My theory is a Safety at #21

[BengalPimp]

It won't be Taylor Mays. The coaching staff has been saying they want to find safeties that can cover and Taylor Mays is one of the worst safeties in coverage in the entire draft.

You're basing that on what? What some idiots are saying? I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I've watched Taylor Mays play for the last 4 years. The first 3 years nobody had a problem with his cover skills. Then all of a sudden he can't cover anyone? I'm not buying it. USC's defense lost a lot of talent the last few seasons, and last year they weren't nearly as good. They changed what they were doing, and Mays' responsibilities. Obviously being the most "high profile" player on that D made him the scapegoat.

Mays hits like a truck, and runs a 40 in the 4.3's. He definitely has the speed to cover, and Zimmer will make him a Pro Bowler like Roy Williams was, only difference, Taylor has SPEED......

[Kazkal]

I'd say pick up a safety in later rounds (after round 2). Get a skilled position (such as WR or TE) round 1 or 2. Pick best available in 1st (though Mikey won’t do it)...

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Even if safety is much better pick talent upside etc you'd rather take WR or TE? There is no position we need enough that we have to "Reach" in the 1st round so why not go with safety in 1st round if he's clear BPA then take WR & TE with the following picks?

[Walrus]

It won't be Taylor Mays. The coaching staff has been saying they want to find safeties that can cover and Taylor Mays is one of the worst safeties in coverage in the entire draft.

You're basing that on what? What some idiots are saying? I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I've watched Taylor Mays play for the last 4 years. The first 3 years nobody had a problem with his cover skills. Then all of a sudden he can't cover anyone? I'm not buying it. USC's defense lost a lot of talent the last few seasons, and last year they weren't nearly as good. They changed what they were doing, and Mays' responsibilities. Obviously being the most "high profile" player on that D made him the scapegoat.

Mays hits like a truck, and runs a 40 in the 4.3's. He definitely has the speed to cover, and Zimmer will make him a Pro Bowler like Roy Williams was, only difference, Taylor has SPEED......

If this is true and he's the impact player you and others think he is I would be ecstatic to pick him up at #21. We know all too well the difference a guy like Polamalu or Reed can make.

[membengal]

Don Banks hands the Bengals Mays in his latest mock draft at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.3/index.html

[BengalPimp]

It won't be Taylor Mays. The coaching staff has been saying they want to find safeties that can cover and Taylor Mays is one of the worst safeties in coverage in the entire draft.

You're basing that on what? What some idiots are saying? I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I've watched Taylor Mays play for the last 4 years. The first 3 years nobody had a problem with his cover skills. Then all of a sudden he can't cover anyone? I'm not buying it. USC's defense lost a lot of talent the last few seasons, and last year they weren't nearly as good. They changed what they were doing, and Mays' responsibilities. Obviously being the most "high profile" player on that D made him the scapegoat.

Mays hits like a truck, and runs a 40 in the 4.3's. He definitely has the speed to cover, and Zimmer will make him a Pro Bowler like Roy Williams was, only difference, Taylor has SPEED......

If this is true and he's the impact player you and others think he is I would be ecstatic to pick him up at #21. We know all too well the difference a guy like Polamalu or Reed can make.

Problem is, I don't think we'll get that lucky again. We got lucky Rey Maualuga dropped to us in the 2nd last year....I just don't think Mays will be around at #21....Would LOVE it...but don't think he'll last that long. I just don't think Earl Thomas is a good fit, so if Mays is gone.....I say go Jermaine Gresham.....

[TJJackson]

Gimme a lineman

[princeton]

Don Banks hands the Bengals Mays in his latest mock draft at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.3/index.html

I think that if the Rutgers tackle is available as SI projects, then we'll have ourselves quite an OL for years.

[HairOnFire]

Don Banks hands the Bengals Mays in his latest mock draft at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.3/index.html

I think that if the Rutgers tackle is available as SI projects, then we'll have ourselves quite an OL for years.

Under the scenario described I'd much rather have Maurkice Pouncey, a prospect I've never seen projected to the Bengals, but one who I think makes a certain amount of sense. Consider...

