3rd Round Pre-Picks Thread

[ArmyBengal]

As for TE's, Cook will probably be gone by the end of the 3rd, but Coffman might be there. I know he played in the spread offense, but that kid can catch the ball like no one's business and with Kelly getting older he may provide a nice look with the double TE set with a healthy Utecht.

If not TE, give me the best PASS RUSHER on the board. After that, a change of pace RB or CB that can also provide something in the return game.

[DesperateDerelict]

Although kind of a project, Lawrence Sidbury could prove to be a very dynamic pass rusher off the edge.

Also (speaking of projects) some of the best centers in the NFL have been converted tackles or guards, including Clay Mathews (Sr) and our very own Rich Braham. Tropog, Herman Johnson, Duke Robinson, or Ohio State's Boone might be able to make the transition.

I'm not sure ANYBODY left on the board at center will be much help this September...

[TJJackson]

I just don't see the Bengals passing on a skill position player at this pick. In my opinion the Bengals got to believe that a center will still be available when they pick at the bottom of the round.

Can't afford to take that risk. See, there's this other guy named Carson who's kinda important, see.....

Shonn Greene can be an every down back if needed and can also be that 1-2 punch with Benson.

Sounds good as the comp pick or in r4

The guy was the Big Ten Offensive player of the year

Big Ten you say? Lemme think......Kijana Carter......Two Carry Perry......Maurice Clarett......Ron Dayne.....Curtis Enis.....hmmmm

Nope, sorry, no can do. Try again.

Jared Cook would be a nice addition to the TE corps.

Tell me about his blocking, since throw to the TE about as often as agreen donates to charities for battered women

Go ahead...we're listening

[Kazkal]

A.Q. Shipley sounds interesting just the lack of of Height & Short arms is what makes me worry...But he doesn't sound like bad pickup though...

[membengal]

Caldwell:

Overview

One of the most consistent snappers in college football, the four-time starter and two-time team captain began his career as an offensive guard before finding a home in the middle of the field. He also has filled in at offensive tackle when injuries depleted the depth along the Crimson Tide front wall. The unquestioned "heart and soul" of the offensive unit, he was the recipient of the 2008 Mal Moore Leadership Award.

The anchor of one of the most physical offensive lines in the major college ranks, Caldwell has outstanding agility, foot speed and flexibility. His ability to handle the bull rush and widen the rush lanes saw Alabama improve its 60th-place national ranking in rush offense (149.23 ypg) in 2007 to a 30th-place ranking in 2008 (184.64 ypg). The Tide's success on the ground also greatly improved the numbers in the win column, as Alabama rushers scored 32 times in Caldwell's final season, compared to 19 times during his junior year.

Caldwell was the premier athlete on Montgomery's powerhouse Lee High School football team. He allowed just one quarterback sack and graded 85 percent for blocking consistency as a senior, earning first-team All-State honors. That year, he was rated the 10th-best overall prospect in the state of Alabama by Super Prep magazine.

One of four All-State offensive linemen to enroll at Alabama, Caldwell spent the 2004 season performing as an offensive guard on the scout team. In 2005, he took over left guard duties for the first 11 games, moving to center vs. Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. He registered 62 knockdowns while participating on 772 plays. He was named first-team Freshman All-American by Rivals.com, adding second-team accolades from College Football News. He added All-SEC Freshman Team honors and was selected SEC Freshman of the Week for his performance vs. Florida.

As a sophomore, Caldwell was firmly entrenched at center, starting all 13 games. He was one of five players on the squad to log over 800 snaps (810), as he produced 58 knockdowns, leading the team in that category in four contests. He was selected SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week vs. Vanderbilt and chosen team Player of the Game vs. Louisiana-Monroe, serving as squad captain in that game and also vs. Louisiana State.

Caldwell was named offensive team captain in 2007. He was a member of the Rimington Award (nation's best center) Watch List and started the first five games at center. Injuries forced the staff to shift Caldwell to left offensive guard for the Houston clash and the following week, he started at right guard vs. Mississippi.

He was ruled ineligible for four midseason games, as he and several athletes were suspended for what school administrators called "a violation of institutional policy involving impermissible receipt of textbooks." When Caldwell returned to the field for the final two contests, he was shifted to right offensive tackle vs. Auburn before moving back to center for the Independence Bowl. Despite all the position shuffling, he graded 84.67 percent for blocking consistency, delivering eight touchdown-resulting blocks.

The 2008 season saw Caldwell garner the national attention that escaped him earlier in his career. The Rimington Award finalist earned All-American first-team recognition from The Sporting News and AFCA. He also received All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors. He started all 14 games at center, ranking second on the team with 92 knockdowns, as he finished with an 85.93 percent blocking consistency grade.

