Undrafted Free Agent Signings

[HoosierCat]

Just some links...feel free to google your own...

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/Profiles/benw...rsonprofile.htm

Ben Wilkerson is an excellent center who should be picked within the first two rounds of the 2005 NFL Draft. Wilkerson moved into Louisiana State’s starting lineup in 2001 and started in 9 contests. He started in 10 games as a sophomore, missing his team’s bowl game with a back injury, and started in all 14 games as a junior. Despite the fact that he’s shown good durability over that time frame, Wilkerson does have some problems with one of his knees and that could be a concern for NFL scouts. Wilkerson is a very good athlete for a center. He does a nice job of pulling and blocking in space. He knows blocking angles, possesses good footwork and uses his hands well. He is also a super-smart player who makes all the line calls and understands the nuances of playing on the offensive line. Other than the possible problem with his knee, the only other real knock on Wilkerson is that he lacks top strength. Overall Wilkerson is an excellent football player who has an outside chance of being a first round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft

http://2005.otcdraft.com/content/profiles/...enWilkerson.php

Ben Wilkerson has a lot of experience, having started at center all four years at LSU. In 2004 he was the co-recipient of the Rimington award, given to the nation’s best center, after being a finalist for the honor in 2003. He is an excellent pass blocker and a very good run blocker. He is an extremely intelligent player and may be the best in the nation when it comes to making the proper line calls. He has excellent quickness, footwork, and is probably the best center when it comes to pulling—A tremendous athlete at the center position. The downside to Wilkerson is he is a bit undersized for a center. He needs to add some bulk and get a little stronger to be able to handle some of the bigger tackles in the NFL. He has had some injury problems in the past, missing the Cotton Bowl as a sophomore due to a bad back and missing the final few games of his senior season with a knee injury. Ben Wilkerson is arguably the best center coming out this year and should be an early to mid second, if not a late first round pick in April.

http://www.draftboardinsider.com/players/C/wilkerson-b.html

Is Wilkerson the best center in the country?  He might be; but that depends on what a coach is looking for.  Wilkerson is a better athlete than Vince Carter, but not a better center.  If a team wants to take a chance on Wilkerson early, they may not reap the rewards as quickly, but he will certainly be a starting center in the NFL for years to come.

http://www.football.com/draft/2005/rankings/centers.shtml

Ranking: No. 1: Wilkerson. No. 18: Ghaicuic

http://www.nflfuture.com/benwilkerson.html

The best center in the nation might not be considered that by most people but I consider him that because he has the most talent in the nation at center. Has awesome quickness, great hands and just knows how to play the position. Is very athletic, I could see him becoming a fine pulling offensive center in the future, he has the speed and quickness to do so. Rarely does he get over powered even though he is not quite 300 lbs.

[membengal]

Yeah, I read all the same stuff you did pre-draft Joisey. And yet, the Bengals took the G guy 4th round.

That tells me they liked him FAR more than the national draft experts did. Now, are they right? Or the experts? We won't know for 3-5 years. But, for now, it is clear that they initially like CMU guy more, or they wouldn't have taken him there. Don't you think?

[princeton]

Is very athletic, I could see him becoming a fine pulling offensive center in the future, he has the speed and quickness to do so.

this is the part that I keep hearing, yet is contradicted by other numbers:

Campus: 5.56 in the 40-yard dash

the guy must do those first 10 yards like a rabbit, then must walk the next 30.

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, I read all the same stuff you did pre-draft Joisey. And yet, the Bengals took the G guy 4th round.

...And yet, after spending a 4th round pick on a center, the very next day they go out and snag Wilkerson. And tell him they have big plans for him. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Ghaicuic, eh?

[membengal]

Yeah, I read all the same stuff you did pre-draft Joisey.  And yet, the Bengals took the G guy 4th round.

...And yet, after spending a 4th round pick on a center, the very next day they go out and snag Wilkerson. And tell him they have big plans for him. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Ghaicuic, eh?

