Starting to think OL with 1st pick

[Baraka]

Outside of Dez Bryant there are no first round WR's to this point. Sure we need more playmakers at the position but taking one for the sake of taking one in the first round is stupid. Briscoe, Thomas, Price, Decker, Cooper etc etc all look to be solid picks in the second or later. Same story at TE, none of them seem to be complete enough to warrant a first round pick. As it stands at this early juncture Iupati looks to be a sure thing.

Obviously, saftey is also a need but it looks to be one of the deepest positions in the draft, with not to much drop off from the second rated to the fifth or sixth rated.

BPA. If that's Iupati do it. If that's a DE do it, and so on and so on. . .

[HairOnFire]

I wouldn't mind a guard as early as round 2, unless Iupati falls to us at 21. Guy sounds like a beast.

I've only seen highlites but the first thing that popped into my mind when looking at Iupati is the old power right play that vanished the same day Steinbach left. That play was practically the bread and the butter of the Bengals running game when Rudi was here, and I think Benson could bust more of the home run plays he's capable of IF that type of conventional rushing attack were featured more often. But IMHO neither of the Bengals options at OLG have the range and pulling skills needed. And there's the rub because based upon everything I read Iupati has really impressive pulling ability...perfectly suited for the types of things Alexander likes to do....when he has the talent needed. Best, he's massive and mean...two qualities Steinbach lacked.

[HairOnFire]

Outside of Dez Bryant there are no first round WR's to this point. Sure we need more playmakers at the position but taking one for the sake of taking one in the first round is stupid. Briscoe, Thomas, Price, Decker, Cooper etc etc all look to be solid picks in the second or later. Same story at TE, none of them seem to be complete enough to warrant a first round pick. As it stands at this early juncture Iupati looks to be a sure thing.

Obviously, saftey is also a need but it looks to be one of the deepest positions in the draft, with not to much drop off from the second rated to the fifth or sixth rated.

BPA. If that's Iupati do it. If that's a DE do it, and so on and so on. . .

Dead on.

[cincyhokie]

I wouldn't mind a guard as early as round 2, unless Iupati falls to us at 21. Guy sounds like a beast.

I've only seen highlites but the first thing that popped into my mind when looking at Iupati is the old power right play that vanished the same day Steinbach left. That play was practically the bread and the butter of the Bengals running game when Rudi was here, and I think Benson could bust more of the home run plays he's capable of IF that type of conventional rushing attack were featured more often. But IMHO neither of the Bengals options at OLG have the range and pulling skills needed. And there's the rub because based upon everything I read Iupati has really impressive pulling ability...perfectly suited for the types of things Alexander likes to do....when he has the talent needed. Best, he's massive and mean...two qualities Steinbach lacked.

Exactly. As I said in another post, he's a bigger Rey M. Pacific Islander, big, and mean, indeed.

[Kazkal]

So what do you guys think if we did take Iupati left side? Right side?(we actually have a LT who is a good run blocker so could have him pull to the left) and who do you think would be on the opposite side of him? Livings,Mathis or Williams? surprise Shirly?

[cincyhokie]

So what do you guys think if we did take Iupati left side? Right side?(we actually have a LT who is a good run blocker so could have him pull to the left) and who do you think would be on the opposite side of him? Livings,Mathis or Williams? surprise Shirly?

Mathis or Bobbie. I was more impressed with Mathis than Livings...but Brat's got to hold down the subbing with this line. Let them get into a rythym.

But, yeah, from what I've seen (little) of Iupati, he's atheltic, good feet, and a friggin road grader. He'd be a solid starter on this line from day one.

If we're going to be strong at the lines, running and run d, let's keep getting bigger and badder.

[derekshank]

Iupati is clearly a LG. And he'll be great. A true blue-chipper for the interior O-Line. Something this O-Line lacks and desperately needs.

The problem? Mathis was probably the best interior O-Lineman the Bengals had this season, and the one that least needs to be replaced.

Cook? I'm willing to give him another season. But I'm also hoping that Luigs develops nicely... and that means Center gets left alone this offseason.