Analysis

Positives: Good height and plays with a wider base than his weight may signal. Excellent burst after the snap, getting up into his man very quickly to create a gap or pass protect. Strong enough to put tackles on the ground, but quick enough to get to the outside shoulder of either guard to help protect the quarterback. Strong, active hands to engage the defender and can drive defenders off the ball. Smart player who makes line calls. Adept at the shotgun snap. Durable. Four-year starter.

Negatives: Could be more aware and help the quarterback as plays break down. Lacks elite lateral quickness to get down the line or get to linebackers in combo or zone blocks. Lumbers a bit when trying to get downfield to block.

[ArmyBengal]

Sidbury is one of those guys I named at the bottom of the 3rd in my mock due to his ability to be able to get to the passer. Getting him there would be less of a financial hit to the team at the DE position and would make it easier to spend money on a 3rd down type of guy.

Getting Caldwell and Sidbury with what we already got on day one would be enough to keep me happy through the whole week !!!

[derekshank]

I just don't see the Bengals passing on a skill position player at this pick. In my opinion the Bengals got to believe that a center will still be available when they pick at the bottom of the round.

Caldwell will easily be one of the top 10 BPA's when the Bengals draft in the 3rd (if he's even still there). That needs to be the pick. If it's not, it will take me some convincing that the Bengals didn't just waste a great opportunity.

[kurgan74]

I want Michael Johnson with the 70th and either Caldwell or Lugis at the end of 3. Also, i would be nice to see a local guy like Gerald Codagan (Portsmouth, Oh) in Rd 4.

[Kazkal]

Wow some good players still available

Players like to see us look with first 3rd round

-Andre Caldwell (hopefully he is the pick)

-Duke Robinson, (This is surprising before draft everyone thought he'd go round 1.

-Michael Johnson

-William beatty

That needs to be the pick. If it's not, it will take me some convincing that the Bengals didn't just waste a great opportunity.

Yup I would love to reunite him with Andre Smith,He really does sound like he could be a good center.

[TJJackson]

Honestly, our need for Caldwell is great enough that I'd willingly give up our r6 pick just to move up to the first pick of r3 to absolutely secure him

Maybe even the r5 pick (not both).

I know it's likely he'll last to the 6th pick of r3, but frankly I don't think we can afford to take that chance

[membengal]

Luigs:

Overview

Much like the Pac-10 Conference, where California's Alex Mack and Oregon's Max Unger battled for the title of that league's premier center, Luigs had a similar situation, as he and Alabama's Antoine Caldwell split All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors over their last three seasons. While the Pac-10 duo is known for their physicality, the SEC tandem is known more for their quickness and field savvy.

The two-time All-American was a three-time finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's top center. He captured that honor as a junior and has been the centerpiece of the Razorback's front wall, compiling a string of 49 consecutive starts, every game he appeared in at Arkansas. He has also excelled in the classroom, as he was a member of the school's Academic Honor Roll in each of his last four seasons.

At Pulaski Academy, Luigs was a three-year starter on the offensive line, lining up at center and offensive tackle, as well as defensive end. He was named to the Associated Press Arkansas Super Team and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas team as a senior, adding All-Metro squad honors as a junior. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Luigs was the 2003 recipient of the Brandon Burlsworth Award, named after the former Razorback All-American offensive guard. Super Prep rated him as the 12th-best overall prospect in Arkansas while The Morning News had him rated 14th. In each of his three varsity seasons, he graded at least 90 percent for blocking consistency.

As a senior, Luigs capped his prep career by helping his squad win its first state title (Class 3A) in school history with a 13-2 mark. As a junior defensive tackle, he recorded 77 tackles (26 solos), four sacks, three more stops for losses of 30 yards and two pressures.

Luigs was heavily recruited by Louisiana State, Memphis, Alabama, Iowa, Kansas State and Nebraska, but decided to enroll at Arkansas. He spent the 2004 season on the scout team, seeing action mostly as an offensive guard, but also performed at center.

In 2005, the redshirt freshman earned Freshman All-American and Freshman All-Southeastern Conference honors. He started 10 games, lining up at right guard in seven contests and at center in three late-season clashes. He sat out the Alabama game with a high ankle sprain, but went on to register 53 knockdowns with eight touchdown-resulting blocks, posting an 84.2 percent grade for blocking consistency.

