1st Round #2: Kevin Zeitler

[HoosierCat]

How can Suzie Kolber be a lesbian? She's a complete piece of ass.

You are a sick puppy.

[membengal]

They can't be ruled by what Pittsburgh might do behind them. They got an extra 3, keeping DDC from Pittsburgh is no reason to pass up an extra 3. Especially when the Steelers likely take Zeitler, and if they don't Ravens do.

[COB]

Did you guys see the graphics that said the Bengals were the first team to have two rookie all-pros since the 1980 Lions?

Also they showed a graphic that said we were the only team with 4 all-pros from the '10/'11 drafts.

[Kazkal]

If the Bengals liked Zeitler more than DeCastro, fine. Getting an extra third rounder for a player you legitimately want is very nice.

They had to know Pittsburgh would take him. It was so obvious. So I'll just hope Zeitler works out well. At least it doesn't quite look like they reached for a position of need in a panic.

Well their sitting there at 21 with every guard available with 2 division rivals needing the same position so they had be pretty confident in getting who they wanted at 27

[wpeldios]

I really liked Decastro....Really.... that said I do like Zeitler as well, just not quite as much. I think we have dramatically improved our team in the first round and it is hard to complain about that.

[BengalPimp]

Was s**tting myself when DeCastro and Glenn still there ay #21 only to see them trade back to #27. Pick up an extra 3rd fine. Then take Zeitler? I like Zeitler, and am not crushed missing out on DeCastro, but they still could have traded back into the top of the 2nd and still gotten Zeitler and another pick.....oh well, I'm good with this 1st Rd.....Now I want a WR (or 2) a RB, a DE and a LB....

The bold is f**kin' incorrect. The Ravens wanted Zeitler to replace Grubbs. When the Bengals snagged Zeitler, that caused Baltimore to trade out of the 1st round.

That's speculation on your part (mine as well). The Ravens also could have traded down because Hightower was taken at #25....or because they were lucky enough to pick up a 4th Rd pick and likely still get one of the players left on their board like Glenn, Upshaw, Stephen Hill, or Peter Konz by only moving back 6 spots......I seriously dount they traded out of #29 solely because Zeitler was gone. A team picking at #29 doesnt lock itself into 1 guy....it cant....they also werent locked into 1 position. They might have been able to do a deal similar to what the Ravens did and still possibly gotten Zeitler...but that (like your opinion) is purely speculative....regardless, the Bengals got who they felt was the best fit, and I'm good with the pick...I liked Zeitler coming out, just wasnt sure he was a.1st Rd'er.....but apparently he is.

[Kazkal]

Well they had nine players they liked at 28 guessing three were decastro hightower and zeitler how many others of those nine were selected? Enough for them move down eight spots still have one left? Guess we wont know until we see their first pick...but bengals did have their choice of many players they were beleived to be interested i n and felt they would still get someone they loved at 27...plus is a extra 3rd that bad? It could br another geno who probably go top 12 if that draft was redone...

[Kazkal]

Well they had nine players they liked at 28 guessing three were decastro hightower and zeitler how many others of those nine were selected? Enough for them move down eight spots still have one left? Guess we wont know until we see their first pick...but bengals did have their choice of many players they were beleived to be interested i n and felt they would still get someone they loved at 27...plus is a extra 3rd that bad? It could br another geno who probably go top 12 if that draft was redone...

[membengal]

Was s**tting myself when DeCastro and Glenn still there ay #21 only to see them trade back to #27. Pick up an extra 3rd fine. Then take Zeitler? I like Zeitler, and am not crushed missing out on DeCastro, but they still could have traded back into the top of the 2nd and still gotten Zeitler and another pick.....oh well, I'm good with this 1st Rd.....Now I want a WR (or 2) a RB, a DE and a LB....

The bold is f**kin' incorrect. The Ravens wanted Zeitler to replace Grubbs. When the Bengals snagged Zeitler, that caused Baltimore to trade out of the 1st round.

That's speculation on your part (mine as well). The Ravens also could have traded down because Hightower was taken at #25....or because they were lucky enough to pick up a 4th Rd pick and likely still get one of the players left on their board like Glenn, Upshaw, Stephen Hill, or Peter Konz by only moving back 6 spots......I seriously dount they traded out of #29 solely because Zeitler was gone. A team picking at #29 doesnt lock itself into 1 guy....it cant....they also werent locked into 1 position. They might have been able to do a deal similar to what the Ravens did and still possibly gotten Zeitler...but that (like your opinion) is purely speculative....regardless, the Bengals got who they felt was the best fit, and I'm good with the pick...I liked Zeitler coming out, just wasnt sure he was a.1st Rd'er.....but apparently he is.

You will recall, or not, that I live in Baltimore now. You can believe what I say based on what I know from where I live... or not.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

How can Suzie Kolber be a lesbian? She's a complete piece of ass.

Having Joe Namath try to make out with you will have that sort of effect.

