What about Thomas Davis in the First Round?

[LABengalsFan09]

Don't worry Thumper, Marvin thinks a lot like you. Or vice versa....

[JPW]

I watch a lot more big 10 than SEC and I don't know anything about Brimmer, but would someone compare and contrast Davis to Shazor from Michigan.  I know how everyone feeel about Michigan guys (I feel the same way) but watching sahzpr this season, man that guy is a beast of a hitter and looks like he has good speed for coverage.

Brimmer plays for UNLV. so he's not in the SEC.

Thomas Davis is 6'1 and 230 lbs. He's pretty fast, but he's a hitter. He's not really defined by his play in space, as he's always played close to the line. That doesn't mean he doesn't have coverage ability though. Shazor probably has the edge in coverage ability, but Thomas Davis is clearly the better athlete. Not elite speed, but won't lose too many one on one battles. Thomas Davis would be a high pick in round 1, while Shazor could fall back into the pack of guys that will probably be gobbled up in rounds 2 and 3 .

Early List.

1. Thomas Davis

2. Brodney Pool

3. Donte Nicholson

4. Earnest Shazor

5. Jamaal Brimmer

6. Oshiomogho Atogwe - keep an eye out for him. Marvin loves smart defensive players, and this kid is an honor student !

Where would you put Darnell Bing on the list if he comes out ?

Darnell Bing (link)

College: USC Height: 6-2

Position: Safety Weight: 220

Class: Sophomore 40-Yard: 4.45

SCOUTING REPORT

Strengths: Plays safety with a linebackers mentality...Great size...Very good speed...Physical and likes to hit...Athletic and quick...Strong...May be the most talented player on a very good defense and started as a true freshman...Has a ton of upside and could be the next Roy Williams.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have a lot of experience and is only a true sophomore...Raw and still has a lot to learn...Only average in coverage.

Notes: Situation similar to that of Larry Fitzgerald last year because even though he will only have played two years of college football he could conceivably enter the 2005 NFL Draft because it will have been three years since his high school class graduated...Didn’t qualify academically coming out of prep powerhouse Long Beach Poly so he attended Long Beach (Calif.) City College in 2002 as a part-time student (he didn't play football there)...May need some more time in college but has the potential to be an elite safety prospect.

[HoosierCat]

The problem I see ( and I do it too ) is that most teams draft a player that's a specific need instead of addressing the overall talent base of the unit.

We as Bengal Fans know that our Defensive line is porous, so we really don't have a choice as to who we can evaluate as a " need " and a " want " pick.

But look at examples of drafting a superior talent at a strong point on your team , and make the whole team better than just one part.

sfx: roaring engine sound followed by sudden screech of tires. beat. sound orf several thousand pounds of steel and rubber slamming into concrete abutment. Explosion. Crackle of flames. Background: more screeching tires, slams of doors, excited babble of voices. Fade out.

Way-way-way-way-waitaminnit here! You. The guy who tore the Bengals a new stripy arsehole over the selection of Chris Perry -- in other words, taking a player at a position of strength -- are now going to champion the "draft to your strengths" draft strategy (which is a very legit strategy)????????????????

I refuse to believe you are actually chrishcovga. You must be his evil twin covgachrish. Clearly we need to upgrade the security protocols around here!

[chrishcovga]

Weaknesses: Doesn't have a lot of experience and is only a true sophomore...Raw and still has a lot to learn...Only average in coverage.

- Just about says it all doesn't it. He may have the moxie' , but he's not ready. Physically he could contribute, but he needs at least another year to improve his coverage Skills.

- I don't mind if we draft him, but I don't think he'll be as productive as Madieu was for us, because Madieu was seasoned long enough to contribute right away.

* That's why I like the Stanford Kid Atogwe.* But if rumors are right, Brimmer should grade out to be a late first to 3rd round selection, so don't be surprised if Marvin get's his guy a year later.

