Because Bobbie Williams still hasn't signed....

[HairOnFire]

Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals re-sign Cook

By C. Trent Rosecrans, CNATI.com Posted April 7, 2010 12:26 PM ET

Kyle Cook wasn't surprised he was tendered a new contract, but he's happy.

Kyle CookThe Bengals had exclusive rights to their starting center and after searching for a center for so long, it's not as if they were going to let him go. On Wednesday, the team announced they'd resigned Cook for the 2010 season.

"It's one less thing to worry about, get that out of the way and you know the coaches want you here, the ownership wants you here and you have a future here," Cook said.

The team has yet to announce the signing of guard Bobbie Williams, but his agent has said the team has reached an agreement with him. The only thing left is for Williams to actually sign the paper.

Bobbie WilliamsThat means the line that started last season with Williams as the only player in the same spot he had been in the year before, will come back intact for 2010. Cook leads the team at center with Williams to his right. Nate Livings is back at left guard and the team has tendered an offer to restricted free agent Evan Mathis, as well. Andrew Whitworth returns at left tackle and the right tackle position is likely to go to 2009 first round pick Andre Smith.

"It's awesome," Cook said. "If we can keep everyone intact like we're doing, we can build on what we did last year."

The Bengals finished ninth in the NFL in both sacks allowed (29) and rushing yards per game (128.5).

"With what we accomplished last year starting in OTAs fresh and new with this new group of guys, as the way that led into the season, that's huge we can have those same guys around and build around that," Cook said. "In the short time we had in OTAs and the things we did and how we worked together, everything was so positive and that rolled over into the season. If you're that far ahead of the game, you can just keep rolling into that."

Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander said he was happy to have Cook back.

"Kyle showed everyone last year that he's a good player," Alexander said in a statement released by the team. "He's big, he's strong, he's tough, and as the center, he's a leader -- the brains of the operation."

And most importantly, he's back.

[Stripes]

Cool. We've discussed his struggles in pass protection, but he's clearly better in that regard than Ghiaciuc was. In the running game he was pretty consistently a beast.

[Wraith]

Most importantly he could manage a game from the center position beterr than anyone we have had here post Braham.

[HairOnFire]

It's a solid signing, but it isn't a long-term commitment and I have to confess my continued interest in drafting a true upgrade. A player who actually impresses rather than being acceptable mostly because of how cheaply and adequately the position was filled. In short, I like Kyle Cook but IMHO he's a fire plug.

[HairOnFire]

I love me some Maurkice Pouncey, but I doubt the Bengals share my willingness to draft a Center early. So what am I to make of the following?

From April 2nd....

Boston College center Matt Tennant will participate in the Bengals' pro day for local athletes on April 13. The anchor of B.C.'s offensive line, who started 41 consecutive games, has already worked out for the Broncos and the Falcons.

University of New Mexico center Erik Cook is scheduled to work out for the Bengals this week, but has also been drawing interest from the Browns, Bills, Titans, Panthers, Dolphins, Texans, Raiders and Redskins. The Lobos' Most Valuable Player Award winner in 2009 was a three-year starter who also gained some experience at tackle and guard earlier in his college career.

Brigham Young University tight end Dennis Pitta and Notre Dame center Eric Olsen will be visiting the the New Orleans Saints on April 11-12. That visit falls roughly a week after Pitta's April 5-6 visit with the Bengals and Olsen's workout at the New York Giants' pro day for local prospects. Pitta's a three-time first-team All-Mountain West selection who rolled up over 1,900 receiving yards during the last two years at BYU. Olsen started at guard for the Fighting Irish part way through his sophomore year and then moved to center for the team's 2009 campaign.

The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles have all scheduled private workouts with Morgan State wide receiver E.J. Morton-Green. According to one observer, the former Miami (OH) player ran a 4.47 forty-time at his pro day, and posted a 4.28-second short shuttle. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, Morgan's a big target who can also get up high for the ball as evidenced by his 37 1/2-inch vertical leap.

[ArmyBengal]

Honestly, I view the Center position as another spot that could be drafted early on as well. They took Luigs last year, but I get the impression they don't view him as much more than depth, but that may be just me. Either way around, Cook is like others in that he has a one year deal and there's no guarantee of anything beyond that. Would it bother me if they drafted a guy like Pouncey in the first ?? NOT IN THE LEAST. Why ?? Because many have projected him at the Guard position in the NFL, so while Cook holds down the Center position for this season, I would see Pouncey as an upgrade to what we currently have. If Cook doesn't come back after 2010, you have his replacement. I simply don't see the downside...

[HairOnFire]

I prefer Pouncey, but I can make the same argument I made in his behalf for Matt Tennant, a prospect with a 2nd or 3rd round grade who is actually ranked as the best OC by some, including Kiper and Draftscout.

