the guys projected in the top 6 could have the same risk and just be better about listening to their agent for a short period of time? After all, isn't this what the draft is mostly about...guys who played the game better after the real games stopped.

Yup. Absolutely. I've speculated on that too, that it's possible that many of the players would come off just as bad without an agent. Of course, that makes one wonder why he didn't have one, since I'm sure there was no shortage of offers to represent the best OT in the draft...

In the end, Andre Smith will get drafted. The question is, where would he go if he did a passable job at the combine, and how many spots should he be discounted due to his antics? According to many, the answers to the first question is #1-2. The second one is tougher to answer.

Believe it or not, I'm not necessarily that down on the kid, assuming they do enough research do convince themselves it's a one-time thing. Depending on who's available at 6, I could see taking him. But not over Monroe, if he's there.

[BengalByTheBay]

That being said, isn't it possible that most of the guys projected in the top 6 could have the same risk and just be better about listening to their agent for a short period of time? After all, isn't this what the draft is mostly about...guys who played the game better after the real games stopped.

Yup. Absolutely. I've speculated on that too, that it's possible that many of the players would come off just as bad without an agent. Of course, that makes one wonder why he didn't have one, since I'm sure there was no shortage of offers to represent the best OT in the draft...

In the end, Andre Smith will get drafted. The question is, where would he go if he did a passable job at the combine, and how many spots should he be discounted due to his antics? According to many, the answers to the first question is #1-2. The second one is tougher to answer.

Believe it or not, I'm not necessarily that down on the kid, assuming they do enough research do convince themselves it's a one-time thing. Depending on who's available at 6, I could see taking him. But not over Monroe, if he's there.

I don't necessarily disagree with that and, really, that's the problem you want to have, right? Do we take Monroe or Smith? I would tend toward Monroe too for all the "gut" questions you cite. Just like I'd rather have Curry. But I wouldn't be all that unhappy (or surprised) if Monroe wasn't there and Smith is.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

I don't necessarily disagree with that and, really, that's the problem you want to have, right? Do we take Monroe or Smith? I would tend toward Monroe too for all the "gut" questions you cite. Just like I'd rather have Curry. But I wouldn't be all that unhappy (or surprised) if Monroe wasn't there and Smith is.

Yep. I've seen a lot of scenarios having Curry, both sane OTs, and Stafford off the board when the Clowns pick. I just hope they take Crabtree before Mikey does.

I'm still intrigued by the way Sanchez is flying up the board. If Monroe's gone, do you take Smith or hold a Sanchez auction?

[HairOnFire]

Just for the record if Monroe and Andre Smith are both available I'd prefer Smith, and by a fairly wide margin.

[ArmyBengal]

Just for the record if Monroe and Andre Smith are both available I'd prefer Smith, and by a fairly wide margin.

Concur, I just don't think the Bengals have the balls to actually go out on that limb...

[Wraith]

Rather than get back into the Monroe v. Andre Smith discussion as I believe I have laid out my arguement rather specificly in the draft discussion.

My perferrance is that IF Sanchez and/or Crabtree (which means that Monroe, Curry, and Jason Smith are all likely gone) are available to us at #6 we trade down to the 10-13 range to pick up an extra 2nd. What that would do is enable us to take a Tackle or Guard, a Center, and a DE/OLB/ILB on the first day.

I would prefer we took:

First Round: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Second Round A: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

Second Round B: Eric Wood, C, Louisville or vice versa depending on how the draft falls.

then with our first third we have our pick at RB or if Loadholt is still available we could pick him up and draft a corner or a wideout with the second pick in the third.