Pouncy is considered one of the very finest OL in the draft, but as an interior player he plays a devalued position, especially when viewed as a OC. However, he's played OG before and many scouts consider ORG his best position as a pro. Furthermore, Pouncy is considered one of the finest OC prospects in several years and likely would have topped last years deep class had he been available. So again, he could be an immediate replacement at ORG who would also give the Bengals an upgrade at OC should Kyle Cook fail to develope.

Frankly, I'm not pimping the guy and can't envision him being the pick under most scenarios. But he's actually on my rather lengthy short list....probably because I'd rather replace Bobbie Williams now than give him a multi-year contract while further delaying the search for his replacement.

[ArmyBengal]

Don Banks hands the Bengals Mays in his latest mock draft at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.3/index.html

I think that if the Rutgers tackle is available as SI projects, then we'll have ourselves quite an OL for years.

Under the scenario described I'd much rather have Maurkice Pouncey, a prospect I've never seen projected to the Bengals, but one who I think makes a certain amount of sense.

I only provide this because today was the first time I've seen this as well. Just thought I'd share and can agree about the thought as well.
/>http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-B.php

[HairOnFire]

Don Banks hands the Bengals Mays in his latest mock draft at si.com:

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/don_banks/03/16/mock.draft.3/index.html

I think that if the Rutgers tackle is available as SI projects, then we'll have ourselves quite an OL for years.

Under the scenario described I'd much rather have Maurkice Pouncey, a prospect I've never seen projected to the Bengals, but one who I think makes a certain amount of sense.

I only provide this because today was the first time I've seen this as well. Just thought I'd share and can agree about the thought as well.
/>http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-B.php

I hadn't seen that mock, but all I can say is....'bout time. Because I'm seeing more and more of Pouncey being mocked to teams who draft in the Bengals neighborhood, but until today....I'd never seen him projected to the Bengals themselves. And that seems strange to me when the idea of drafting a more physically gifted but less polished Iupati has gotten so much attention. To my eyes Pouncey looks like a more polished prospect, a better pass blocker, and could probably start immediately at ORG while being groomed for OC....if needed. That could be added value for the Bengals.

Regardless, I think we're starting to see the draft settle a bit....with new faces showing up as potential top 20-35 picks as more familiar names get dirtied up and pushed down. Pouncey is just one example.

[NJ29]

According to KFFL, they've brought in Earl Thomas for a visit, as well as BYU TE Dennis Pita and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes.

[cHaD711Johnson]

Does the analysis really need to extend beyond the fact that he's from SC?

California-centric thinking.

I hereby predict that if Mays is still there at 21, he's a Bengal.

Our defense will turn into USC East if we go for Mays. I'd go for him at 21, if not, defensive tackle is currently being Hobsoned on the team site.

Didn't Ronnie Lott play at USC? I know that doesn't mean a current safety from there will be just as good, I just like the symmetry.

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

[Kazkal]

Does the analysis really need to extend beyond the fact that he's from SC?

California-centric thinking.

I hereby predict that if Mays is still there at 21, he's a Bengal.

Our defense will turn into USC East if we go for Mays. I'd go for him at 21, if not, defensive tackle is currently being Hobsoned on the team site.

Didn't Ronnie Lott play at USC? I know that doesn't mean a current safety from there will be just as good, I just like the symmetry.

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

your comparin Mays to bing ? seriously? Bing didn't have the upside mays has in his pinky.

[ArmyBengal]

According to KFFL, they've brought in Earl Thomas for a visit, as well as BYU TE Dennis Pita and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes.

Going back and looking at needs and what teams have done in free agency, I simply can't find a scenario allowing Thomas to fall to #21.

Pitta is a pass catching TE much like Coffman and Zimmer has already said they need another blocking TE.

I'm of the mindset that Gronkowski may be that guy in the 2nd, as he's probably closer to a complete TE than anyone in the draft.

It's all in how they view his previous injuries.

I'm actually stuck on my mock with who they take if they have two 3rd round picks. I'm still working on it.

[COB]

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

I can't like it or dislike it, because I never heard of Darnell Bing.

Is he related to Dave Bing? Dave was a 7-time all star NBA player who started a hugely successful steel conglomerate after basketball, and now serves as the Mayor of Detroit.