[Bengals30]

Guys....Cincinnati did fine with both Kirkpatrick & Zietler, give the Bengals credit....what smells a little bit about this whole thing is that Pittsburgh got DeCastro, and thats why we are all a little bitter right now......its almost like the trade back from 21 to 27 helped THEM! ( which it essentially did!)

[Kazkal]

Most everyone has seemed happy with how they did

[princeton]

Apparently per Marvin, they had Zeitler ranked as the top guard on their board.

Bengals also traded down because Chris Perry = Steven Jackson, as I recall. I do think that passing on DeCastro is a mistake, but expect that Zeitler will at least have a career unlike Perry. And the idea of Zeitler moving to center is a tasty one.

it IS a good draft in which to have an extra third rounder. Bengals also have a chance to trade up.

[membengal]

Clark Judge in his Judgements column:

Those footsteps you're hearing, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, are the Cincinnati Bengals. They chose cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick with the pick they gained in the Carson Palmer deal and found guard Kevin Zeitler -- a guy who had a staggering 142 knockdown blocks last season -- at the 27th spot. In the past two drafts, they added A.J. Green, Andy Dalton, Kirkpatrick and Zeitler with their first four picks, one reason they're narrowing the gap with the division frontrunners.

[membengal]

A full example of what an NFL scouting report looks like...and its on Zeitler. And he comes off like a mauling beast:

/>http://gnb.scout.com/2/1175432.html

Here's a taste of the MUCH longer piece. Seriously, read it in its entirety. In any event, this bit is from the "Competitiveness" section where he graded a perfect 8.0:

2010: Zeitler is a player that loves to mix it up in the trenches. He relies a lot on technique and while he can be an effective mauler, he is not the type that gets rattled under pressure or one that will get overaggressive. The thing you see on every play is that he will not quit until the whistle. He uses his strength well to simply drive defenders off the ball. He is the type that is always looking for defenders to hit. He plays with enthusiasm and knows how to keep his temper in check (only one penalty in two-plus years as a starter), but will not hesitate to throw down and mix it up in the trenches. He works to finish blocks and covers defenders up with his consistency at the X’s. The thing you see on film is that he is not wild and mistake-prone like the popular John Moffitt, rather taking that businessmen’s approach, but don’t be fooled, he wants to win every battle in the trenches…

2011 Update-There is a reason that Zeitler was called “The Terminator” by teammates in the past – he plays with a very aggressive nature. Still, he showed remarkable field savvy, cutting down on costly mistakes, and even when he missed an assignment, he quickly blocked it out and got on to the next play. He battled through ankle woes early in the season, but still played with great physicality and aggression. He consistently finished blocks and one look at his blocking performance totals (97% grade, 142 knockdowns, 33 TD-resulting blocks), he has laid claim to the title of being the best offensive guard in the collegiate game.

[ArmyBengal]

WEAKNESSES: Would like to see more dominance at times, as he tends to throttle down against lesser opponents.

I don't think we are going to have to worry about him throttling down against lesser opponents when he will be playing in the AFCN. Well, maybe we'll have to watch him against Cleveland huh ??

Prisco had him mocked to the Steelers at 24.

As all the cool kids say, "THIS".

Fans can claim all they want about being mad the Steelers got DeCastro (I know I was) but at the same time, if they truly wanted an OG, they probably would have just taken Zeitler, who I saw many mock to them to start with. Why Zeitler to the Steelers ?? Because he's a tough son of a b*tch, who plays nasty on the field, is smart, and is a typical Pittsburgh Steeler type of player.

DeCastro was rated higher, but complaining about Zeitler and the extra 3rd is crazy.

On a side note, I would also like to say to all those claiming we wouldn't take an OG in the first because they never took one in the first before, HA F*CKING HA !!! I always thought was the lamest excuse for why you wouldn't upgrade one of the biggest needs on the team. Sorry for the childish moment, but I simply couldn't let it go.

[semiotter]

I like it!!!

[redsbengalsbucks]

As I said about the first pick. I like it, it fills the second biggest need with a very solid player. Good draft so far.

Now I hope they continue with the good player picks.

[HoosierCat]

I'm fine with the players they have picked so far. What does concern me a bit is the positions they selected. Both guard and corner were spots in which they were very active in free agency, and the fact they felt it necessary to attack both those positions with their first round picks as well is...deflating. I was hoping that all the work done in FA shoring up those spots meant they could go after some impact playmakers -- a wideout, a RB, a pass-rusher, etc. In the end, I can't complain about addressing the interior of the line (a problem that's festered for a good five years) or corner (though the issues there are partly self-inflicted). But I can't escape the feeling that they lost an opportunity last night. I suppose we'll see.

[skyline]

I'm fine with the players they have picked so far. What does concern me a bit is the positions they selected. Both guard and corner were spots in which they were very active in free agency, and the fact they felt it necessary to attack both those positions with their first round picks as well is...deflating. I was hoping that all the work done in FA shoring up those spots meant they could go after some impact playmakers -- a wideout, a RB, a pass-rusher, etc. In the end, I can't complain about addressing the interior of the line (a problem that's festered for a good five years) or corner (though the issues there are partly self-inflicted). But I can't escape the feeling that they lost an opportunity last night. I suppose we'll see.