Just saying...

[ArmyBengal]

Point made

[kingwilly]

Apart from a nearly blue-chipper like Pouncey, I do not see any need to take O-line any earlier than r4. Pouncey could slip to r2, and if so, would be great value there.

If that happens, it sets in motion a series of options that could be interesting, making the William's signing something of a waste, as now there are simply too many O-lineman, and good ones at that, on the roster.

T - Whit, Roland, Smith, Collins

G - Williams, Mathis, Livings

C - Cook, Pouncey, Luigs, Santucci

As a practical matter, one of these would need to be cut or moved (traded).

Quite a luxury, having so many quality players. Opens up quite a few possibilities to go out and trade. Haynesworth, Marshall... packaging up an r3 pick and Collins for either of those two would be serious.

[ArmyBengal]

T - Whit, Roland, Smith, Collins

G - Williams, Mathis, Livings

C - Cook, Pouncey, Luigs, Santucci

As a practical matter, one of these would need to be cut or moved (traded).

Seeing as how Pouncey would be a versatile piece to that scenario, I would have little to no (see ZERO) issue with at least a couple of those guys not being on the roster. Simply said, there are always upgrades that can be made regardless of what we may think of the current situation.

That being said, I don't think the Bengals can rule out to many positions that are in play at #21 and the o-line is certainly IN play.

[BlainThePain]

I'm interested in seeing how Cook progresses. Last year was his first season as a starter, so over the next couple of seasons he could develop into the beast everybody wants.

[kingwilly]

T - Whit, Roland, Smith, Collins

G - Williams, Mathis, Livings

C - Cook, Pouncey, Luigs, Santucci

As a practical matter, one of these would need to be cut or moved (traded).

Seeing as how Pouncey would be a versatile piece to that scenario, I would have little to no (see ZERO) issue with at least a couple of those guys not being on the roster. Simply said, there are always upgrades that can be made regardless of what we may think of the current situation.

That being said, I don't think the Bengals can rule out to many positions that are in play at #21 and the o-line is certainly IN play.

Good point. However, it must be recognized just how much improvement can be made.

I see the improvement at the Safety and WR, and even DE, spots being a far bigger concerns than that of the O-line.

If there is serious upgrade to be had S, WR and DE, then why forgo that upgrade to take an O-lineman that may only upgrade the O-line a little bit?

Heck, what if one of the better OT's drops? if he is BPA? If they take an OT who drops over Thomas, Mays, Bryant, or Dunlap or Paul-Pierre, then that is a failure.

Drafting in the lower part of r1 sure is problematic. Picking in the top 10, as this team has done so often, is far more predictable and clear.

[blueridge]

Kyle Cook did a fine job and has a bright future. Luigs also has a future in this league and, now, provides quality depth at the center position. So, isn't this good news? Not if you read some of the posts in this topic. They want the Bengals to use their 1st or 2d round pick on another center. Yes, another center. What the hell is wrong with you people? Maurkice Pouncey? This must portend a new draft policy,i.e.,reach for a position as to which there is no need.

[ArmyBengal]

I agree KW, the way I see it is, get the player that is going to make the most immediate impact right now.

[ArmyBengal]

Kyle Cook did a fine job and has a bright future. Luigs also has a future in this league and, now, provides quality depth at the center position. So, isn't this good news? Not if you read some of the posts in this topic. They want the Bengals to use their 1st or 2d round pick on another center. Yes, another center. What the hell is wrong with you people? Maurkice Pouncey? This must portend a new draft policy,i.e.,reach for a position as to which there is no need.

Well, we know you don't advocate the taking of an o-lineman in the first, but we don't keep asking you, "why not". The discussion is valid regardless of you agreeing with it or not. Cook being on a one year deal is a reason to consider, and no, it has nothing to do with liking or disliking what we've seen to this point (I'm happy with him) and Bobbie is what 34 now ?? Are you also one of those people that think Livings and Mathis are clearly starters in this league at the Guard position ?? If so, what the hell is wrong with you ??

Simplified, so think the o-line still needs upgrades and some don't, but either way, the thought process is warranted.

What I won't argue about is they need to find a player that makes the most impact at a position of need. If the coaches think it's the o-line, I won't argue.

I'm sure others will do that just fine.

EDIT: Pouncey is also considered to be one of the top Guard prospects at the NFL level. Just saying.

[HairOnFire]

Kyle Cook did a fine job and has a bright future.

