The Class of 2013

[PhunkE1]

"B"

Not great, but better than an average "C".

My favorite pick is Bernard hands down based on what kind of an impact he will have in 2013.

Shawn Williams is another one that confuses me, but whatever.

Porter was also another solid pick in my opinion.

The rest of the late round guys are just whatever.

WR Hamilton completes the Chad Johnson trade.

Next is finishing off the UDFA class and then wait to see who gets cut.

Hopefully there is a vet safety that makes the Bengals change their minds.

What on earth is confusing about Sean Williams?

It's not that I don't like the kid by any stretch.

The confusion lies is what the coaches say they want and what they went after.

They say they want interchangeable and grab a specific.

I will take that specific mind you and fully trust in what Zimmer thinks he's getting.

From all accounts a very heady, leader type who gets things together in the secondary.

Sounds like a younger Crocker.

Sometimes the coaches just irritate me.

It was the latter half of the 3rd round. IMO, they took the best safety they had on their board. Also, just because Georgia asked him to play in the box doesn't mean he can't play in coverage as well. With the fact that he went 2 rounds earlier than his bigger named counterpart, I would be willing to bet that Williams played more n the box due to Rambo's lack of physicality. That last statement felt weird to type :lol:/>/>

All in all, I gave this draft a solid B. I absolutely love our 2nd round picks, but more than that this draft just makes me feel better about the talent we have overall. This is the kind of draft good teams have. Not reaching for need, but taking value in most rounds.

Also, the more interviews and highlights I watch of Gio Bernard the more excited I get about him. He's the type of player and person that can take our O to the next level.

[volcom69]

Yep Rambo would have been nothing without Williams! As a huge Geogia fan, Williams always showed up in big games. He was not my first choice Safety, but where he was picked I'm good with that. He's a smart guy, who I'm hoping can keep everything togther in the secondary.

[membengal]

Alex Marvez ‏@alexmarvez2h

Interesting #Bengals tidbit from @GeoffHobsonCin: Tyler Eifert, Gio Bernard & Margus Hunt were 3 of top 21 players on Cincy draft board

[princeton]

I thought Bengals had five problems to solve:

1. another receiver threat was needed: went with a polished tight end rather than a project wide receiver. That's quite creative, and even possibly might make Gresham more effective by allowing him to go on more outs, on which he does better, and fewer ins, on which he sissies out

2. second RB especially a breakaway threat/receiver. I'm a little concerned about Gio's toughness/health-- he's no James Brooks by all accounts, but who is? If he answers those questions, then this is a terrific choice

3. no more Crocker: hopefully solved. A big part of this draft ultimately depends on Williams. He strikes me as a very nic candidate to solve this problem.

4. no more Maualaga: not solved. Porter helps depth but ultimately, this problem likely remains until next year.

5. a plan B for MiJohnson/Dunlap departure in 2014: potentially solved

all in all, an A effort. now it's up to players, and up to Gruden to fit two tight ends.

[skyline]

I think the thing I like the most about this draft is that all our picks are high-character guys. Every one seems to have been a team captain, team leader, first-on-last-off player. They've been emphasizing character for a few years now and the results are clear. The few remaining slackers and assclowns are either gone (Sims) or pulling it together (Moobs) and the occasional shot on a troubled player can be taken with a much greater chance of success (see Burfict). The "talent trumps everything" era is over and I for one am thrilled.

I'm loving the emphasis on character as well. The fact that their first round pick prefers the company of family and friends on draft day as opposed to all of the lights and glamour really appeals to me.

That's not to criticize all the kids that show up at NYC in the least. I get it.

But, the seemingly grounded, blue-collar approach of a lot of our picks seems to be a trend. That's a Marvin Lewis kind of guy.

[TJJackson]

4. no more Maualaga: not solved. Porter helps depth but ultimately, this problem likely remains until next year.

Kevin Reddick could have been the solution here but they skipped over him with both r7 picks (to be fair, he wasn't picked by any team) and then could not secure him in the UDCFA frenzy that followed the draft

UDCFA ILB Bruce Taylor has a chance to be this guy, despite being slow of foot and small. Not too hopeful here

[Walrus]

I voted "c", which maybe seems more negative than I really feel about the draft. Bottom line for me is that the Bengals draft is reflective of the overall underwhelming talent of the 2013 draft class. Also, it seems like the picks just didn't fall their way like they sometimes (recently) have done. I could well be wrong, but I just don't get the feeling that any of these guys are going to come in and light the world on fire.

Favorite pick is Shawn Williams because I think he's a guy who will make an impact immediately at an area of great need - not just in his role as a safety, but also as a leader. I kind of see him as a rich mans Chinedum Ndukwe, which is a good thing for me. The comparisons I've read to Bernard Pollard are appealing as well.

Honorable mention goes to Hunt for the awesome highlight footage I've enjoyed watching of various hapless NCAA QBs being engulfed by a blur of arms and fury appearing suddenly from stage right.