Luigs was a Rimington Trophy finalist, adding All-SEC first-team and All-American second-team honors in 2006. He made 34 knockdowns with seven touchdown-resulting blocks. He graded 85.1 percent for a running attack that led the conference and ranked fourth in the nation with an average of 228.5 yards per game on the ground. He led the team in knockdowns three times, as he was part of a front wall that led the major college ranks, giving up just nine quarterback sacks for the campaign. He also recorded one tackle.

Luigs captured the Rimington Trophy in 2007 and shared the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy (conference's top offensive lineman) with Alabama's Andre Smith. The consensus All-American first-team choice was credited with a career-high 84 knockdowns and led the league's interior linemen with 14 touchdown-resulting blocks. With their center leading the way, the Razorbacks again led the SEC and ranked fourth in the country with an average of 286.54 yards per game rushing. Arkansas also ranked second in the league and 17th nationally in total offense with an average of 450.0 yards per game.

With both Darren McFadden and Felix Jones having left Arkansas for the NFL, the team's once formidable running game came to a screeching halt in 2008. Luigs was again named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, but lost out to Alabama's Antoine Caldwell for first-team All-SEC honors. He delivered 66 knockdowns and graded 85.42 percent for blocking consistency. But the Hogs finished 97th in the nation in rushing (113.5 ypg). The team's offensive line was the main problem, as the front wall placed 118th among the 119 major colleges, allowing 46 sacks for the season.

Analysis

Strengths: Prototype size for the position. Rare athleticism. Good burst off the snap and can block on the move. Quickly moves his feet to get the appropriate angle on his man. Gets to the second level quickly as a run and pass blocker. Good initial quickness as a pass blocker. Settles well and plays with good balance. Equally effective snapping in the shotgun or traditional quarterback exchange. Cerebral player who makes the line calls and adjusts well to unexpected blitzes and defensive alignments.

Weaknesses: Relies on quickness and technique rather than pure strength to generate movement at the point of attack, and can be stalemated by bigger, stronger defenders. Can be tossed aside after initial hit. Struggles to remain engaged with defenders when blocking at the second level, and will miss targets altogether. Leans forward too far at times to reach his man, keeping Luigs off balance.

[Spor_tees]

I just don't see the Bengals passing on a skill position player at this pick. In my opinion the Bengals got to believe that a center will still be available when they pick at the bottom of the round.

Can't afford to take that risk. See, there's this other guy named Carson who's kinda important, see.....

Shonn Greene can be an every down back if needed and can also be that 1-2 punch with Benson.

Sounds good as the comp pick or in r4

The guy was the Big Ten Offensive player of the year

Big Ten you say? Lemme think......Kijana Carter......Two Carry Perry......Maurice Clarett......Ron Dayne.....Curtis Enis.....hmmmm

Nope, sorry, no can do. Try again.

Jared Cook would be a nice addition to the TE corps.

Tell me about his blocking, since throw to the TE about as often as agreen donates to charities for battered women

Go ahead...we're listening

Well the Bengals didn't feel Center was important enough to take in the second round, or even trade back up into the Second to make sure they got Unger. Maybe they move Bobbie Williams to center this year after a full year of practice and put Anthony Collins at guard?

Anyone can name the bad guys but I an also name quite a few good ones. Ever heard of Eddie George? Robert Smith? Marion Barber? Alonzo Highsmith? ...and there are many more.

As for Cook, he is a physical freak. He has the ability to catch the ball, break tackles, and create mismatches. His only problem with blocking is mental and can easily be fixed. Now if he was a fat, out of shape, chain smoker like Sean Brewer I would pass, but that isn't the case here.

[membengal]

Shipley"

The first center to serve as team captain since Barry Tielsch in 1996, Shipley had a banner senior campaign for the Nittany Lions. In addition to being named the recipient of the Rimington Trophy, given to college football's best center, he became the 92nd player in school history to be named a first-team All-American.

Shipley proved to be a tough competitor, anchoring a front wall that led the Big Ten Conference and ranked fourth in the nation for fewest quarterback sacks allowed (1.00 spg). That stellar protection allowed PSU to generate 243.08 passing yards per game, the third-best total in the league.

A respected team leader, Shipley is an intense and physical presence on the line. He is also one of the squad's most engaging personalities and played a jovial Santa Claus at the team's bowl game Christmas party during the 2005 and '06 seasons. An accomplished golfer, he graduated last December with a degree in Labor and Industrial Relations.

At Moon Area High School, Shipley was a standout defensive lineman in four seasons with the varsity. He was a member of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25, and the Harrisburg Patriot-News Platinum 33 squads and also played in the 2004 "Big 33" Classic. As a senior, he helped the squad reach the Western Pennsylvania District Class AAA semifinals after winning the Parkway Conference title.