That leaves RG. Bobbie Williams is dead to me. I'm tired of his lack of discipline with 9 penalties. I'm sick of his inability to protect the QB. He allowed 4 sacks playing at guard! Only 5 guards in the entire NFL did worse! I don't want to see the Bengals give a dime to an aging and declining player whose best days already seem far in the rear view. He's the one who needs to be replaced most.

So... the problem is that if the Bengals drafted Iupati, I'd want him to stay at LG. But I'm not sure Mathis is cut out for RG, and I'm pretty unimpressed with Livings. So... the questions at O-Line will continue to be a nagging thought in my mind, even if Iupati is the #1 pick.

That said... he's still my favorite choice at the moment and would be a huge step in the right direction toward rebuilding the problems with this offense.

[Kazkal]

So Derek you don't think Iupati would be just as good of a Right Guard? Instead Power Run to the Right with LG pulling could run Power to the left and have the RG pull...Just wondering because I agree that Mathis was the Highlight of our Interior Oline and Bobbie Williams did seem like a weak link along with the RT's (not counting big Dre since he didn't get all that much play time)

[Sea Ray]

I'd like to see more of Big Shirley at RG. I really would. Pass blocking would be my main concern

[Kazkal]

I'm Rooting for shirly to make it as a backup this year...When ever I think of Big Shirly I get the image of him man handling that patriots Olinemen...good times

[cincyhokie]

Iupati is clearly a LG. And he'll be great. A true blue-chipper for the interior O-Line. Something this O-Line lacks and desperately needs.

The problem? Mathis was probably the best interior O-Lineman the Bengals had this season, and the one that least needs to be replaced.

Cook? I'm willing to give him another season. But I'm also hoping that Luigs develops nicely... and that means Center gets left alone this offseason.

That leaves RG. Bobbie Williams is dead to me. I'm tired of his lack of discipline with 9 penalties. I'm sick of his inability to protect the QB. He allowed 4 sacks playing at guard! Only 5 guards in the entire NFL did worse! I don't want to see the Bengals give a dime to an aging and declining player whose best days already seem far in the rear view. He's the one who needs to be replaced most.

So... the problem is that if the Bengals drafted Iupati, I'd want him to stay at LG. But I'm not sure Mathis is cut out for RG, and I'm pretty unimpressed with Livings. So... the questions at O-Line will continue to be a nagging thought in my mind, even if Iupati is the #1 pick.

That said... he's still my favorite choice at the moment and would be a huge step in the right direction toward rebuilding the problems with this offense.

Iupati is being projected, by some, to be like a Steinbach were he can play Guard and Tackle. I'm sure he'd be fine at LG or RG.

[walzav29]

Just imagine if CHase and Simpson turned out good next season. What gravey. It just frustrates me that we might have to go WR and TE #1 when a #2 WR and #3TE should have done it.

[cincyhokie]

Just imagine if CHase and Simpson turned out good next season. What gravey. It just frustrates me that we might have to go WR and TE #1 when a #2 WR and #3TE should have done it.

I still see the Bengals getting another TE especially if Kelly isn't coming back. The WR group is supposedly deep this year, which is good. I'd hope that Simpson would put extra time in with Palmer in the offseason with his career on the line.

I just keep thinking about Marvin's new philosophy of run and stop the run. If the Bengals can get a TE in FA and draft a WR in the later rounds, that would allow them to continue to look at improving the DT and interior OL spots. Both keys to running and stopping the run.

[kingwilly]

Just imagine if CHase and Simpson turned out good next season. What gravey. It just frustrates me that we might have to go WR and TE #1 when a #2 WR and #3TE should have done it.

I believe the children are our future...teach them well and let them lead the way....

are you even reading what you type?

this team NEEDS a FA WR in the solid-to-stellar range, and to draft a very fast, very dangerous WR in the first 3 rounds... TE's are not such a concern to me...Foschi played really well, Chase BETTER heal up and grow some brain cells, and we can get a solid TE from r4 on.

WR. gotta improve the WR group. Simpson...Coles.... will not be shocked if they are not on the team before the March change over.

[James_Brooks21]

WR. gotta improve the WR group. Simpson...Coles.... will not be shocked if they are not on the team before the March change over.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

this team NEEDS a FA WR in the solid-to-stellar range,

I'm in. Who?

Problem is, unless they re-do the CBA, all the decent WRs are RFAs.

