If We Take a WR in Rd. 1-3..

[7/11]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR, and with the deep class this year, it'll be hard to pass on one of these guys.

This list obviously leaves out Dez Bryant, who will be gone at #21.

Who do you like as a Bengal and why?

Feel free to rank them or have a top-3 or something...

Personally, I like quite a few of them. In the 1st round, there are two WRs I would be happy taking:

-Arrelious Benn

-Brandon LaFell

I also really, really like Dexter McCluster, Mike Williams from Syracuse, and Jacoby Ford from Clemson.

(I tried to do a poll, but I suck at computers...Here's a short list)

Golden Tate, ND

Brandon LaFell, LSU

Rejus Benn, Illinois

Mardy Gilyard, UC

Jordan Shipley, Texas

Damian Williams, USC

Demaryius Thomas, GT

Dez Briscoe, KU

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (would love to see in stripes)

Mike Williams, Syracuse

Andre Roberts, Citadel (sleeper)

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Riley Cooper, UF

[TJJackson]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR

Are you saying we will take a WR at some point? Yes, you can bank on that

Are you saying we will take the WR in the first? No, thats not bankable. Possible, yes. Bankable, no. Especially not the "we can all" part. Speak for yourself

[redsbengalsbucks]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR, and with the deep class this year, it'll be hard to pass on one of these guys.

This list obviously leaves out Dez Bryant, who will be gone at #21.

Who do you like as a Bengal and why?

Feel free to rank them or have a top-3 or something...

Personally, I like quite a few of them. In the 1st round, there are two WRs I would be happy taking:

-Arrelious Benn

-Brandon LaFell

I also really, really like Dexter McCluster, Mike Williams from Syracuse, and Jacoby Ford from Clemson.

(I tried to do a poll, but I suck at computers...Here's a short list)

Golden Tate, ND

Brandon LaFell, LSU

Rejus Benn, Illinois

Mardy Gilyard, UC

Jordan Shipley, Texas

Damian Williams, USC

Demaryius Thomas, GT

Dez Briscoe, KU

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (would love to see in stripes)

Mike Williams, Syracuse

Andre Roberts, Citadel (sleeper)

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Riley Cooper, UF

Why no love for Freddie Barnes out of BGSU, he only had the best year of any WR in the NCAA last season. I really like Eric Decker for a possesion WR, but I would stay away from Benn until the third round. Benn has been at best inconsistent and is a project, not an immediate impact player.

[7/11]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR

Are you saying we will take a WR at some point? Yes, you can bank on that

Are you saying we will take the WR in the first? No, thats not bankable. Possible, yes. Bankable, no. Especially not the "we can all" part. Speak for yourself

sorry sir, i didn't mean to speak on your behalf..

rough morning? need to put someone in check? reread my post- i never said we'll take one in the first.

[CJBestInAFC]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR

Are you saying we will take a WR at some point? Yes, you can bank on that

Are you saying we will take the WR in the first? No, thats not bankable. Possible, yes. Bankable, no. Especially not the "we can all" part. Speak for yourself

sorry sir, i didn't mean to speak on your behalf..

rough morning? need to put someone in check? reread my post- i never said we'll take one in the first.

I like Tate a lot. I think he is Coles type wr. I like Benn too but the drop off in production this past season is a little worry some. No one is talking about Lafell. I think in the first round he could be a nice fit, but I would prefer to trade down if they were to take Lafell or Benn in the first, Gilyard also becomes a possibility if they decide to trade down in the first. Hey Damian Williams could be the guy for the Bengals.

I just want them to get someone that will come in and contribute. I don't want to go into the season and not play the rookie because he inexperienced like Jerome. If this happens don't expect our passing numbers to change dramactically with only Matt Jones as the new addition. I am also cool with going out in FA and finding a legit wr. The way the Bengals use their rookies, I would prefer to see a FA than a 1st or second round draft pick on a wr. The time to win is now they have a great foundation, no more developmental players. Get some playmakers!

[ct_bengal]

throw me in the golden tate sweepstakes,guy can flat out make plays. especially out of the dink and dunkin we saw last year...