[chrishcovga]

The problem I see ( and I do it too ) is that most teams draft a player that's a specific need instead of addressing the overall talent base of the unit.

We as Bengal Fans know that our Defensive line is porous, so we really don't have a choice as to who we can evaluate as a " need " and a " want " pick.

But look at examples of drafting a superior talent at a strong point on your team , and make the whole team better than just one part.

sfx: roaring engine sound followed by sudden screech of tires. beat. sound orf several thousand pounds of steel and rubber slamming into concrete abutment. Explosion. Crackle of flames. Background: more screeching tires, slams of doors, excited babble of voices. Fade out.

Way-way-way-way-waitaminnit here! You. The guy who tore the Bengals a new stripy arsehole over the selection of Chris Perry -- in other words, taking a player at a position of strength -- are now going to champion the "draft to your strengths" draft strategy (which is a very legit strategy)????????????????

I refuse to believe you are actually chrishcovga. You must be his evil twin covgachrish. Clearly we need to upgrade the security protocols around here!

I'm gonna love showing you the Right-Knowledge of what I said.

First. - I tore Cincinnati a " stripey Arsehole " last april and every since, because you don't give up the top rated running back in the draft for a 4th round pick !

Secondly. - Running back was an area of NEED last year, because we didn't have any depth behind Rudi even if he turned out to be a wash. That's why I was in favor of us taking a runningback in the first round last year, but He had to be an elite prospect like Steven Jackson or Kevin Jones. Chris Perry wasn't even considered to be the best, most scouts only had him as their 3rd best, so Marvin and Co. saying they thought he was the best , was just pure crap!

Thirdly. - The Running back they added ( Perry ) was just about the same physical talent that we already had in Rudi Johnson. However Steven Jackson is a really big back that excels between the tackles , on the outside, and can catch very well as seen in his 40+ catches during his Senior year. Also evidenced by the 700 yards of rushing this year with almost 200 in receiving along with 5 touchdowns.

- Kevin Jones was a speed back, which I thought would have been the better mix of a bruiser like Rudi and a breakaway threat like Jones. Kevin Jones went on to rush for over a 1000 yards this year, even though he missed 4 games with ankle injuries.

Numero 4 : - Let's Compare what we lost in Corey Dillon a disgruntled GREAT running back to what we hoped would be a good replacement in Rudi, to the addition of Chris Perry. WE drafted Perry plain and simple as insurance in case Rudi was just a one-hit wonder. But If anyone on Mother Natures Green Earth is gonna tell me Dillon and Perry are comparable, then I've got a nice bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell them.

Cinco De Mayo - I said and I quote " The quality of the Chris Perry pick would have to be weighed against the Selection of Stacy Andrews. As long as Perry and Andrews turned out to be fine players, then the deal with the Rams was a good one. But considering that Andrews is such a developmental project, He has to become one of our better Starters soon to show that getting an extra 4th rounder to let another team draft the BEST RUNNING BACK IN THE '04 DRAFT was plain idiocy!

Sixth Sense: Let's examine what I'm saying here about adding a super talent to an already good mix of Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick, a surprising T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and a young Kelley Washington. or adding a Corey Webster to a pretty good mix of Tory James ( pro bowler ) , Deltha O'neal ( former pro-bowler) Keiwan Ratliff, Greg Brooks, and possibly Dennis Weathersby or Roberts,Bauman,etc. etc. Adding a Ahmad Brooks or a Derrick Johnson to a healthy mix of Hardy, Webster, Simmons, Abdullah, L.Johnson, C.Miller etc. etc.

Now back to reality : We are a porous team at Defensive Tackle ! Center and Safety. We're not in a position to grab a super talent, because we have immediate needs and very little cap room.

So to sum up everything and make it short and sweet ( too late ) Chris Perry wasn't drafting to " our strengths ". It was an insurance Policy that basically went " BELLY -Up ( no pun intended ).