I disagree.

After all of the free agent work they did, I feel, made two of our weak areas passable. After drafting these two players, I hope that our two weak spots have now turned into strengths. Not to mention the fact that it helps 2-3 years down the road when all of these aging veterans are no longer on the roster.

Plus, we can still find good talent in the 2nd and 3rd rounds for the other spots you mentioned. The Bengals have been quite successful in that lately (Atkins, Dunlap, etc.).

[HoosierCat]

I disagree.

After all of the free agent work they did, I feel, made two of our weak areas passable. After drafting these two players, I hope that our two weak spots have now turned into strengths.

Well, in that case, free agency was pretty much a waste, right? Instead of actually addressing a need by getting a starting-caliber player (for example, Nicks or Grubbs) they frittered money away on bargain guys -- and then spent two first round picks on exactly the two spots in which they spent the most in FA, the o-line and the defensive backfield. The focus on fixing those areas is understandable, but they've spent a huge amount of resources on them and I can't help but think of what that has potentially cost them elsewhere.

As to whether these areas now qualify as strengths, all I can say is that they damn well better. If the Bengals don't come out of 2012 with one of the best secondaries and best o-lines, this offseason won't grade out well.

[skyline]

I disagree.

After all of the free agent work they did, I feel, made two of our weak areas passable. After drafting these two players, I hope that our two weak spots have now turned into strengths.

Well, in that case, free agency was pretty much a waste, right? Instead of actually addressing a need by getting a starting-caliber player (for example, Nicks or Grubbs) they frittered money away on bargain guys -- and then spent two first round picks on exactly the two spots in which they spent the most in FA, the o-line and the defensive backfield. The focus on fixing those areas is understandable, but they've spent a huge amount of resources on them and I can't help but think of what that has potentially cost them elsewhere.

As to whether these areas now qualify as strengths, all I can say is that they damn well better. If the Bengals don't come out of 2012 with one of the best secondaries and best o-lines, this offseason won't grade out well.

How on earth was free agency a waste? Isn't adding depth through free agency the way to go? That's exactly what they did.

Find your impact players and future starters in the draft. Add depth via free agency without ruining your salary cap to do so. Seems like solid front office work to me...

[derekshank]

I disagree.

After all of the free agent work they did, I feel, made two of our weak areas passable. After drafting these two players, I hope that our two weak spots have now turned into strengths.

Well, in that case, free agency was pretty much a waste, right? Instead of actually addressing a need by getting a starting-caliber player (for example, Nicks or Grubbs) they frittered money away on bargain guys -- and then spent two first round picks on exactly the two spots in which they spent the most in FA, the o-line and the defensive backfield.

The Bengals needed two starting OG spots. They brought in Wharton who will be a big upgrade over Livings, and now Zeitler who will be an upgrade over Bobbie. They addressed the biggest weakness on this team in both FA and the draft.

Not sure how that's deflating. But to each his own.

[ArmyBengal]

I was going to say the same thing and have for quite some time.

Spend the money in free agency to get AT LEAST ONE STARTER at a position of need.

They didn't do that. They got depth, minus Wharton, but they could draft another OG in the 2nd to replace him.

That won't happen either though.

I think it says a lot that the two spots they went after the most in free agency, OG and CB were the top spots they targeted in the first round with players they project to start over all those veterans they brought in. I won't complain about the depth, but had they gotten, lets say, Grubbs, Upshaw or Hill would be a Bengal now.

Grubbs and Upshaw or Hill > Zeitler.

Don't get me wrong, I love the picks and I like the depth we have at the positions, but I still think it could have worked out better for them. Like Derek needing to get over the pick of Kirkpatrick, I will certainly get over how FA was handled.

Zeitler is a pick that I really do like and think he will make a huge difference for us this season !!!

[kingwilly]

I disagree.

After all of the free agent work they did, I feel, made two of our weak areas passable. After drafting these two players, I hope that our two weak spots have now turned into strengths.

Well, in that case, free agency was pretty much a waste, right? Instead of actually addressing a need by getting a starting-caliber player (for example, Nicks or Grubbs) they frittered money away on bargain guys -- and then spent two first round picks on exactly the two spots in which they spent the most in FA, the o-line and the defensive backfield.

The Bengals needed two starting OG spots. They brought in Wharton who will be a big upgrade over Livings, and now Zeitler who will be an upgrade over Bobbie. They addressed the biggest weakness on this team in both FA and the draft.

Not sure how that's deflating. But to each his own.

Zeitler replaces Bobbie but him being an upgrade remains to be seen.

He is tough and has good technique, plus he has youth on his side. Lots to cheer about.

I see the FA moves being insurance against injuries at one of those weak spots. CB and G were decimated, so I am ok with how they handled rebuilding.