[kingwilly]

In r1, the only one who makes sense is Dez. Golden Tate is just not big/fast enough for the AFCN.

In r2, I actually think Taylor Price could be the guy. good size, excellent speed and hands.

from there forward, you've got to get someone who offers additional value, can return kicks, punts, or contribute elsewhere like in wildcat...

McCluster, Gilyard and Ford fit this bill. Shipley has a TJ-esque quality to him, IMHO, so you've got that.

This team will not get better at WR solely in the draft, they'll have to go into FA and do something, or I fear not much will get better.

[Wraith]

I still really like Danario Alexander from Mizzou. I think they really need a tall rangy guy like Vincent Jackson and if you look at Alexander's numbers the last two years you can put his production against anyone. With his foot injury it is reasonable that he could slip into the 4th or 5th round.

[membengal]

I would not like them to take a WR in the first three rounds.

[wpeldios]

I have been hyping up Dezmon Briscoe in the 2nd for a while now. There is almost 0 chance Dez Bryant falls, and I really question if any of the others are worth the value in the first. And in my mind they are not if there is a good safety/og/d-lineman there. Out of the 2nd round options, I feel Briscoe is the best fit for this team, and I think he will be the best wr in the long run out of them. He won't run a blazing 40, but niether would Houshmanzadeh. He still fits the bill as an outside wr who can catch the ball and make plays after the catch.

[kingwilly]

I would not like them to take a WR in the first three rounds.

why?

I can support getting the Idaho G in r1, and then looking at WR's in r2 and/or 3.

This team is devoid of WR talent to develop. Caldwell is the best prospect they have and he is a bit warty.

[membengal]

Because it won't help them next season, and they need guys who will. Better off letting Caldwell develop, hope Simpson wasn't a bust, and signing a FA to help more immediately at that position. For better or worse, they made their throw at WR in the early rounds two drafts ago. I would rather they shore up LB, OL, and DL in a draft deep at those positions. Or Safety if one falls to them in the right spot, than roll the dice on another WR who will need a few years to maybe pan out.

[ArmyBengal]

I still like Williams out of USC "IF" they just feel they HAVE to take a WR in the first. He's a quick, playmaking kind of WR that can also factor in the return game, which is always something nice to have.

If I have my choice, I say wait until the comp pick in the 3rd (if we get it) and take Mike Williams from Syracuse. Big, fast, and exactly the type of WR that could come in and fill the shoes of Henry and be the type of WR this offense lacked after Henry's unfortunate circumstance. The only issue with Williams is he comes with issues. I'm simply not concerned.

[BengalPimp]

I still like Williams out of USC "IF" they just feel they HAVE to take a WR in the first. He's a quick, playmaking kind of WR that can also factor in the return game, which is always something nice to have.

I would NOT spend a 1st Rd pick on Damian Williams. He's neither big (closer to 6'0") nor fast. He has decent hands, and can jump for the ball, but he won't be the deep threat this team needs. Living in SoCal, I watch pretty much every USC game, and have seen him play a lot. I just don't think he'll be a ggod NFL WR. There were a ton of other USC WR's that I thought would be better...but...They disappointed too.

We should be able to get a decent WR in rounds 2 or 3....and who knows? Dez Bryant could fall....you never know.

[HairOnFire]

I would not like them to take a WR in the first three rounds.

Wow, can you imagine the meltdown that would happen around here if they actually did that?

As for me, I can't actually bring myself to say I WANT any of 'em.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I would not like them to take a WR in the first three rounds.

Wow, can you imagine the meltdown that would happen around here if they actually did that?

Personally I'd have no problem with it.

[HoosierCat]

Wow, can you imagine the meltdown that would happen around here if they actually did that?

Did what? You mean if they franchised a kicker like the Steelers did with Jeff Reed?

Yeah, I can only imagine the meltdown...

[ArmyBengal]

Fair enough on Williams and I will defer to someone who has obviously spent more time watching him, he just seemed to have that skillset when I did get the chance to see him. As for taking a WR, I hope they DO take one in the first three rounds. There is an obvious need and we are looking at 4 picks in the first three rounds if a comp is awarded. There's no reason NOT to take one in there. Our current corps of WR's is getting old or haven't done much to this point and it's to much of a risk to just let it go another year without being addressed.