A little surprised we didn't see a QB. Have to believe that had to do with things not falling their way. Same with MLB position.

[HoosierCat]

I voted "c", which maybe seems more negative than I really feel about the draft.

S'awright. I was browsing other boards today and there's a fair amount of agita about this draft. Fans are (understandably IMHO) upset that that they didn't obviously nail down needs like LB, S and for some center. They're frustrated that they passed on Lacy for Gio. They love Hunt but not in the second round. Heck, they love Eifert but not in the first. Lots of tears over no Cyprien, no Lacy, no Greene, no Elam. There's an Otis Hudson-level of complaints about Hawkinson, but most of those were from people bitching about not taking Fragel, who they got in the 7th, so there's an egg-on-face thing going on muting those gripes.

I get it. The Bengals worked long and hard to establish their rep for being incompetent boobs, and it's going to take a lot of shoveling to fill that hole. I don't blame anyone who takes a wait and see approach to this team. That said, I'm cool with this draft right now. Three years from now...? God willing, we'll see.

[membengal]

Such a funny disconnect between Bengals' fans grades and those of the national draft 'sperts....

[GapControl]

what is the ideaology of the interchangeable safety anyway?

[ArmyBengal]

I gave it a solid "B" and with a little research into the players I wasn't fully up to speed with, a "B+" to "A-" seems about right.

I gave my new thoughts on Eifert.

Gio is the RB I wanted from long ago.

Hunt is a bonus and with the uncertainty of our DE's long term status, it's a great pick.

Williams looks to be our younger Crocker and I don't think anyone could complain about that.

Porter is also a guy I wanted for the outside and lets be honest, we all knew Rey wasn't going anywhere.

Hawkinson is simple depth, but there were other players I personally liked more. Least favorite pick.

Burkhead, Hamilton, and Fragel all seem like good picks based on where they were selected and add depth for us.

Johnson is absolutely nothing more than camp fodder, but don't care from a 2nd comp pick in the 7th.

I like some of the UDFA's we brought in as well.

I just think it's easy to get caught up in name recognition when it comes to the draft and seeing a player one fan may really like (See me and Rambo) fall much further and wonder why your team wouldn't take him over the fat head they did select. It's been said many times however and it bears repeating, these coaches know far more about football than my fan forum butt ever will.

Solid draft...

[membengal]

Prisco gives his overall draft grade:

Cincinnati Bengals

Best pick: I don't usually like taking backs high, but Giovani Bernard in the second round is perfect for this team. They need a space back, and he is that.

Questionable move: It's not that first-round pick Tyler Eifert isn't a good player, but they already had Jermaine Gresham. Then again, there aren't a lot of holes on the roster.

Third-day gem: Fourth-round linebacker Sean Porter was once considered a first-day prospect. Getting him where they got him is nice value.

Analysis: For the second consecutive year, the Bengals had a big haul. They landed a lot of quality players for a roster that already had a bunch. There is no more laughing at the way they draft.

Grade: A

[ArmyBengal]

Yeah, I find it odd that people are saying the draft "didn't fall to them" this year.

I guess when you aren't looking for 5+ starters in the draft, it's harder to please people.

Drafting for depth just isn't something Bengals fans are use to.

[jjakq27]

I think the thing I like the most about this draft is that all our picks are high-character guys. Every one seems to have been a team captain, team leader, first-on-last-off player. They've been emphasizing character for a few years now and the results are clear. The few remaining slackers and assclowns are either gone (Sims) or pulling it together (Moobs) and the occasional shot on a troubled player can be taken with a much greater chance of success (see Burfict). The "talent trumps everything" era is over and I for one am thrilled.

Agree 100 percent.

I think you can see a definite shift in organizational philosophy since Mike Zimmer came on the staff. It's not just Marvin trying to make his case by himself. I think Zimmer has a much more direct approach that is hard to argue with. I doubt that he is afraid to tell Mike, Marvin, Troy or Katie his point of view and I think it has trickled down to the draft. Basically if you want me to scout these guys in person then this is the kind of player and person I want. I can only imagine his state of mind during the Ocho-TO show days, lol.

what is the ideaology of the interchangeable safety anyway?

I think they like their Safeties to have some pass coverage skills so they can stay on the field in passing downs. It also has to do with teams checking to a pass at the line of scrimmage.

Marvin has always liked "hip flexors and knee benders" for all of his DBs and LBs. Very athletic guys and not too specialized (run only/pass only).

[princeton]

my main criticism of this draft is that most of these guys are finesse types. for the past few years the Bengals have been taking some of the THE most physical players at their positions, and I think that it's really helped to turn around the program. picking highly skilled finesse players was modus operandi in some of the poor drafts from early last decade, and certainly with the divas that we finally dropped from the team. Finesse just doesn't play well in the AFC North.

