Bengals messin' around with JPP?

[HairOnFire]

Bengals targeting premier pass-rusher Pierre-Paul

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes, Staff Writer

9:59 PM Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Cincinnati Bengals are in prime position to take the best available player with the 21st overall pick in this month's NFL draft. Although there are some areas on offense that need addressed, the team is expected to take an aggressive approach to improve their defense. The team believes in the philosophy that the best offense is often a good defense.

With that in mind, one prospect the Bengals are targeting in the first round is South Florida defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and defensive line coach Jay Hayes were present at South Florida's Pro Day on Tuesday, March 30. Apparently, the two were so impressed with Pierre-Paul's performance that two days later he traveled to Cincinnati for a visit with the team.

"The visit went well," Pierre-Paul said early this week. "I can definitely see myself playing for the Bengals. I love the style of defense they play and could do a lot of things in it. I could rush the passer or stand up and play outside linebacker in their scheme. My game would be ridiculous in that defense."

Pierre-Paul is a consensus top-15 pick and falling to the Bengals at No. 21 would be an unexpected gift. The Buffalo Bills own the ninth overall pick and brought the player in for a visit on Monday.

The Bengals are looking to improve their pass-rush from a year ago. Defensive ends Jonathan Fanene, Robert Geathers, Antwan Odom, Frostee Rucker and Michael Johnson provide the team with solid depth at the end position. But none of them is considered a premier pass-rusher. Could Pierre-Paul be that man?

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Pierre-Paul is a raw talent, having played one year of Division-I football. However, he's a relentless pass-rusher with incredible upside. Many scouts view him as the total package from a physical standpoint and pass-rushing perspective. He is being compared to Jevon Kearse.

Despite all the good qualities that the player possesses, teams have their reservations.

"Teams are doubting me because I only played one year of D-I football," Pierre-Paul said. "I don't care if I never played in the division. I know how to play football. Whatever team drafts me is going to get a great player. They say that I'm still learning the game, but I'm just going to continue to play like I know how and learn more of it as I go. I'll say this: whatever team gets me will get the best of Pierre-Paul."

[bwillycuse]

Isnt it nice to have a team where the draft is an opportunity to add depth instead of absolutely needing every pick to start immediately? I know a little off topic but I just love that we are resigning all of our players. Free agents aren't avoiding us like the plague.

The comment that the Bengals are in a position to take the best available player is just awesome.

Would love a relentless rusher.

Someone awesome is gonna drop to us.

[kingwilly]

who's down with JPP? Yeah, you know me...

[Kazkal]

I could rush the passer or stand up and play outside linebacker in their scheme.

Okay I see Marvin Lewis must like the guy if they were talking to him about playing 4-3 SLB(we know Marvin loves his backers),Well afraid he's another vernon gholsten he still has ton upside that is hard to overlook,The Perk would be he wouldn't be rushed in to a starting position at SLB or DE so would have time to develop...Really do like Idea of a SLB who could put his hand down

[TJJackson]

Gimme a li......uhh......you know the rest......oh wait, this guy is :-)

[HairOnFire]

On paper he's everything this defense needs to become elite, but....(voice trails off)

Sweet Jeebus, it smacks of big balls. Or if you prefer, going all in, taking the full rip, or the simple act of swinging for the fences. But damn, I just couldn't do it.

In Marvin we trust?

[kingwilly]

On paper he's everything this defense needs to become elite, but....(voice trails off)

Sweet Jeebus, it smacks of big balls. Or if you prefer, going all in, taking the full rip, or the simple act of swinging for the fences. But damn, I just couldn't do it.

In Marvin we trust?

I don't see what the issue is.

I like that they would roll the dice a bit to improve the pass rush. Perhaps they are hedging against Odom not being really 100%?

I just hope he is more Orakpo than Gholston.

[Kazkal]

Perhaps they are hedging against Odom not being really 100%?

Well he commented about playing Linebacker in a 4-3,But if they do want him as a End I doubt it is anything to do with Odom but our lack of passrush all season(even when Odom was healthy There was long stints with no pressure.)If they are truly thinking about taking JPP they probably feel they won't have to rush him at what ever position he plays and can just throw him in on 3rd down & 2nd and Longs with MJ.

[cincyhokie]

Don't worry, the Jets will do their best to trade up and get him from us now that we've shown we're interested.

[Trevor]

Don't worry, the Jets will do their best to trade up and get him from us now that we've shown we're interested.

