Mike Ehrmann - Getty Images
6 months ago: TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Lamar Miller #6 of the Miami Hurricanes rushes during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 12, 2011 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mel Kiper Jr is often acknowledged the de facto draft guru in many circles (though I'm sure many of you will take exception -- *cough, Joe Goodberry, *cough). If you need to ask who he has the Colts selecting first overall, you're apparently reliving your high school days during World History class where you snoozed away the entire Enlightenment Age. Kiper has Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon going second to St. Louis, USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil going third to Minnesota, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III going to Cleveland and Alabama running back Trent Richardson going fifth to Tampa Bay.
As for the Bengals...
Much like the early drafts we've seen, Kiper's first mock draft (ESPN In$ider) addresses cornerback and running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. With the 17th pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, Mel Kiper has the Bengals selecting Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard.
It says a lot about last year's draft that Cincinnati can put the focus back on defense with one of its first-round picks in 2012. Dennard is a solid, physical cover corner who would offer a talent upgrade in the secondary. The Bengals could go a few directions here, but after getting a decent year out of veteran Nate Clements, they should look at getting a younger player who can develop even as he helps early. Dennard fits the bill.
With the 21st selection of the 2012 NFL Draft, Kiper has the Bengals selecting University of Miami running back Lamar Miller.
Cedric Benson has been serviceable for the Bengals, but they desperately need to add some explosiveness in the run game. Even with what I considered an underrated offensive line, the Bengals managed just 3.9 yards per rush attempt this season. With solutions now in place in the passing game, they are one of the teams that can afford to take a shot on a potentially elite running back in the first or second round. Miller can run inside but also break off the big run, something the Bengals never got with Benson.
0 recs | 139 comments
I don't see richardson going that high.
can we just package all our drafts and get richardson, decastro,claibourne,barron and maybe blackmon opposite of aj lol
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Wow
Lets put the icing on the cake by adding Paul Alexander….. to that deal.
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
We should do that!
Why didn’t Kiper think of that?
Boomer Lion - January 18, 2012
I actually have these two being picked in my mock
I just love Miller…The thing about richardson is…we dont need another Benson…and Richardson is the same type of back that Benson is…not real fast…has a few moves but is mainly a between the tackles guy……I am screaming to everyone……we need speed…..period….I still dont get the Richardson thing……Watch his highlights….he runs through holes that are HUGE…his offensive line is what should go in the top ten…..watch Miller….he is all over the place….just watch his feet
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
my point is
I think Richardson is a product of a great line and great team….People know the name so they naturally want him…
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
You have done your home work.
Spot on in your presentation and review of Richardson skill set.
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.) …. Please stand up. We need ALL your speed.
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
I actually just guessed
lol…I am as f_____ clueless as everyone else…I just hope we get this guy
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
agree...
…we need a back with breakaway speed.
goffchile - January 18, 2012
i do know one thing is he is better at catching the ball than benson.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
I disagree
we don’t “need speed….period”. We need a back that will give consistent effort, break tackles, and make people miss. Any back worth a damn will tell you it’s his job to make the first guy miss. Benson never, ever does that. When he’s about to get hit, he either stops moving or falls down. Now I admit he’s pretty good at falling forward, but I’d prefer a guy that will keep trying to gain yards after contact.
indesignkat - January 18, 2012
every time i watch benson running it seems like when someone is within a few feet of him it looks like he gets shot by a sniper gun and falls fast.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
This year...
I agree but he was on beast mode in ’09" some respect pls… The JETS game he played lights out.
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
Dwight wassup man
Dwight is kinda the Cincy Jungle mercenary that fights for the bengals all over the blog world….whodey…love it
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
Who Dey
lol!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
Do u? Good 4 u man
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
ok i guess i will give him that
but nothing more lol.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
hey
blogging is a dirty business sometimes….You need Dwight on that wall…dont enjoy your blogging freedom and then question the way Dwight provides it…
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
Not just this year. He’s been average for the majority of his time here.
Joe Goodberry - January 18, 2012 via Android app
I dont think we only need speed
I think this is what is missing in our running attack…Benson ran hard and brought some power to the game…(except 3rd and 1) but yes we need a guy who can make people miss
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
Lamar miller
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.) will do every thing you just requested…..