Well, given ML's stated preference to infuse blood into the OL, I don't read them getting Wilkerson like you seem to. Both can have a place on the team in the future if it works out. I would submit that you are hung up on leaving Wilkerson at C, and I suspect he can move to guard.

If I had to guess, based on Alexander's statements yesterday, they are smitten with Ghialcqeoieqkthiqphe's future at C, in part because of his apparent smarts, something key to that position.

But, like I said earlier, and, really, I think we are at the same place, there is nothing wrong with havig Wilkerson in house too. It's just that I think you are selling the CMU guy shorter than you should, and are being rather willfully blind to the reality of ML having spent a 4th rounder on him...that's all.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Yeah, I read all the same stuff you did pre-draft Joisey.  And yet, the Bengals took the G guy 4th round.

...And yet, after spending a 4th round pick on a center, the very next day they go out and snag Wilkerson. And tell him they have big plans for him. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Ghaicuic, eh?

Sure is. Did you watch what happened last year when our center went down with an injury and we had to get an old guy to fill in with hardly enough time to learn the playbook? Having two guys that can play center is HUGE.

Gooey can easily move to guard and replace Bobbie if Wilkerson gets healthy. DEPTH DEPTH DEPTH.

PS: You usually don't expect linemen to run 40 yards fast, you expect them to be quick, not fast. They don't run the length of the field often.

[JPW]

As for all the "IF HE WASN'T INJURED HE WOULD BE #1" BULLs**t, If ifs and buts were coconuts noone would be starving!  He was injured.  We have the first opportunity to see if he can recover.  End of chapter, beginning of new story.  The new story starts with him BEING INJURED, not with him not having been injured....

Well no s**t ...

The point is that we got him as a UFA and can afford to have him sit a year on IR if need be.

Inspite of what anybody here says he was a highly rated Center.

And when/if he fully recovers we have another good player with very little invested.

This was a very good pick up for us ...

[membengal]

As for all the "IF HE WASN'T INJURED HE WOULD BE #1" BULLs**t, If ifs and buts were coconuts noone would be starving!  He was injured.  We have the first opportunity to see if he can recover.  End of chapter, beginning of new story.  The new story starts with him BEING INJURED, not with him not having been injured....

Well no s**t ...

The point is that we got him as a UFA and can afford to have him sit a year on IR if need be.

Inspite of what anybody here says he was a highly rated Center.

And when/if he fully recovers we have another good player with very little invested.

This was a very good pick up for us ...

For what it's worth, I don't think anyone is arguing with that.

Just some fussing over how valuable he is viewed by the Bengals' staff given that they also drafted the CMU guy too.

[princeton]

Gooey can easily move to guard and replace Bobbie if Wilkerson gets healthy. DEPTH DEPTH DEPTH.

PS: You usually don't expect linemen to run 40 yards fast, you expect them to be quick, not fast. They don't run the length of the field often.

1. They said that Geico's always been a center, and seems to have his most (only) value there. If they wanted a guard, there were better ones.

2. I agree about quick, but if he's quick then he must slow down really, really quickly. Add that to the fact that he signed with a team that already drafted a center, I say that we call him the Crash Test Dummy

[DontPushMe]

Just some links...feel free to google your own...

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/Profiles/benw...rsonprofile.htm