- Now if this year we Resign Rudi, Perry comes back Healthy, and we still are able to grab a good back ( talent wise ) in a T.A. Mclendon or a Eric Shelton in the 4th round then that would be adding to a strength ! If we luck up and Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards fall to # 17, Then we're adding to a " strength " .

Other than that - We need to get a Center, Defensive Tackle, Safety, Tight End, Cornerback, Backup Quarterback, and a Guard.

If you still want to know if I'm the chosen one, Just ask Neo

[schweinhart]

So to sum up everything and make it short and sweet ( too late ) Chris Perry wasn't drafting to " our strengths ". It was an insurance Policy that basically went " BELLY -Up ( no pun intended ).

- Now if this year we Resign Rudi, Perry comes back Healthy, and we still are able to grab a good back ( talent wise ) in a T.A. Mclendon or a Eric Shelton in the 4th round then that would be adding to a strength ! If we luck up and Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards fall to # 17, Then we're adding to a " strength " .

Other than that - We need to get a Center, Defensive Tackle, Safety, Tight End, Cornerback, Backup Quarterback, and a Guard.

If you still want to know if I'm the chosen one, Just ask Neo

Perry not being drafted to strength is even more arguable w/ the loss of Brandon Bennett, which I had forgotten.

But even then, given the immediate needs that were obvious last year on the DL, the position drafting approach could still be more strongly argued for last year -- which many folks followed w/ 3 or so DT and DE picks on Day 1. And RB could have been dealt w/ in Rd. 4 last year like is suggested now (although given the bumper crop of RB w/ Fason, McClendon, Morency, and Shelton added to the mix, this year looks like a better RB pick in Rd.4 unless Rudi is not re-signed in which case I'd say the 1st pick leans toward RB once again)

W/ or w/o TJ re-signed, drafting a WR this year would be drafting to strength if P-Dub is a lock.

As for position needs, center seems most pressing IMO since the Braham-Larry Moore w/ ex-practice squad Mabry in the wings left the team in a bad lurch that had to be filled by Fontenot. The Jake Grove folks in Rd 1 last year looked right about this in retrospect.

I'd be leaning toward trading down twice to get David Baas and add 2 4th rounders if it looked like Baas won't be available at 17th in the 2nd. The only problem is, like you say, the Bengals would lose out on the equivalent of a Steven Jackson, Uzdeke, Wilfork, etc...like Heath Miller if he declares, Corey Webster, Marcus Spears, Carlos Rogers, Channing Crowder, or even Thomas Davis.

[HoosierCat]

Secondly. - Running back was an area of NEED last year, because we didn't have any depth behind Rudi even if he turned out to be a wash.

Sixth Sense: Let's examine what I'm saying here about adding a super talent to an already good mix of Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick, a surprising T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and a young Kelley Washington. or adding a Corey Webster to a pretty good mix of Tory James ( pro bowler ) , Deltha O'neal ( former pro-bowler) Keiwan Ratliff, Greg Brooks, and possibly Dennis Weathersby or Roberts,Bauman,etc. etc. Adding a Ahmad Brooks or a Derrick Johnson to a healthy mix of Hardy, Webster, Simmons, Abdullah, L.Johnson, C.Miller etc. etc.

Well, let's leave aside the question of Perry's quality vs. Jackson or Jones, because that isn't germane to this discussion. Per the above, you want to claim that Perry represents a need pick, while drafting a WR, CB or LB this year would be a strength pick. I disagree, using your own example.

If Perry was a need pick because we had no depth behind Rudi (a questionable assertion given we had Watson, who has stepped into a starting role at need before), what depth do we have behind Chad right now? TJ is unsigned, Warrick is an injury question mark, and two years in Washington still has trouble running routes.

A pretty good mix at corner? James is aging, Deltha seems like a good pickup but can't stay healthy, and Keiwan is promising but raw. Behind them we have Bauman (unsigned), Weathersby (probably done) and Brooks (hurt all year, a 6th rounder, who knows). If you call that "pretty good" I would hate to see your definition of "barely adequate."