Shipley recorded 53 tackles as a senior, including 13 for loss and three sacks, as he also forced two fumbles. He ended his career with 243 tackles, 41 for loss and 13 sacks. He also was a three-year starter in basketball and was a two-year captain of the football and basketball teams.

In 2004, Shipley competed on the Penn State scout team as a defensive tackle. The following year, he shuttled between the offensive and defensive lines. He moved to center in 2005 spring drills, providing depth there and at offensive guard the first half of the season. Prior to the Illinois game, he went back to defensive tackle, making five tackles with two sacks the remainder of the season, participating in 226 snaps for the 2005 campaign.

In 2006, Shipley secured a starting job at center, competing in 897 plays. He tallied 54 knockdowns with seven touchdown resulting blocks and also recorded a solo tackle vs. Northwestern. PSU's offense managed to average 349.92 yards per game, as the offensive line allowed only 23 sacks.

As a junior, Shipley was named to the All-Big Ten Conference first-team by the league's coaches and was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy. He registered 76 knockdowns that included nine touchdown-resulting blocks. He made ESPN's All-Bowl team, experiencing every lineman's dream, as he caught a deflected pass for a 4-yard gain vs. Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl. Behind his block-calling, he helped the team rank third in the Big Ten Conference in rushing (193.77 ypg), as the Nittany Lions also amassed 5,201 yards in total offense.

In 2008, Penn State's offense was explosive, thanks to the stellar play of its senior-laden front wall. The Big Ten Conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year recorded 11 touchdown-resulting blocks to go with 78 knockdowns. The team finished as the league leader in pass efficiency (145.35 rating), total offense (448.92 ypg) and points scored (38.92 ppg)

Positives: Stout, tough and physical at the point, plays like the former nose guard he is. Strong anchor in pass protection, and does not get bull-rushed as he uses his wide base to maintain leverage. Battles everyone and anyone on the field, playing through the whistle. Good enough feet to combo (in either direction) then get to the linebacker or safety and angle him while engaged. Adept at shotgun. Gets hands up quickly after the snap. Gets off his man to pick up late blitzers using his feet and hands. Only adequate moving laterally on pulls, but is still able to wall off linebackers inside. Team leader. Makes accurate line adjustments.

Negatives: Lacks height, bulk and arm length. Projects to center only, probably in a zone-blocking system. Short arms prevent him from maintaining contact with tackles on the move, which lets his man shed or get past him. Initial punch is only adequate. Does not consistently sustain his blocks, especially against stronger tackles.

[derekshank]

Well the Bengals didn't feel Center was important enough to take in the second round, or even trade back up into the Second to make sure they got Unger. Maybe they move Bobbie Williams to center this year after a full year of practice and put Anthony Collins at guard?

Doubtful. We don't know where the Bengals had Unger graded. Perhaps they simply couldn't pass on the value of Maualuga to take Unger... but they might have for Wood or Mack. We'll never know.

It could be that their ranking of Unger and Caldwell were similar... or as often happens, they have a dark horse candidate that most of us haven't heard of.

I fear that the second scenario might be what we hear with the early pick in the 3rd round, quickly removing the smiles from so many currently happy Bengal fans. But... if Caldwell is the guy, my smile will continue to widen - at least until the inevitable WR pick

[Spor_tees]

Well the Bengals didn't feel Center was important enough to take in the second round, or even trade back up into the Second to make sure they got Unger. Maybe they move Bobbie Williams to center this year after a full year of practice and put Anthony Collins at guard?

Doubtful. We don't know where the Bengals had Unger graded. Perhaps they simply couldn't pass on the value of Maualuga to take Unger... but they might have for Wood or Mack. We'll never know.

It could be that their ranking of Unger and Caldwell were similar... or as often happens, they have a dark horse candidate that most of us haven't heard of.

I fear that the second scenario might be what we hear with the early pick in the 3rd round, quickly removing the smiles from so many currently happy Bengal fans. But... if Caldwell is the guy, my smile will continue to widen - at least until the inevitable WR pick

I don't think a starting O-line of Andre Smith-LT Whitworth-LG Williams-C Colling-RG and Levi-RT is all that bad. Williams would definitely not let D-linemen push him around. I have confidence that wit Collins size he would do just fine at guard.

The depth at center in next year's draft is supposed to be just as good if not better than this year.

[Kazkal]

Marvin said that they had Unger rated really high but Rey Maualuga just was too high to pass I thought...

Could be mistaken and making it up lol.

[Kazkal]

Why would you put levi on the right when he's not a dominate run blocker?