Ben Wilkerson is an excellent center who should be picked within the first two rounds of the 2005 NFL Draft. Wilkerson moved into Louisiana State’s starting lineup in 2001 and started in 9 contests. He started in 10 games as a sophomore, missing his team’s bowl game with a back injury, and started in all 14 games as a junior. Despite the fact that he’s shown good durability over that time frame, Wilkerson does have some problems with one of his knees and that could be a concern for NFL scouts. Wilkerson is a very good athlete for a center. He does a nice job of pulling and blocking in space. He knows blocking angles, possesses good footwork and uses his hands well. He is also a super-smart player who makes all the line calls and understands the nuances of playing on the offensive line. Other than the possible problem with his knee, the only other real knock on Wilkerson is that he lacks top strength. Overall Wilkerson is an excellent football player who has an outside chance of being a first round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft

http://2005.otcdraft.com/content/profiles/...enWilkerson.php

Ben Wilkerson has a lot of experience, having started at center all four years at LSU. In 2004 he was the co-recipient of the Rimington award, given to the nation’s best center, after being a finalist for the honor in 2003. He is an excellent pass blocker and a very good run blocker. He is an extremely intelligent player and may be the best in the nation when it comes to making the proper line calls. He has excellent quickness, footwork, and is probably the best center when it comes to pulling—A tremendous athlete at the center position. The downside to Wilkerson is he is a bit undersized for a center. He needs to add some bulk and get a little stronger to be able to handle some of the bigger tackles in the NFL. He has had some injury problems in the past, missing the Cotton Bowl as a sophomore due to a bad back and missing the final few games of his senior season with a knee injury. Ben Wilkerson is arguably the best center coming out this year and should be an early to mid second, if not a late first round pick in April.

http://www.draftboardinsider.com/players/C/wilkerson-b.html

Is Wilkerson the best center in the country?  He might be; but that depends on what a coach is looking for.  Wilkerson is a better athlete than Vince Carter, but not a better center.  If a team wants to take a chance on Wilkerson early, they may not reap the rewards as quickly, but he will certainly be a starting center in the NFL for years to come.

http://www.football.com/draft/2005/rankings/centers.shtml

Ranking: No. 1: Wilkerson. No. 18: Ghaicuic

http://www.nflfuture.com/benwilkerson.html

The best center in the nation might not be considered that by most people but I consider him that because he has the most talent in the nation at center. Has awesome quickness, great hands and just knows how to play the position. Is very athletic, I could see him becoming a fine pulling offensive center in the future, he has the speed and quickness to do so. Rarely does he get over powered even though he is not quite 300 lbs.

ok we see your point, people with too much time on their hands that run fansites know more about the draft then NFL GMs and coaches

get real people, Wilkerson would be lucky to become half the center Guicuic will be.

...And yet, after spending a 4th round pick on a center, the very next day they go out and snag Wilkerson. And tell him they have big plans for him. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Ghaicuic, eh?

Im sure Guicuic is about as concerned as Palmer was when we drafted Casey Bramlet.

[Indycat]

Benjamin Wilkerson

C | (6'3", 292, 5.56) | LOUISIANA STATE

Adam Kieft

OT | (6'7", 337, 5.56) | CENTRAL MICHIGAN

What I find hilarious is that yesterday posters were blasting the Kieft pick because he had a slow 40 and today are praising the Wilkerson signing when he ran the same time and is 45 pounds lighter.

[bengalsfan33]

I think the Wilkerson signing was pretty damn good. He definitely should've been drafted and to get him on this team as an undrafted FA feels pretty good.

Could this mean that Braham won't be returning?

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Could this mean that Braham won't be returning?

I think Braham will be signed for one more year to teach these young guys.

[HoosierCat]

ok we see your point, people with too much time on their hands that run fansites know more about the draft then NFL GMs and coaches

Oh, right. NFL coaches and GMs never make bad draft picks, right? Every single one works out, right? They're always right and anyone who disagrees with them is always wrong, eh?

Well, I guess Marvin and Mikey were right to trade Dillon, eh?

And I guess they were just geniuses to give Rudi a big-bucks contract, huh?

Oh, yes. Coaches and GMs can never be wrong. Just like you.

[TJJackson]

Cardinals | URFA Shazor Signed - from www.KFFL.com

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 09:47:25 -0700

WDFN Sports Radio 1130 AM in Detroit reports the Arizona Cardinals have signed undrafted rookie free agent S Ernest Shazor (Michigan) to a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[kingwilly]

Considering how our O-line diminishes in quality once the fella's get nicked up...keep piling on the talent. What a problem to have...multiple talented OT's OG's and C's.