A healthy mix at LB? Well, don't tell that to ShulaSteakhouse ! Hardy is done, Simmons, like James, is aging, Webster remains a question mark, Caleb didn't impress in his time out there, Abdullah had one good year on special teams. List any three as starters and then tell me we have depth. We had more depth with Rudi and Watson!

I remain unconvinced. The Perry pick looks like a stronger example of drafting to a strength than any drafting of a WR, CB, or LB would this year. Those positions all present strong need arguments this year so far. The Perry pick, by contrast, added a top young rookie to a stable that already included Rudi, Watson, and at that point Skip Hicks, who'd just kicked butt in NFLE. Yet RB was such a need last year that you were "in favor of us taking a runningback in the first round"???

Sorry, chosen one, but I don't buy it.

[chrishcovga]

Secondly. - Running back was an area of NEED last year, because we didn't have any depth behind Rudi even if he turned out to be a wash.

Sixth Sense: Let's examine what I'm saying here about adding a super talent to an already good mix of Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick, a surprising T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and a young Kelley Washington. or adding a Corey Webster to a pretty good mix of Tory James ( pro bowler ) , Deltha O'neal ( former pro-bowler) Keiwan Ratliff, Greg Brooks, and possibly Dennis Weathersby or Roberts,Bauman,etc. etc. Adding a Ahmad Brooks or a Derrick Johnson to a healthy mix of Hardy, Webster, Simmons, Abdullah, L.Johnson, C.Miller etc. etc.

Well, let's leave aside the question of Perry's quality vs. Jackson or Jones, because that isn't germane to this discussion. Per the above, you want to claim that Perry represents a need pick, while drafting a WR, CB or LB this year would be a strength pick. I disagree, using your own example.

If Perry was a need pick because we had no depth behind Rudi (a questionable assertion given we had Watson, who has stepped into a starting role at need before), what depth do we have behind Chad right now? TJ is unsigned, Warrick is an injury question mark, and two years in Washington still has trouble running routes.

A pretty good mix at corner? James is aging, Deltha seems like a good pickup but can't stay healthy, and Keiwan is promising but raw. Behind them we have Bauman (unsigned), Weathersby (probably done) and Brooks (hurt all year, a 6th rounder, who knows). If you call that "pretty good" I would hate to see your definition of "barely adequate."

A healthy mix at LB? Well, don't tell that to ShulaSteakhouse ! Hardy is done, Simmons, like James, is aging, Webster remains a question mark, Caleb didn't impress in his time out there, Abdullah had one good year on special teams. List any three as starters and then tell me we have depth. We had more depth with Rudi and Watson!

I remain unconvinced. The Perry pick looks like a stronger example of drafting to a strength than any drafting of a WR, CB, or LB would this year. Those positions all present strong need arguments this year so far. The Perry pick, by contrast, added a top young rookie to a stable that already included Rudi, Watson, and at that point Skip Hicks, who'd just kicked butt in NFLE. Yet RB was such a need last year that you were "in favor of us taking a runningback in the first round"???

Sorry, chosen one, but I don't buy it.

I am buying into the notion that you're completely wrong.

#1. How was drafting Perry over Kevin Jones or Steven Jackson adding to our immediate value with the likes of Kenny Watson as our possible starter come '04..?

At that point Rudi hadn't even resigned his one year tender offer and was still considered trade bait when Perry was selected !

- I've said it before , and it appears I'll have to say it again... Why give up the " best " running back in the draft for the 3rd best and a prospect at offensive tackle ( Andrews )...? Watson as our starter because he did ( O-K ) for a couple of weeks in Washington during the '02 season is pretty bleak man... pretty bleak indeed !