Meanwhile, the athlete you adore just posted a video on the internet of himself running around the woods naked, and can soon be seen contracting STDs in a hot tub while VHI cameras roll.

[Walrus]

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

I can't like it or dislike it, because I never heard of Darnell Bing.

To refresh your memory -- in addition to the USC pedigree, he has similar size/speed/MO to Taylor Mays. Here's a scouting report from the run-up to the 2006 draft...

/>http://www.footballsfuture.com/2006/prospects/darnell_bing.html

He wound up being drafted in the 4th to the Raiders. Because of his size, they tried to switch him to LB and failed. He went to the Lions and history repeated itself. He's under contract w/ the Texans now.

To me, Mays compares more closely to Bing than to Troy Polamalu or Ronnie Lott because of his size. But as others have pointed out, I could be totally off-base. I hope so -- because if we can get a shot at the next great first round safety I'm all for it.

[kingwilly]

Does the analysis really need to extend beyond the fact that he's from SC?

California-centric thinking.

I hereby predict that if Mays is still there at 21, he's a Bengal.

Our defense will turn into USC East if we go for Mays. I'd go for him at 21, if not, defensive tackle is currently being Hobsoned on the team site.

Didn't Ronnie Lott play at USC? I know that doesn't mean a current safety from there will be just as good, I just like the symmetry.

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

Ohalete played at USC. It is not always a good thing.

[BengalPimp]

Does the analysis really need to extend beyond the fact that he's from SC?

California-centric thinking.

I hereby predict that if Mays is still there at 21, he's a Bengal.

Our defense will turn into USC East if we go for Mays. I'd go for him at 21, if not, defensive tackle is currently being Hobsoned on the team site.

Didn't Ronnie Lott play at USC? I know that doesn't mean a current safety from there will be just as good, I just like the symmetry.

Darnell Bing also played safety at USC. Do you also like that symmetry?

Ohalete played at USC. It is not always a good thing.

If we're just running off a list of USC Safeties in addition to the ones previously listed, try

Troy Polamalu

Tim McDonald (6 time Pro Bowler 49ers/Cards)

Joey Browner (6 time Pro Bowler Vikings)

Mark Carrier (3 time Pro Bowler 4 time alternate Bears/Lions/Skins)

It's pointless, because Taylor Mays is a whole different animal.

[Kazkal]

According to KFFL, they've brought in Earl Thomas for a visit, as well as BYU TE Dennis Pita and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes.

Going back and looking at needs and what teams have done in free agency, I simply can't find a scenario allowing Thomas to fall to #21.

Pitta is a pass catching TE much like Coffman and Zimmer has already said they need another blocking TE.

I'm of the mindset that Gronkowski may be that guy in the 2nd, as he's probably closer to a complete TE than anyone in the draft.

It's all in how they view his previous injuries.

I'm actually stuck on my mock with who they take if they have two 3rd round picks. I'm still working on it.

maybe smoke signals so people don't jump them for Mays and Gronokwshi if their looking at earl and pitta?

[NJ29]

According to KFFL, they've brought in Earl Thomas for a visit, as well as BYU TE Dennis Pita and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes.

Going back and looking at needs and what teams have done in free agency, I simply can't find a scenario allowing Thomas to fall to #21.

Pitta is a pass catching TE much like Coffman and Zimmer has already said they need another blocking TE.

I'm of the mindset that Gronkowski may be that guy in the 2nd, as he's probably closer to a complete TE than anyone in the draft.

It's all in how they view his previous injuries.

I'm actually stuck on my mock with who they take if they have two 3rd round picks. I'm still working on it.

maybe smoke signals so people don't jump them for Mays and Gronokwshi if their looking at earl and pitta?

I think you're giving our front office a little too much credit Kazzy!

[Kazkal]

According to KFFL, they've brought in Earl Thomas for a visit, as well as BYU TE Dennis Pita and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes.

Going back and looking at needs and what teams have done in free agency, I simply can't find a scenario allowing Thomas to fall to #21.

Pitta is a pass catching TE much like Coffman and Zimmer has already said they need another blocking TE.

I'm of the mindset that Gronkowski may be that guy in the 2nd, as he's probably closer to a complete TE than anyone in the draft.

It's all in how they view his previous injuries.