Rather see

LT:Collins

LG:Whitworth

C:Caldwell

RG:Bobbie Williams (next year Nate Livings? or maybe Duke will fall to end of the 3rd

RT:Andre Smith

[TJJackson]

I don't think a starting O-line of Andre Smith-LT Whitworth-LG Williams-C Colling-RG and Levi-RT is all that bad

You keep pushing Williams as the new C, and yet they tried that last year in preseason, and it did not work out well. Marvin even got angry when reporters asked about the so-caled Jurassic line, saying something along the lines of "we've seen enough of that"

The depth at center in next year's draft is supposed to be just as good if not better than this year.

I doubt Carson will take much comfort in hearing this. You see, he has to play THIS year.

[Spor_tees]

I don't think a starting O-line of Andre Smith-LT Whitworth-LG Williams-C Colling-RG and Levi-RT is all that bad

You keep pushing Williams as the new C, and yet they tried that last year in preseason, and it did not work out well. Marvin even got angry when reporters asked about the so-caled Jurassic line, saying something along the lines of "we've seen enough of that"

The depth at center in next year's draft is supposed to be just as good if not better than this year.

I doubt Carson will take much comfort in hearing this. You see, he has to play THIS year.

The 'Jurassic line' didn't come into play until late in the pre-season and Bobbie Williams was not given ample time to learn the center position and practice at it. A full off-season of practice and study would be a major difference.

Carson couldn't be anymore scared than he has been the last couple of years stepping up to the line of scrimmage behind "Mr. Swinging Gate" Giachic! The only thing that would be worse is if he was standing behind that line of that High School offense where every player on the field is pass eligible.

[kurgan74]

I have changed my mind on who I want with the first of the 3rd round picks. I say go with Duke Robinson

Duke Robinson OL 6'5 329 Oklahoma 5.27

By: Robert Davis

Robinson was a reserve guard and tackle as a freshman before moving into the starting lineup at left guard as a sophomore. He has taken a strangle hold of that position and remained there for the rest of his career, earning All America and All Big 12 honors during his junior and senior seasons.

Strengths

Robinson is a beast at guard. He has all the tools and the mentality to be a pro bowler for many years in the league. He has very good size and the strength to dominate defenders at the point of attack. He will drive his man off the ball and clear out consistent running lanes. Robinson is not just a mauler though, as he has impressive agility for a guard. He quickly gets into his stance and easily adjusts to his mans moves, and keeps them in front of him. Robinson is mean on the field and is always trying to find someone to hit or block until the whistle blows. He may actually have the physical ability to slide out to right tackle in the NFL, making him even more attractive.

Weaknesses

Robinson is about as good a guard prospect as you can find. There really are no knocks in his game, unless you are trying to project him outside at tackle. When you do that, his athleticism and agility drop a notch and aren’t as impressive. Most of his experience is inside at guard and it could take some time to adjust to playing on the outside of the line.

Future

Duke Robinson entered the year as the top guard prospect, and will enter the draft as such. Guards do not carry the value that tackles do, and there are as many as six tackles that could end up going in the first round. Robinson should hear his name called in the second round, and make some team happy for a very long time

[Baraka]

center at the top of round three is an imperative with caldwell being the obvious choice. if they have to pick someone else then at the bottom luigs would be alright. not taking a center with one of those two picks would be a disaster. i was really hoping wood would fall to us in the second. damn those bills.

[scott91575]

Honestly, our need for Caldwell is great enough that I'd willingly give up our r6 pick just to move up to the first pick of r3 to absolutely secure him

Maybe even the r5 pick (not both).

I know it's likely he'll last to the 6th pick of r3, but frankly I don't think we can afford to take that chance

I endorse this post. Give Detroit a 6th and the 3rd and get Caldwell. Luigs could be a good choice, but ensuring that you get Caldwell is worth a 6th IMO. Although I think a 5th is too much.

[Kazkal]

I would trade Chad right now for a 3rd if it ment we could get Duke Robinson & Caldwell ...Well I'd make it conditional draft pick too like if he has 1,100+ yards we would get a 1st next year

[derekshank]

I would trade Chad right now for a 3rd if it ment we could get Duke Robinson & Caldwell ...Well I'd make it conditional draft pick too like if he has 1,100+ yards we would get a 1st next year

Damn... don't we want any veterans on this O-Line? What are you going to do with 3 rookies on the O-line and Collins, a 2nd year player?

[Kazkal]

I wouldn't want to see Duke start this year but he adds depth to guard and a future replacement for Bobbie unless that is Nate Livings.(or Whitworth who would be replaced by Livings)

PS,I wonder what their plans are for Collins because they mentioned Whitworth at LT again in today's article.