Define bright. The Bengals ran the ball very well to the left, respectibly to the right, and were amongst the worst running up the gut. More? In pass protection rankings Cook was listed amongst the Bottom Five. Finally, in ProFootballFocus's overall rankings Cook placed 21st, a respectable enough showing that still manages to pale in comparison to rookie Alex Mack's #6. And BTW, Mack was selected 21st in 2009 and after breaking into the starting lineup late in the season immediately provided the Browns with the type of real upgrade I'm talking abut.

So, isn't this good news? Not if you read some of the posts in this topic. They want the Bengals to use their 1st or 2d round pick on another center. Yes, another center. What the hell is wrong with you people?

What do you mean by you people?

FWIW, I'm willing to pay the price needed for a true upgrade on the offensive line, both in regards to pass blocking and in the run game. By comparison, you apparently couldn't care less. (Opinion noted.)

This must portend a new draft policy,i.e.,reach for a position as to which there is no need.

I'm tempted to ask you to define what you mean by need, but instead I'll just assume you're either happy enough with mediocrity at that position OR you don't know a thing about it. That said, if there truly is no need at the OC position then why are the Bengals looking at so many, including several that are projected to go prior to the 3rd round?

[Kazkal]

Heck, what if one of the better OT's drops? if he is BPA? If they take an OT who drops over Thomas, Mays, Bryant, or Dunlap or Paul-Pierre, then that is a failure.

Just can't see OT happening unless they move WHitworth back to guard which is doubtful,Just cross my fingers Dez,Earl,Mays or Kindle are available

[HoosierCat]

Put me in the "no center" camp. Cook may not be the best, but he's good enough, and I think his play will only get better if this line has time to gel. Remember, it was basically blown up and rebuilt last season; maybe we might want to give it more than 16 games before we start that process again (which is the big reason I can't complain about bringing back Bobbie, even though I wasn't overly impressed with him last year, either.) We already have effectively have one new guy to work in full-time in Moobs. That's enough for me.

At this point I put WR, TE, S and DE all ahead of o-line.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

It's a solid signing, but it isn't a long-term commitment and I have to confess my continued interest in drafting a true upgrade. A player who actually impresses rather than being acceptable mostly because of how cheaply and adequately the position was filled. In short, I like Kyle Cook but IMHO he's a fire plug.

I thought Luigs was that guy, and Cook was just keeping the seat warm by design. Have I missed something that points to the contrary?

[HoosierCat]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[HairOnFire]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I liked the guy who tagged Ghiacuic as "The Inverse Pancake"

[HairOnFire]

Put me in the "no center" camp. Cook may not be the best, but he's good enough, and I think his play will only get better if this line has time to gel.

The overall play of the line SHOULD improve as they gain experience playing together. But take a moment or two and tell me how Cook is going to improve his game beyond gaining experience. He can't hit the second level, he can't pull worth a lick, and while he doesn't lack for power, as Ghiacuic did, he's already as strong as he's ever going to be. So IMHO the only way Cook improves is if he's surrounded by better interior players. And while that's an idea I can strongly support I have to wonder why so many of you refuse to include Cook in that very same discussion.

Good enough? Really? Again, a Bottom 5 individual ranking as a pass blocker, and a Bottom 10 Team ranking when running up the middle say otherwise.

Frankly, if Center isn't a need it's only because Cook is here already, he's still young, his performance meets minimum standards, and he comes dirt cheap. And that may be enough. But if it isn't the Bengals will need to consider drafting a OC with one of their first four picks, and if there interest in Matt Tennant is real, it implies they're willing to do just that. Because Tennant carries a 2nd or 3rd round grade and has never played a game at any other poition.

[ArmyBengal]

How much should be read into the fact the Bengals didn't look to sign Cook to a long term extension as opposed to the single season ??

While they very well may not go after an interior lineman, to simply blow the possibility off is silly at best.

Not acknowledging the fact the interior of the o-line needs improvement, smacks of being content in mediocrity.

[HairOnFire]

How much should be read into the fact the Bengals didn't look to sign Cook to a long term extension as opposed to the single season ??

Not much. Both sides are said to be willing, but that doesn't mean much if dollar amounts aren't included. And there's the rub because I imagine the Bengals feel about Cook the same way I do. Specifically, happy he was able to do some things very well, and a little frustrated knowing there are things he'll never be able to do well.

Not acknowledging the fact the interior of the o-line needs improvement, smacks of being content in mediocrity.

Agreed, but I long ago accepted how the draft is often looked at two ways. One way provides the means to change who you are by getting what you don't have....while the other way looks to add strength and further define who you think you are. (Strong defense/grinding running game)

[Ickey44]

How much should be read into the fact the Bengals didn't look to sign Cook to a long term extension as opposed to the single season ??

I wouldn't read anything into it. He comes much cheaper this way with the one-year deal and that's probably the only reason they didn't sign him long term.