I'm actually stuck on my mock with who they take if they have two 3rd round picks. I'm still working on it.

maybe smoke signals so people don't jump them for Mays and Gronokwshi if their looking at earl and pitta?

I think you're giving our front office a little too much credit Kazzy!

Hey they got Andre,Maualuga & MJ Last year maybe wasn't a fluke!

[HairOnFire]

I used to cringe whenever I cam across someone comparing Darnell Bing to Taylor Mays before reminding myself how helpful it can be knowing who those people are.

For those who simply don't believe Mays can play safety in the NFL, you may be right, but try looking past the logo on the helmet. For example, if you think Mays has grown too big for the secondary make you comparisons to top prospects from the recent past who actually made the switch to LB, like Thomas Davis. Or Brian Urlacher.

Because in regards to the Bing comparisons...you really aren't saying anything worth hearing when you compare Mays to a player who never had a comparable skill set to begin with and then blew out his knee after being drafted.

[Walrus]

I used to cringe whenever I cam across someone comparing Darnell Bing to Taylor Mays before reminding myself how helpful it can be knowing who those people are.

For those who simply don't believe Mays can play safety in the NFL, you may be right, but try looking past the logo on the helmet. For example, if you think Mays has grown too big for the secondary make you comparisons to top prospects from the recent past who actually made the switch to LB, like Thomas Davis. Or Brian Urlacher.

Because in regards to the Bing comparisons...you really aren't saying anything worth hearing when you compare Mays to a player who never had a comparable skill set to begin with and then blew out his knee after being drafted.

I'm glad you brought up Thomas Davis, because that's the other guy I was thinking about in regards to Mays. There's definitely that trend with bigger Safeties to try playing them at LB but it took both Davis and Urlacher several years to get their feet underneath them in their new positions. Should the Bengals take the chance of drafting a guy in the 1st round who they might have to switch to LB and then wait X years for him to develop? I doubt many here would be on board with that.

Not saying that's definitely the case with Mays, only that it's what we've seen with the bigger, faster 1st round safeties (like Mays) of the past 10 years.

[HairOnFire]

I'm glad you brought up Thomas Davis, because that's the other guy I was thinking about in regards to Mays.

It's a comparison that works because the two have more in regards to body type, and skillset. But while I think it's much closer than the Bing comparison...it still falls short in one critical way. Speed. And that quality, best among ALL of the defensive backfield prospects, gives Mays a far better chance at sticking in the secondary.

Remember, Taylor Mays wasn't advised by NFL scouts and GM's to perform in the LB drills. Instead, he worked out and drilled with the CB's and Safeties, and he ran faster than all of them....including the greyhounds and sprites.

There's definitely that trend with bigger Safeties to try playing them at LB but it took both Davis and Urlacher several years to get their feet underneath them in their new positions. Should the Bengals take the chance of drafting a guy in the 1st round who they might have to switch to LB and then wait X years for him to develop?

That's a question for others as I don't see the need for the switch. I think Mays steps seemlessly into the Roy Williams role in this defense, and upgrades it in every measurable way but one. Experience. But having said that, Mays brings things to the table that Roy Williams no longer can, including a clean medical report and an NFL future that isn't measured by a series of one-year contracts.

Not saying that's definitely the case with Mays, only that it's what we've seen with the bigger, faster 1st round safeties (like Mays) of the past 10 years.

I'll argue they're all different save for the final question they faced. Did you grow too big for the position you've played? In the examples of Thomas and Bing both players were forced, inspite of their vastly different combine performances, to switch positions. One eventually morphed into a top player...as predicted by his draft status. The other broke down and faded away...as predicted by his draft status.

In regards to Mays, I think his speed gives him the opportunity to continue playing the same centerfielder thumper role he's always played, and yeah....I think you're seeing that important determination reflected by his draft status as well. Because he hasn't fallen off the pre-draft table like Bing did. Rather, like Thomas Davis, Mays is still considered a 1st round pick...with the only questions remaining relating to how high in the 1st round, and how much risk is involved?

[Kazkal]

Mays is still considered a 1st round pick...with the only questions remaining relating to how high in the 1st round, and how much risk is involved?

I am hoping he lands 21st...>_<