Would I have a problem with giving up picks for Marshall ?? No, but I would believe it when I saw it...

[7/11]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR, and with the deep class this year, it'll be hard to pass on one of these guys.

This list obviously leaves out Dez Bryant, who will be gone at #21.

Who do you like as a Bengal and why?

Feel free to rank them or have a top-3 or something...

Personally, I like quite a few of them. In the 1st round, there are two WRs I would be happy taking:

-Arrelious Benn

-Brandon LaFell

I also really, really like Dexter McCluster, Mike Williams from Syracuse, and Jacoby Ford from Clemson.

(I tried to do a poll, but I suck at computers...Here's a short list)

Golden Tate, ND

Brandon LaFell, LSU

Rejus Benn, Illinois

Mardy Gilyard, UC

Jordan Shipley, Texas

Damian Williams, USC

Demaryius Thomas, GT

Dez Briscoe, KU

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (would love to see in stripes)

Mike Williams, Syracuse

Andre Roberts, Citadel (sleeper)

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Riley Cooper, UF

Why no love for Freddie Barnes out of BGSU, he only had the best year of any WR in the NCAA last season. I really like Eric Decker for a possesion WR, but I would stay away from Benn until the third round. Benn has been at best inconsistent and is a project, not an immediate impact player.

nothin against barnes...just stopped the list before putting him up. eric decker is pretty good, but i think you are vastly undervaluing benn's skills.

two years ago, been had over 1000 yards, but this year, illinois really struggled in the passing game. juice williams was awful and benn was consistently open it seemed like.

i think he is actually quite ready to make an impact early and he plays in the mold of t.o./boldin. big, strong, fast, great body control, runs very good routes, uses his hands well, can go deep or stay in. just a very good all-around player whose stats didn't reflect that this year.

[HairOnFire]

Wow, can you imagine the meltdown that would happen around here if they actually did that?

Did what? You mean if they franchised a kicker like the Steelers did with Jeff Reed?

Uhhh, no. I was responding to Mem's post about not selecting ANY wideout in the first three rounds. Frankly, that's a fairly remarkable change in attitude from a poster who, much like you did, lobbied for multiple wideouts being drafted in 2008. And I don't say that as a fresh slam, but rather...to point out how Memphis is now advocating Jerome Simpson be given an opportunity to play before burning another draft pick on a potential replacement.

For the record, Memphis didn't say anything about not drafting a wideout at all. Rather, he said none in the first three rounds...which still offers ample opportunity to find a replacement for Chris Henry, a non-starter whose greatest asset was as a glorified deep threat decoy.....a role this team should be able to fill without burning a high draft pick.

And if I somehow got it ALL wrong and the above rantings by yours truly are NOT what Memphis was thinking, well....I guess I'll say it. Because I don't want to burn more picks on rookie wideouts. Instead, I'd give Simpson the opportunity to play and if I felt compelled to hedge that bet I'd do so in free agency, not in an outstanding draft that is rich in talent seemingly everywhere but wideout.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I think we can all bank on taking a WR, and with the deep class this year, it'll be hard to pass on one of these guys.

This list obviously leaves out Dez Bryant, who will be gone at #21.

Who do you like as a Bengal and why?

Feel free to rank them or have a top-3 or something...

Personally, I like quite a few of them. In the 1st round, there are two WRs I would be happy taking:

-Arrelious Benn

-Brandon LaFell

I also really, really like Dexter McCluster, Mike Williams from Syracuse, and Jacoby Ford from Clemson.

