What rookie do you think will have the biggest impact?

[walzav29]

I think Zeitler will be plug and play, but there is something about Orson Charles that seems good. I hope he gets alot of looks.

[ArmyBengal]

If Zeitler is the person they think he is, his impact will be huge.

Both the running game and pass protection will improve.

That impact will help the help sustain drives and keep the defense fresh.

That's a pretty big impact right there.

I love the thought of runnning 2 TE sets with Gresham and Charles.

However, I still can't say i'm comfortable with how much Gruden is going to utilize the TE's in order for that to make much of an impact. It is still widely believed that although Gresham led the AFCN TE's in receptions and TD passes last year, that he was still underutilized. Heck, that was even a topic of conversation here, so right now, i'm not sold (but hopeful) we see it more.

Another name to throw in the mix is Mohamed Sanu. If he earns the starters job or even get some significant playing time, he will be a nice option for Dalton. He comes described as a player with the attributes I have been looking for the most in a new WR. Great route runner, great hands, smart, leadership attributes, and a fair amount of quickness. It also helps that he was actually productive in college and not simply drafted based on athletic ability. The coaches think he can be a TJ type player and if that becomes reality, his impact will be fairly significant as well.

My money is still on Zeitler because he is already pencilled in as the starter...

[walzav29]

It used to seem rare to get much production from a rookie WR, but it seems more common now. I hope so.

[TJJackson]

I agree Zeitler is probably plug-n-play, but I think Still has an excellent chance to contribute heavily, particularly if Sims leaves.

Barring injury at their respective positions, I don't think Herron or Prater even earn a practice squad spot

[ArmyBengal]

Still would also be a thought in there, but I think as part of the rotation, as opposed to being a starter, his impact (while being felt) will be less. I really can't wait to see him play though !!! I see Marvin Jones being the #6 inactive guy, depending on who makes it, so I don't expect much at this point.

Kirkpatrick is the guy lost in all of the talk due to all the CB's we currently have. He's simply not expected to jump in the starters role and produce. He could earn that starters role by the mid season point, depending on injuries. I'm hopeful he can be productive for us as well.

[HoosierCat]

I'll take a darkhorse and go with Marvin Jones. The No. 1 thing the offense needs is a No. 2 wideout to play opposite Awesome Jesus Green. He's got the speed, size and quicks to be that double downfield threat. Think Chad Johnson + Chris Henry in 2005.

[ArmyBengal]

Awesome Jesus Green

I always wondered what "A.J." stood for.

Thanks !!!

[Wraith]

I think the easy answer to this question is Zeitler. I love Charles but not sure he gets the touches to make a huge impact. Sanu is my choice he was one of my favotire players in this draft and prefect for the Bengals at the position he was drafted.

[redsbengalsbucks]

I'm hoping it is either Sanu or Jones. A WR to take some pressure off of Green. Zietler will contribute to a (hopefully) much better OL.

[ArmyBengal]

I think the easy answer to this question is Zeitler.

I agree and while I love the Sanu pick and think he will be big for us, if Zeitler comes as advertised, his impact impacts many others. The running game and BJGE are much better than 2011. Dalton has more time in the pocket and completes a higher percentage of passes. The ability to sustain drives allows the defense to stay fresh.

I will say however, I think it won't be him alone. While not a rookie, I think Wharton will provide a great presence from the LG position. I simply think the o-line is going to make great strides this season and the best part is, it's an o-line that should remain intact for more than a single season.

[wpeldios]

To me this question is answered with Occam's razor. The simplest solutions is most often the correct one. And in this case the simplest solution would be a guy drafted at the top of the draft at a position of need who is already plugged into the starting line up. Zeitler just has too much going for him not to have a huge impact on this team.

But if you want a darkhorse second selection with our lack of depth at safety one injury could plunge George Iloka into the spotlight. And he has the ability to make an impact back there. Not saying he will just saying the opportunity could be there.

[BengalszoneBilly]

I'm thinking Burdict could be the guy. Saw his play out here in Arizona and he was a force on the field. Of course being a force on the field in the PAC 10 doesn't make you golden in my book. Do it in the SEC and now you have my attention.

[ArmyBengal]

To bad there's not a rookie OLB to pimp, because he would be in the conversation as well.

I'll stick with Zeitler and either rookie WR, should they earn the #2 spot, at number 2nd.

The good part about this draft is you could continue with most of the selections and come up with reasons why they could make an impact. Kirkpatrick, Sanu, Jones, Charles, Still. That's a nice problem to have !!!

[Stripes]

1. Zeitler

Because of the acquisition of BJGE, the entire running game is a complete mystery right now. Zeitler's influence will be felt in a very pronounced manner, for better or for worse, from the first snap of the season onwards. It's a boring pick, but it's clearly the most logical. He and Wharton are the keys to maintaining offensive balance in my opinion, because I think BJGE might actually be a downgrade from Benson.

2. Still/Thompson

One of the two is likely to emerge as a serious contributor to the rotation early on (perhaps even both of them), and the structure of this defense is such that their impacts will be felt consistently. If Sims is cut, then this becomes even more apparent. Because of last season's late streak of suckage against the run, I'd favor Still as the most likely of the two to get a lot of snaps.

3. Kirkpatrick

I think it's starting to look like Binns will have the inside track to the #2 receiver job in training camp (maybe Tate, but I'll never really take that seriously until more substantial evidence surfaces), so I narrowly went with Dre over Sanu. Despite his inexperience playing corner the way Zimmer will ask him to play corner, he is good enough to play a role in the nickel and/or dime. I don't expect him to start at any point during 2012 barring injuries though.

As far as the rookies who will make the smallest impact:

Herron - I don't think he offers any more than Bernard Scott does, and he has less experience in the offense. Maybe he replaces Leonard, but that would surprise me quite a bit too. If they're considering four tailbacks again, maybe he squeezes in over Peerman.

Prater - Too many corners. If his special teams work is as noteworthy as it has been said to be, then he'll probably find a home while someone like Newman gets cut.

Charles - He'll definitely make the team, but I don't expect him to get many chances during season one. I don't even think he'll be the #2 TE.

[UK Bengal]

I have to agree with The majority of people and say zeitler with the outside chance if he gets on the field orson charles

[walzav29]

I'll take a darkhorse and go with Marvin Jones. The No. 1 thing the offense needs is a No. 2 wideout to play opposite Awesome Jesus Green. He's got the speed, size and quicks to be that double downfield threat. Think Chad Johnson + Chris Henry in 2005.

Awesome Jesus Green = Brilliant