[Kazkal]

Question is mikey in after giving Coles all those Millions,More so since he'll more likely remain on roster because money he gets just from being cut.Mikey ain't going flush 44million down the Drain like NBC did.

[BengalszoneBilly]

this team NEEDS a FA WR in the solid-to-stellar range,

I'm in. Who?

Problem is, unless they re-do the CBA, all the decent WRs are RFAs.

I too believe the biggest offensive need is at the WR and TE positions. I have little doubt they will be addressed in either free agency or the early rounds come draft time in April. I also seriously doubt the Bengals will draft an offensive lineman #1 two years in a row.

[kingwilly]

WR. gotta improve the WR group. Simpson...Coles.... will not be shocked if they are not on the team before the March change over.

The percentage for them cutting Simpson is zero, which it should be. Simpson will get a lot of time on the field in preseason before they would even think about doing that. I don't expect to see Coles on the roster next year at the price they are paying him and with that if they make either a free agent splash at the position or high draft pick it will be interesting to see if Simpson can beat out Caldwell for that third position. If they get a beast at that TE position that might just be the cure for the wide receivers. TE is the one position that I have never seen the Bengals have a pro bowl caliber player at,they have had some solid ones Tony Mcgee and Rodney Holman come to mind but never the guy that opposing teams had to game plan for since I have been watching (Bob Trumpy before my time). With all that said please don't draft Hernandez like Kiper is projecting.

[cincyhokie]

It seems that the draft is shaping up to be in the Bengals favor. Deep at WR and pretty deep at TE and S. The Bengals can do some damage this year in the 3rd round with the compensatory pick being forcasted for the loss of TJ.

You have to think that with needs at WR, TE, DT, DE, OG, and S that they will go with the best available pick. Add in the potential for FA pickups at TE or WR and that makes their scenario even better. They could EASILY get a day one starter in the first 2 rounds at TE, G, S, and maybe DT...with solid prospects still on the board in the 3rd round.

From what I've read on Iupati from Idaho and DT Dan Williams from TN, I'd like them to get an imediate impact player on the OL or DL that can step in right away. Drafting a WR in the first round is no guarantee that they can impact the offense as much as we may need.

I'm feeling optimistic about this draft and offseason (knocks on wood).

[Kazkal]

this team NEEDS a FA WR in the solid-to-stellar range,

I'm in. Who?

Problem is, unless they re-do the CBA, all the decent WRs are RFAs.

I too believe the biggest offensive need is at the WR and TE positions. I have little doubt they will be addressed in either free agency or the early rounds come draft time in April. I also seriously doubt the Bengals will draft an offensive lineman #1 two years in a row.

Well they Drafted cornerback 2 years in a row have gone crazy with highly selected Linebackers,so If they deem Oline is the need and worth the dough I don't think last years pick will have any impact on our selection...More so since Bengals have always had no problem Drafting Oline High and more so with Marvin wanting to build a purely run first offense...

PS,IMO there is no Clear cut no Brainer position in round one,If a Guard is clear cut best player available you go with them,If it's a Safety or Wide Receiver then that should be the selection....Aslong as it's not a Tight End I think that will be addressed in FA...

[BengalszoneBilly]

PS,If the Olinemen is best player go for it if not take the player that is of a position of need,I put money though we sign a Tight End in Free Agency and won't be drafted higher then round 4....

I don't quite understand what you're saying here.

[Kazkal]

Frakin Kaz speak.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

@DC - Brandon Marhsall. Vincent Jackson.

Both are RFAs unless the labor deal gets re-done. I don't think Jackson smells the open market. Marshall could be complicated, but unless McDaniels is even dumber than I think he is, they'll kiss and make up. In either case, we'd have to outbid the old team and give them a first and a third (I'm assuming those two would get the highest RFA level).

[skyline]

@DC - Brandon Marhsall. Vincent Jackson.

Both are RFAs unless the labor deal gets re-done. I don't think Jackson smells the open market. Marshall could be complicated, but unless McDaniels is even dumber than I think he is, they'll kiss and make up. In either case, we'd have to outbid the old team and give them a first and a third (I'm assuming those two would get the highest RFA level).

Yeah, we can forget about Jackson, and Marshall would be very expensive. Besides, is her really the type of character we want to add to the team?