#2. Cornerback is about one of the deepest spots Cincy has on it's roster. All Cornerbacks get dinged up. They're usually the most athletic people on an NFL roster. And asking 190 lb. DB's to tackle 220+lbs. running backs will usually take their toll. Prior to that, had Deltha O'Neal had any lingering injuries during his days in Denver..? I didn't think so either. James is back next year after his probowl year this year. And Keiwann Ratliff will become a 2nd year pro next season. Funny how you say that this unit is questionable but I don't remember Ratliff giving up a touchdown pass this year while he started...? I didn't think so ( I have the games on tape if you'd like to view them ) Weathersby wasn't even considered into my mix for '05, but considering the 1st round grade he had coming out of Oregon St. If he is able to come back in '05, There is bou-coup talent at that position. Brooks was on IR for his hamstring. He didn't blow it, he just hurt it at the wrong point in PreSeason where Cincy' was forced to put him there or release him. It was even reported on this board, and Bengals.com how impressive Brooks was over Ratliff during preseason before the injury.

# 3. Linebacker would remain a strength simply because the youth and speed we'll have at the position next year. Hardy will probably be gone, but Landon Johnson who proved himself could slide over to Simmons' weakside spot. Caleb Miller could provide depth at Weakside and Middle, while Webster starts which allows Simmons to move to Strong side where he could pass rush more often. Simmons is the most athletic linebacker Cincy' has, Wherever he starts, he produces plain and simple. Abdullah and Wilkins are fine Special teamers which is where they're needed most. Adding a Derrick Johnson or a Ahmad Brooks ( if available ) does nothing but make the Hardy loss less dramatic, and secures Simmons spot once his contract goes out!

# 4. I too am not proud of Washington's performance since he was drafted. He showed signs of genius at times his rookie year, but I'm not sure he played worse this year, or Pootie Tang T.J. Houshmanzadeh played that well ! Either way He continues to be a 3rd option for a team next season that could field Chad, P-Dub,T.J. and K-Dub on 4 receiver sets. - Adding to the point that Marvin Lewis has already been quoted as saying that the extra 5 million in cap space for '05 should mean that T.J. and Peter will be Bengals . But since what Marvin really really wants is another Chad like player, then if Troy Williamson of South Carolina runs well, he could be a Bengal at # 17, especially if T.J. or P-Dub aren't back !

Doubt if you like, my beliefs aren't solidified by your necessity to agree with them . Facts are facts.

[HoosierCat]

I am buying into the notion that you're completely wrong.

Well, I damn well hope so. If you start agreeing with me then this will be a very short argument!

#1. How was drafting Perry over Kevin Jones or Steven Jackson adding to our immediate value with the likes of Kenny Watson as our possible starter come '04..?

At that point Rudi hadn't even resigned his one year tender offer and was still considered trade bait when Perry was selected ! 

Well, I'm not real sure how you trade a guy you haven't signed yet...but that's tangential. As for Perry v. Jones v. Jackson v. Watson...c'mon, you have better than that! Let's see, I'm the Bengals and I'm on the clock in the first round last year. There's no defensive line player I think will make a difference and who is worth the pick (go ahead, show me I'm wrong ). I got Rudi and it's looking like a 1-year deal. Watson is gone after this season, too. Damn funny how people ignore that, ain't it? What if Rudi and Watson both do well (and gee, what happened in 2004...?)? Suddenly the idea of drafting a guy who could definitely be a third down guy, and maybe your starter, doesn't look so stupid. It's the position of strength/draft for the future call.

Now, should they have taken Jones or Jackson over Perry? Maybe so...time will telll. Certainly those others did better this year. But the question of taking a RVB...and whether they took the wrong RB...are two different things.

#2. Cornerback is about one of the deepest spots Cincy has on it's roster.

I'm sure Mike Shanahan felt the same way. Look, I like our CBs but let's be real. Deltha's good. Keiwan has real promise. James still has some zing but the legs are going. After that it's wishin'+hopin'+prayin'. Eli Manning almost kicked our butts. Next year we get Boller (and he'd be dangerous if he had any WRs at all, and Billick's not dumb), Cheeselisburger and whatever nightmare the Browns come up with. And we have to play Indy, among other horrors. If Rolle is on the board at 17 and Marvin trades the pick again I may explode!