We may just get gholston when the jets cut him for jason taylor... Then we wont have to worry about DE ti later on and just get mays or a lineman

[TJJackson]

I like that they would roll the dice a bit

With that said, every draftee is a roll of the dice, no matter what round

Really, the only risk is money - you simply pay more (a TON more) for the guy chosen in round 1 than the guy chosen in round 7 and really, really don't know if one has a better chance of becoming a quality starter than the other

Akili - round 1 (3rd overall? I think?) - paid a fortune

TJ - round 7 - paid minimum

and so forth

[kingwilly]

I like that they would roll the dice a bit

With that said, every draftee is a roll of the dice, no matter what round

Really, the only risk is money - you simply pay more (a TON more) for the guy chosen in round 1 than the guy chosen in round 7 and really, really don't know if one has a better chance of becoming a quality starter than the other

Akili - round 1 (3rd overall? I think?) - paid a fortune

TJ - round 7 - paid minimum

and so forth

Rolling the dice on a guy with only 1 year of Div. I ball in r1 is different than a guy who has a full college career and body of work.

Yes, they are all dice rolls, but it depends on what you are rolling for, as for odds.

[HairOnFire]

I don't see what the issue is.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You're a reasonably bright guy who'll probably figure it out if given more time.

I just hope he is more Orakpo than Gholston.

And there it is.

Seriously, it's not the idea that gives pause. It's the player being considered.

[ArmyBengal]

Ok, i've already commented elsewhere about the concerns surrounding Pierre-Paul.

I will say this though, I trust Zimmer on how they envision using someone like JPP in their defense. If they really do see him as an OLB type of guy that can provide the pass rush from that position and allow Rey to move back to the MLB spot seemlessly, then I think it would be hard to complain about that prospect. It would allow Michael Johnson to rotate with Geathers (assuming Odom is 100%) as a situational pass rusher (which many think Geathers is better suited) and cause confusion in the look the defense is able to throw at the opposing offense.

Once again, it's nice to have this problem and I would simply hope and pray he's more Orakpo than Gholston.

[COB]

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound Pierre-Paul is a raw talent, having played one year of Division-I football.

Mike Brown doesn't need to read beyond the above. He just fell in love with Mr. Pierre-Paul.

[cincyhokie]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1692882

Overview

Pierre-Paul played basketball his first two years of high school before picking up football. But it didn't take long for the junior college transfer to make a name for himself on the national scene as a star at South Florida.

Academics prevented Pierre-Paul from attending USF out of high school. He dominated in two junior college seasons (14 sacks at the College of the Canyons, 10.5 at Fort Scott CC). After starring in an upset of Florida State, Pierre-Paul continued to produce at a level deserving of first-team All-Big East honors in his only season in Tampa (14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks).

Pierre-Paul's athleticism (though his Combine was not as memorable as most expected) has been a YouTube attraction and NFL teams' desperate search for pass rushers should earn him a spot in the top 50 picks of the draft. He has very raw technique and marginal strength, but defensive line coaches will line up for the chance to mold the potential-packed prize.

Analysis

Pass rush: Lined up on both sides of the defensive line (and stood up as an outside linebacker) and has the length, effort and closing speed to be a very good pass rusher. Has the height, length and excellent vertical jump to clog passing lanes. Gets to the pocket in a hurry against most tackles, but struggles to turn the corner against better linemen because of a lack of flexibility. Flashes ability to beat tight ends with quickness but is not consistent. Very raw in his pass-rush technique -- only capable of going outside and can bull rush effectively against lesser competition. Does not get off blocks to offer a secondary rush. Dances on the edge, even when running backs meet him to chip. Not effective on twists.

Run defense: Only fair change-of-direction agility for his size; he ends up on the ground too often when ballcarriers elude him. Uses his length and good effort to grab running backs coming through the hole if not engaged. Hustles to plays run away from him or downfield when fresh, but isn't fast enough to chase down running backs or mobile quarterbacks from behind. Does not know how to use his hands to get off blocks from tackles or tight ends. Often on the sideline in short-yardage situations because can't get low or stand his ground against strong tackles.

Explosion: Explodes out of his stance when rushing the passer out of a three-point stance, especially if the quarterback does not change up the snap count. Little pop into his man's jersey playing against the run game and typically was dominated by NFL-caliber tackles.

Strength: Lacks functional strength to hold up against NFL tackles, whether attempting a bull rush or stacking his man to play the run. Loses his balance when attempting to disengage on stretch plays. Easily knocked off his feet running in space. Limited stamina shows up late in games through less hustle and lost strength after initial contact.

Tackling: Drag-down tackler who uses his hustle and length to his advantage when in position to make a play. Will take a big shot at a ballcarrier if vulnerable, but is not really an explosive tackler. Is evaded too easily in the backfield because he lunges and lacks the flexibility to break down and quickly change direction.