We will not know who is better for a couple few years. Hopefully in that time we'll have spet some time in the post-season.

[jjakq27]

Could this mean that Braham won't be returning?

I think Braham will be signed for one more year to teach these young guys.

I agree. I can't see starting the year with a rookie at C or Larry Moore who has minimal playing time and couldn't start ahead of 37 year old Jerry Fontenot last year.

[IfItsBrownFlushItDown]

Who cares about Wilkerson, let's talk about the Toledo Rocket!

Does anyone else see this kid contending at SS?

[DontPushMe]

Braham will be here this year, Fontenot i dont expect to return, Moore will probly be here for his versitility as a backup, Guicuic will be here, i think the odd man out is Wilkerson, who will end up on the practice squad or IR.

[TJJackson]

Who cares about Wilkerson, let's talk about the Toledo Rocket!

Does anyone else see this kid contending at SS?

Patrick Body

Not invited to Combine

Official Pro Day Info from NFL.com:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/individual_workouts#toledo

CNNSI Profile showing 4.31 speed, which I think is a mistake

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...yers/62913.html

CBS Sportsline Profile, showing an even faster speed

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/406696

According to this link, Pittsburgh had him in for a looksie

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/20...le-safety_x.htm

An interview with Patrick Body, maybe the only one on the web

http://www.draftdaddy.com/prospects/patrickBody.cfm

Another article on Body, claiming his speed on the march 29 pro Day was actually 4.31

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...80338/-1/SPORTS

If his speed really and truly is in the 4.31 range, this is a superb pickup of a coachable player who can play Special teams now and can backup the interchangeable S position, maybe even play corner.

If he is at 4.5, this is a solidly good pickup who may well make the team on the basis of thinness at the S spot.

[TJJackson]

QB and FB also signed

http://www.nflfans.com/bengalstalk/forum.p..._id=55149&page=

and another FB

http://www.nflfans.com/bengalstalk/forum.p..._id=55205&page=

[bengalboomer7]

Another bulldog! I wonder what you get when you cross a bullgog with a bengal!! Hopefully its the 2006 Super Bowl!!!

[HoosierCat]

If his speed really and truly is in the 4.31 range, this is a superb pickup of a coachable player who can play Special teams now and can backup the interchangeable S position, maybe even play corner.

If he is at 4.5, this is a solidly good pickup who may well make the team on the basis of thinness at the S spot.

Agreed. Also notable is his success early in college in the weakside LB slot. If he somehow doesn't catch on here he'll find a home someplace. But I'll bet you he sticks. Might be the end of the line for Kaeshviharn...

[kingwilly]

Someone get a note to ML and have them take a look ar Brandon Browner.

His profile impressed me. Size enough for SS

Position: Cornerback

College: Oregon State

Height: 6-4

Weight: 221

Hometown: Sylmar, Calif.

Analysis | Injury Report | Agility | High School | Personal

OVERVIEW

One of the finest defensive players to ever wear an Oregon State uniform, Browner has proven his ability as a shutdown cornerback. The Pac-10 Conference Freshman of the Year helped the program weather the 2002 departures of Dennis Weathersby, Calvin Carlyle and Terrell Roberts. He is one of the most physically gifted athletes in the conference and can also perform as a wide receiver.

Browner was a Prep Star West All-Region and All-Valley Mission League selection at Sylmar (Calif.) High School as a senior. He also earned Mission League MVP honors. As a junior, Browner played at Monroe (North Hills, Calif.) High. During his prep career, he competed as a receiver where he accounted for 1,726 career yards and 24 touchdowns, and on defense as a cornerback where he recorded 16 career interceptions. As a senior, he also returned three punts for touchdowns. At Monroe, Browner lettered in track, competing in the high jump and 200 meters.