# 3. Linebacker would remain a strength simply because the youth and speed we'll have at the position next year.

Well, we ought to have that, at least. But while I like the lineup of Simmons-Webster-Johnson, we need more depth badly. FA is best, tho this Merriman kid that's been brought up is among a bunch of guys (inc. Channing Crowder, et. al.) who I would love to turn to. I have 0 confidence in Caleb Miller, and I haven't seen enough ot Abdullah in a non-ST role to judge. This unit is on the verge of being solid, but ain't there yet. And Simmons is slowing down...

Adding to the point that Marvin Lewis has already been quoted as saying that the extra 5 million in cap space for '05 should mean that T.J. and Peter will be Bengals . But since what Marvin really really wants is another Chad like player, then if Troy Williamson of South Carolina runs well, he could be a Bengal at # 17, especially if T.J. or P-Dub aren't back !

Doubt if you like, my beliefs aren't solidified by your necessity to agree with them .

Agree with you? I wouldn't dare! After all, what would be the point of my staying up till 1 am if so? No, what Marvin wants is another Ray Lewis-like player. He wants a mudderpucking defensive stud who is out on the field amplifying the coaching staff's passion. He wants to spend more money and pay more attention to the defense so bad he can taste it. And that is a huge, huge, huge sea change for this organization thast it is only now getting to a point it can make, because all the dead money dedicated to bums like Akili is going away. And now Marvin is looking at having to spend that on Rudi and TJ. I think he will -- and he will hate every minute of it.

[chrishcovga]

(go ahead, show me I'm wrong ).

Ok easy enough

#1. You actually considered the idea that Kenny Watson could be our starter for '04.... and that's just insane

But back to business... A DT at # 26..? Hmmm... how about

1. Randy Starks DT, Maryland.- played in 14 games. 4.5 sacks. 2 tipped passes and 2 fumble recoveries. He's 6'3 and 307 lbs. Would have been real nice to have him part of our rotation.

2. Antwan Odom De, Alabama... ( who I thought in a year would be super productive ) He's 6'4+ 277 lbs. with good quickness. Fought an ankle injury most of the year, but started season and recorded 2 sacks with a forced fumble.

3. Jake Grove C, Virginia Tech. - Best Center in the draft. ( could have traded down again to get him but he started 8 games for Raiders at both Center and Right guard.- If the Raiders actually had a decent runningback, he may have made a name for himself.

OK, The Running backs.

# 1. Steven Jackson rb, Oregon St. ( We seem to have a liking to Oregon St. players by the way in case you missed it ) 673 rushing yards with a 5.0 yd. per carry. 4 tds. and 37 carries for First Downs !Also caught 19 passes for just under 10 yds a piece. At 6'2 231 lbs. he's as versatile as you get. Also returned kicks too.

# 2. Kevin Jones rb, Virginia Tech. 1133 yds with a 4.7 yd per carry. 5tds. and 57 carries for FIRST DOWNS ! Caught almost 30 passes with another score to boot. Missed a couple of games with a bad ankle that he played on for most of the season. His quickness combined with Rudi's power runs would have given Cincy' a two way threat instead of Chris Perry's running style which is too similiar to Rudi's.

How about a Cornerback..? - ( The addition of Deltha O'Neal and a selection of Chris Gamble ) would have been ah hem..... DRAFTING TO A STRENGTH ! but here goes the stats...

Chris Gamble CB/KR...Ohio St. - played in all 16 games without a start ! Still recorded 6 interceptions to lead the Panthers. His 6 interceptions were the same that Dunta Robinson ( Texans ) got only Robinson was selected 10th and Gamble selected 28th. Forced one Fumble and also returned punts with an 8 yard average.