Intangibles: Has relatively little experience on the football field. Played at three schools in three years because of academic issues. No character red flags.

2009 Season

Decided to forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft on Jan. 6, 2010 … Breakout season with 45 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks … Named First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly … Named first team All-BIG EAST by the league's coaches, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and the Sporting News … Came into camp late, but didn't show any ill-effects on the field … Broke onto the national stage in win over Florida State when he had three tackles for loss, one sack, one force fumble and two quarterback hurries … Also had two tackles for loss in the next two games (Syracuse and Cincinnati) … Reeled in an interception and scored an 18-yard touchdown against Syracuse … Also had two sacks against Rutgers … Had two tackles for loss and one sack in his final collegiate game, the 2010 International Bowl … Led the team with seven quarterback hurries … Named the team's Rookie of the Year along with quarterback B.J. Daniels.

Junior College

Five-star prospect at defensive end … Ranked sixth best junior college prospect according to Rivals.com … Amassed 49 tackles, 14 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery as a freshman at College of the Canyons … Earned first team All-WSC and All-America honors following his freshman season … Transferred to Fort Scott C.C. in Kansas after his freshman year … Teammate of fellow signee Jacquain Williams at Fort Scott … Finished his sophomore season with 70 tackles, 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … Named Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 unassisted tackles, two tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in one game … Garnered first team All-Jayhawk and first team All-America honors following the 2008 season … Runs a 4.5 forty-yard dash … Chose USF over Florida, Miami, Florida State, Kansas State, Arizona and Nebraska and Oklahoma State … Majoring in interdisciplinary social sciences.

[BlainThePain]

On paper he's everything this defense needs to become elite, but....(voice trails off)

Sweet Jeebus, it smacks of big balls. Or if you prefer, going all in, taking the full rip, or the simple act of swinging for the fences. But damn, I just couldn't do it.

In Marvin we trust?

I don't see what the issue is.

I like that they would roll the dice a bit to improve the pass rush. Perhaps they are hedging against Odom not being really 100%?

I just hope he is more Orakpo than Gholston.

There is already a big difference between Gholston and Pierre-Paul in that PP is a force against the run. He was the best run defender South Florida had. At the very least, I think we could have a DE that could play both sides of the line.

[blueridge]

There seems to be a good bit of incipient angst with regard to the report that the Bengals brought J P-P in for a visit.Why? A number of other guys have also visited. Are we supposed to get in a lather about each as a likely draft pick? Bryant? Haden? Thomas? Mays? Looks as if the Bengals are exercising due diligence with respect to guys that may be around at #21, even if it is unlikely-like Jason Pierre-Paul. And these are only some of the names that have been connected with a Bengals visit. How many more have their been that we haven't heard about? The Bengals don't say anything about visits. The only way we seem to find out is through 3rd party internet reports that originate with either the player involved or his agent. It seems all very hit or miss to me.

Its probably a good thing that J P-P was brought in for a visit. But its probably a bit irrational to take that information as some kind of harbinger as to who the Bengals will draft.

[HoosierCat]

Sweet Jeebus, it smacks of big balls.

Ok, I'll go there...

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUuyzQDmjY

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Don't worry, the Jets will do their best to trade up and get him from us now that we've shown we're interested.

We may just get gholston ...

Please tell me I've overlooked the sarcasm tag in that post

[kingwilly]

Sweet Jeebus, it smacks of big balls.

Ok, I'll go there...

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUuyzQDmjY

well played.

[membengal]

That reads like the resume of a player who goes to Pittsburgh or Baltimore and kills the NFL for 10 years. And the kind of player that comes to Cincy and doesn't pan out.

If they make the pick, it's not in Marvin I would have to hope, but in Zim.

[GoBengals!]

Why are we even discussing this guy? He will probably be drafted before the 21nd pick... Does anyone know the last time Mikey moved up the draft board to take a guy? The last one I can remember was Akili Smith... ho hum.

[walzav29]

I still say they have to get their defense elite. I do trust Marvin and Zimmer's opinion on Defensive guys. I think they will take the best defensive guy available, and they'll be 95% certain that it's the guy they pick.

[kingwilly]

Why are we even discussing this guy? He will probably be drafted before the 21nd pick... Does anyone know the last time Mikey moved up the draft board to take a guy? The last one I can remember was Akili Smith... ho hum.

He is a real wild-card.

Will he go early like Tyson Jackson? Will he drop like Michael Johnson?

So many ? marks on him, thus worthy of discussion and speculation.