(I tried to do a poll, but I suck at computers...Here's a short list)

Golden Tate, ND

Brandon LaFell, LSU

Rejus Benn, Illinois

Mardy Gilyard, UC

Jordan Shipley, Texas

Damian Williams, USC

Demaryius Thomas, GT

Dez Briscoe, KU

Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss (would love to see in stripes)

Mike Williams, Syracuse

Andre Roberts, Citadel (sleeper)

Eric Decker, Minnesota

Riley Cooper, UF

Why no love for Freddie Barnes out of BGSU, he only had the best year of any WR in the NCAA last season. I really like Eric Decker for a possesion WR, but I would stay away from Benn until the third round. Benn has been at best inconsistent and is a project, not an immediate impact player.

nothin against barnes...just stopped the list before putting him up. eric decker is pretty good, but i think you are vastly undervaluing benn's skills.

two years ago, been had over 1000 yards, but this year, illinois really struggled in the passing game. juice williams was awful and benn was consistently open it seemed like.

i think he is actually quite ready to make an impact early and he plays in the mold of t.o./boldin. big, strong, fast, great body control, runs very good routes, uses his hands well, can go deep or stay in. just a very good all-around player whose stats didn't reflect that this year.

I am basing my judgement of Benn on the three games I saw him play this year. Blaming the QB only works if you dont drop passes that hit you in the hands, he has a mental block about catching the ball. It is never good when a talented player losses his confidence and starts playing down to the level of the competition.

[HairOnFire]

Fair enough on Williams and I will defer to someone who has obviously spent more time watching him, he just seemed to have that skillset when I did get the chance to see him.

Personally, I don't understand ANY of the player evaluations on Williams. Because he's most certainly NOT a quick twitch guy like a Chad Johnson, to whom I see him repeatedly compared to, nor is he an ass dragging slug who can't become a starter in the NFL. In fact, I'm guessing he'll run a very nice 40.

IMHO he's a rookie clone of Malcolm Floyd. A solid and polished prospect who can develope into a quality #2 guy....much like Dez Briscoe.

[membengal]

That is actually a nice summary of my thoughts as thrown off in my "I wouldn't take a WR in the first three rounds" note, Hair.

I was certainly okay with what they did in 2008, but that means they now have to roll with what they did in 2008. And supplement with FA if need be. But I don't want to see them chasing their tail at WR with high picks draft after draft, Detroit Lions style, while passing players who can impact this team with higher degrees of likelihood than your average high round wide receiver.

AND, if this draft is deep at WR as it is said to be by some, then damn skippy find a diamond in the rough in rounds 4 - 6 if need be. And if it is NOT deep at WR, then by all means don't reach for one early. But, if it were me, given what they did in 2008 in the draft at WR, I look at o-line (guard), D-line, LB and safety in the first three rounds this year. I want more large, fast, aggressive, and angry players injected onto the roster at those positions.

[HoosierCat]

Wow, can you imagine the meltdown that would happen around here if they actually did that?

Did what? You mean if they franchised a kicker like the Steelers did with Jeff Reed?

Uhhh, no. I was responding to Mem's post about not selecting ANY wideout in the first three rounds.

Yes, I know, I was making a joke about the way people around here tend to freak out over perfectly understandable moves, like, say, franchising a kicker.

Or, more to the point, not drafting a wideout early in April.

Frankly, I won't be upset if they do, or if they don't, draft a WR in the first few rounds. That said, I expect them to take one no later than the second.

[HairOnFire]

I was certainly okay with what they did in 2008, but that means they now have to roll with what they did in 2008.

Well, I most certainly wasn't okay with what they did in 2008, but that hardly matters now...because the end result is the same. That being, roll the dice with the choices you've already made. Find out if Simpson and Coffman can play before selecting replacement players who will only further reduce the roles and playing time of players you've spent high draft picks to acquire.

But I don't want to see them chasing their tail at WR with high picks draft after draft, Detroit Lions style, while passing players who can impact this team with higher degrees of likelihood than your average high round wide receiver.

Exactly. Because who amongst wants to see a repeat of Hoosier and I fighting with hammer and tong over this teams endless fascination with drafting skill position players. Or worse, arguing over what a luxury pick might be.

And if it is NOT deep at WR, then by all means don't reach for one early.

Despite my misgivings this is exactly what I think they'll do....probably in the 2nd round. After they've selected a TE in the 1st round, of course.

But, if it were me, given what they did in 2008 in the draft at WR, I look at o-line (guard), D-line, LB and safety in the first three rounds this year.

I'd love that, but IMHO offensive skill position players are like crack for a guy like Mike Brown. So yeah, I'm guessing they'll reach for a wideout. In fact, I'll consider myself pretty lucky if they only reach once.