Browner redshirted in 2002 at Oregon State. He then went on to start in every game he played in for the Beavers. Browner was named to the Freshman All-America teams by the Football Writers Association and The Sporting News in 2003. He was chosen Pac-10 Conference Freshman of the Year and was a member of the All-Pac 10 second team. He ranked ninth in the nation with six interceptions and recorded 43 tackles (37 solo) with six pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three stops for losses as a redshirt freshman.

Browner added All-America and All-Pac 10 Conference honors from The NFL Draft Report in 2004. Lining up at right cornerback, he regularly faced the opponent's top receiver. Browner recorded 44 tackles (37 solo) with a sack, nine pass deflections and a blocked kick in 2004. He finished his two-year collegiate career with 87 tackles (74 solo), a 2-yard sack, five stops for losses of 16 yards, two forced fumbles, 15 pass deflections and six interceptions for 74 yards in returns and a touchdown.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Browner is a physically strong athlete with a tall, muscular frame, long arms, V-shaped torso, good bubble, thick thighs and calves … Reads the quarterback's release well and shows good desire to get to the ball as the play develops … Gets to the ball in a hurry, showing a sudden burst when driving on the ball … Shows the catch-up speed and range to get into pursuit … Displays good vertical-jump ability, timing his leaps to get to the ball at its high point (15 deflections, six interceptions) … Strong wrap-up tackler who will hit and finish with authority … Stays tight on the hip of the receivers to gain position, using his long arms effectively to get a strong push at the line of scrimmage to reroute his man … He has good short area quickness and looks fluid getting depth in his backpedal … Better as a press corner in the zone than when playing deep, as he shows his physical side more to strike and jolt at the line of scrimmage … Punishing hitter in run support who fills the rush lanes aggressively … Takes good angles to the ball in pursuit and is not the type that will shy away from contact … Natural hands catcher who will extend in a crowd and sacrifice his body to make the tough interception (see 2003 Arizona State game) … Shows explosion as a downhill run support player and has the burst to turn and run on the ball.

Negatives: Has a good short-area burst, but is a bit of a long strider in the open … Fluid in his backpedal, but is a little stiff on the turn and may lose a step in deep coverage … Will hit and wrap with authority, but will revert to arm tackling on occasion … Better as a press-coverage defender than as a trail type, as he is still a little inconsistent with his footwork … His hip stiffness is evident when he tries to change direction, as he has trouble sometimes playing off-coverage situations.

INJURY REPORT

2003 -- Sat out the New Mexico State game (undisclosed injury).

AGILITY

4.54 in the 40-yard dash … 345-pound bench press … 480-pound squat … 308-pound power clean … 34-inch vertical jump … 32 7/8-inch arm length … 9¾-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Sylmar (Calif.) High as a senior and Monroe (North Hills, Calif.) High as a junior … Prep Star West All-Region team choice as a senior, adding All-Valley Mission League honors … Was also MVP of the Mission League on defense … Played wide receiver where he accounted for 1,726 career yards and 24 touchdowns … Had 16 career interceptions … As a senior, he returned three punts for touchdowns … Also lettered in track as a junior, competing in the high jump and 200 meters.

PERSONAL

Speech Communications major … Son of Keith Browner and Brenda Fisher … Born Aug. 2, 1984 … Resides in Sylmar, Calif.

[HoosierCat]

QB and FB also signed

http://www.nflfans.com/bengalstalk/forum.p..._id=55149&page=

and another FB

http://www.nflfans.com/bengalstalk/forum.p..._id=55205&page=

Interesting choices. Could just be bodies for camp...but assuming Carson doesn't implode this season (unlikely) you have to think Kit's a goner...so we'll need someone to back up Bramlet. And Jeremi Johnson was in the doghouse last year and at least IMHO is on the bubble going into camp.