* Your whole point in defending the Chris Perry selection was what again..???

- Look I liked Chris Perry coming out of Michigan. But I take serious contention with our # 1 picks, ESPECIALLY considering the trouble we've had out of them. It's all about Value. If you're going to tell me that Chris Perry is comparable to a back like Corey Dillon for which he was to replace, then I'm going to call the guys in white and have you fitted for that jacket that laces in the back !

* If we had got Perry in the Second round, and used that # 24 or # 26 pick on someone else I wouldn't have blasted the Perry Selection I can guarantee you that. I've been an avid draft aficianado since I was a teenager... And if you can't understand why drafting a Michigan runningback in the first round is Risky, then maybe you should just turn your t.v. off this april!

p.s. Like All Bengal fans, I hope we get some bang for the buck we spent on Perry, but Marvin and Co. telling me that they see ( James Brooks ) in Perry is luda-cris!

[BengalszoneBilly]

* Your whole point in defending the Chris Perry selection was what again..???

- Look I liked Chris Perry coming out of Michigan. But I take serious contention with our # 1 picks, ESPECIALLY considering the trouble we've had out of them. It's all about Value. If you're going to tell me that Chris Perry is comparable to a back like Corey Dillon for which he was to replace, then I'm going to call the guys in white and have you fitted for that jacket that laces in the back !

* If we had got Perry in the Second round, and used that # 24 or # 26 pick on someone else I wouldn't have blasted the Perry Selection I can guarantee you that. I've been an avid draft aficianado since I was a teenager... And if you can't understand why drafting a Michigan runningback in the first round is Risky, then maybe you should just turn your t.v. off this april!

p.s. Like All Bengal fans, I hope we get some bang for the buck we spent on Perry, but Marvin and Co. telling me that they see ( James Brooks ) in Perry is luda-cris!

I could sit back and watch Joisey and Chris go back and forth on this topic all day long!

[shworge]

Just read Kiper's page, according to him Thomas Davis will play LB in the NFL. Never heard of a safegy moving to linebacker... heard of a linebacker moving to safety (i.e. Michael Boulware).

[ckj414]

Just read Kiper's page, according to him Thomas Davis will play LB in the NFL. Never heard of a safegy moving to linebacker... heard of a linebacker moving to safety (i.e. Michael Boulware).

Urlacher moved from safety to linebacker when he came to the NFL. Worked pretty well for him too ...

[shworge]

Interesting, I didn't know Urlacher played Safety in college. He must have been one big a$$ safety.

[bengalboomer7]

he returned kicks too, for New Mexico I'm pretty sure

[chrishcovga]

Urlacher also played Tight end and fullback. Thomas Davis moving to Linebacker is going to hurt his draft status if you ask me. He's got good speed, but he's not that great in coverage. As a safety he'd be the first one off the board and probably a top 15 pick. As a linebacker, he's definitely not going to go before a Derrick Johnson or a Channing Crowder !

* One good thing about the Combine, players can interview at different positions, to increase their value.

[bengalboomer7]

I just read where Ernst Shazor from UM is coming out, I think I talked about him earlier. They had him listed at 6'4" and 229. That is one large safety.

[chrishcovga]

I just read where Ernst Shazor from UM is coming out, I think I talked about him earlier. They had him listed at 6'4" and 229. That is one large safety.

Yeah, talk about a huge player.. He's got some coverage skills as well. Doesn't have elite speed, but he's plenty quick to man the deep middle. Very good athlete, should be a lock for 2nd round. no later than 3rd.

[schweinhart]

I'm still liking James Butler as the most versatile safety I saw for 2005 draft because he's got split-second timing vs. pass and run.

Also liked Andre Maddox for his speed and fearless, hard-hitting tackling. He'll be a find if he's still around in the 4th or 5th rd.

Just not sold on Davis or Shazor for Bengal picks in 1st or 2nd rds.