Eifert has toughness, but with that body he's more receiver than blocker so he's a finesse tight end. Gio is tiny guy who lives outside. Porter is reportedly a finesse backer. Hawkinson was admittedly picked for his feet not his physicality. Even the man-mountain Hunt has admitted that he hasn't quite figured out the physicality of the game.

the big exception is Williams, who's my favorite pick. I'm so glad that they took him over the nonphysical Rambo. in later rounds Fragel and the center, TJ Johnson (admittedly a practice squadder) are supposedly mean streakers.

I do think that with this locker room, there's a nucleus of toughness that can set the tone for the newbies. Also, if offense is redesigned so that Eifert keeps a receiver off the field, then the team is immediately more physical. So perhaps my criticism will prove moot.

[jjakq27]

I have to think that Harrison's presence will make everyone a little tougher. I'm also hoping that Dalton will take a little more command and be the unquestioned leader of this offense this year.

Also, I spent the last 10 minutes re-reading the Pre-Draft Pick thread. Pretty interesting to see where everyone was with their projected picks just a few days ago.

[redsbengalsbucks]

my main criticism of this draft is that most of these guys are finesse types. for the past few years the Bengals have been taking some of the THE most physical players at their positions, and I think that it's really helped to turn around the program. picking highly skilled finesse players was modus operandi in some of the poor drafts from early last decade, and certainly with the divas that we finally dropped from the team. Finesse just doesn't play well in the AFC North.

Eifert has toughness, but with that body he's more receiver than blocker so he's a finesse tight end. Gio is tiny guy who lives outside. Porter is reportedly a finesse backer. Hawkinson was admittedly picked for his feet not his physicality. Even the man-mountain Hunt has admitted that he hasn't quite figured out the physicality of the game.

the big exception is Williams, who's my favorite pick. I'm so glad that they took him over the nonphysical Rambo. in later rounds Fragel and the center, TJ Johnson (admittedly a practice squadder) are supposedly mean streakers.

I do think that with this locker room, there's a nucleus of toughness that can set the tone for the newbies. Also, if offense is redesigned so that Eifert keeps a receiver off the field, then the team is immediately more physical. So perhaps my criticism will prove moot.

I am not disagreeing with your observations, but a mix of mean nasties and some finesse/game changers seems to be the best way to make a team a consistent playoff contender. Like you point out, the team has a very good physical base to build on. I think everyone that watch last season would agree that some speedy/finesse/game changers is exactly what was missing.

[HoosierCat]

Such a funny disconnect between Bengals' fans grades and those of the national draft 'sperts....

To be fair I would say that, based on what I've seen on the innertubes, at least half of Bengals fans give the draft a B and another quarter or so an A. But there's a chunk of fandom that is unshakable in its belief that this was a horrible draft filled with reaches and is yet another example of why Mike sucks, Marvin sucks, yadda yadda yadda. I think you can criticize some of the picks, and the crapshoot nature of the draft means that yes, of course we might look back in a few years and see a disaster...but there are clearly some folks out there who badly need to move on from the Lost Decade.

[jjakq27]

Some things will never die. This was on MSN today. I think we've made the playoffs 4 times since 2005. We did have two stinker seasons (2008, 2010) in between but I think they have it going in the right direction. I'd put our situation up against any of the media darlings like the Eagles or Cowboys.

/>http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/lists/10-worst-sports-franchises-081511

[HoosierCat]

So the 5th-worst sports franchise is...Kevin Love?

[princeton]

I am not disagreeing with your observations, but a mix of mean nasties and some finesse/game changers seems to be the best way to make a team a consistent playoff contender. Like you point out, the team has a very good physical base to build on. I think everyone that watch last season would agree that some speedy/finesse/game changers is exactly what was missing.

yes I think that's the best counterargument. Thomas Howard is an example of a finesse player that added a lot to an otherwise physical Bengals team.

I just hope that this is a blip, and that the Bengals get back to prizing physicality in the 2014 draft. It's a winning approach for them.

[Stripes]

Some things will never die. This was on MSN today. I think we've made the playoffs 4 times since 2005. We did have two stinker seasons (2008, 2010) in between but I think they have it going in the right direction. I'd put our situation up against any of the media darlings like the Eagles or Cowboys.

http://msn.foxsports...anchises-081511

Awesome, well-researched journalism right there. :rolleyes:/>

[HoosierCat]

One other thing to consider on the finesse/power scale is that the pass-dominated nature of today's NFL is relegating the old "bruiser" style of play to the proverbial dustbin of history. The "no lowering your head at the end of a run" rule is just the latest example of the changing nature of the game. Last season, none of the AFCN teams were in the top 10 in rushing yards and only one, Baltimore, was even in the top half of the league. For better or for worse I think it's becoming a finesse league, if it hasn't already.

[TJJackson]

Fair and Balanced :-)

[HoosierCat]

Peter King, in today's MMQB:

15. Be careful, Cincinnati. Or we'll start to think you know how to draft.

/>http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/-nfl-draft/news/20130429/nfl-draft-peter-king-monday-morning-quarterback/#ixzz2RrhzzPPQ