Have you reviewed the tapes on him ?
Speed, Speed and more speed…
Ill take it.
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
speed against the old defense of the ravens and steelers sounds good
of course they have had old defenses for years now, but nobody has told them that yet lol. they keep playing at a top level.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Lamar Miller reminds me of Rice a little
same type of back…short, fast and Rice has a little more power but they both are fast with quick feet
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
True
But what stands out to me (on top of his speed) is his elusiveness and ability to make people miss. Whens the last time we had that ….. Let me see
Mr woods did the … Shuffle…
James Brooks … Did the stutter step..,
And Cory Dillon .. flat ran out of town.
( i left out rudi on purpose)
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
thank you for leaving out Rudi
I always use Rudi/Ced…they are the same back…Ced is a little faster…
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
They r the same
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
Haha
No problem.
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
I disagree
Rudi could break big runs
Throw the ball - January 18, 2012
Not the last 2 years of his career just like benson
They run into their own line and don’t keep their feet moving. They just give up
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
True
They keep on playing dont they.
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
I just think Richardson's style will be dependent on a solid line
We need a guy like Rice that can make something out of nothing..because most of the time…with our O-line…that is what he is getting…..NOTHING
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
A little credit
They do get try to get of the ball fast … But then they do…. There is yellow cloth all over the field….
77CincyRage - January 18, 2012
+1
We need a good balanced back. We still play in the AFC north and if you don’t have a decent sized durable back, you don’t have a run game.
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Hillis, Millar, Leonard
1 – 2- 3
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
Green-Ellis, Richardson/Miller, Leonard.
One thing that we can all agree on is that we want Brian (Mr. Firstdown ) Leonard back next season.
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Scott will still be on the roster...
But I like that combo! Can make Scott do Returns and spot work…
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
+10000
I couldnt agree with you more. I love Richardson, but we need that explosive back. I think Richardson is and will be a great back, but I see him as a physical runner with average speed in the nfl. Miller will fit the bengals well
cincyboi - January 18, 2012 via mobile
After reading this I had to look him up...
And I’m sold. Dude is quick and hits the hole well from what I saw. I’ll be interested to see his combine stats. If dude is strong and has a a good 40 time I’ll be excited then
Manpaw - January 18, 2012
Conventional wisdom at this point.
Gruden came out and said the running game has to get better so that is one clue where they are going. If history is the future, they won’t spend huge dollars for one of the real good FA RB’s either. So the draft is the only way to solve Gruden’s problem.
I can’t believe they will leave Zimmer twisting in the wind again without a first round pick. Remember how publicly pissed he was when JJoe left? Imagine his frustration if the D is ignored in the first or second round.
Then again, look at the teams in the playoffs. Three have terrific defenses with dominate DE’s and linebackers. We don’t have that yet and may not get it from the kids at DE. They also have excellent running games.
BENGALS69 - January 18, 2012
We all know our needs. And so do other teams in the draft
We will know more after FA
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
this is true
all these mocks depend on FA
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
if other teams know our needs
then could they please share them to our small scout department, because i don’t think they know what our needs are.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
+infinity
indesignkat - January 18, 2012
Its seems like every year...everyone and their grandmother knows our pick
WTF…we need to bull____t a little this year…something….
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
i agree tell the world that our d-backs are the best and so is our 0-guards.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
+1
lol…start the instant media tour with Clements, Hall and Benson….These guys are the future of the franchise…we are in current NEGOTIATIONS for 5 year deals….lol
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
don't forget pacman
thats if he is allowed to tour with his probation restrictions lol.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
that's funny
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
+1. Scouts scouts scouts
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
I just Yahoo searched Lamar Miller and the Bleacher Report has a pretty good write up
The video is impressive and his selling points are pretty spot on. Check it out. I came away rather impressed.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
I did too
I really didnt know much about him…I watched his highlights and was impressed…I then started to really learn about this guy…I just remember the run back against the Buckeyes……yuck
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
Bleacher Report and “pretty good” is an oxymoron.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
What doe the wdr stand for Grover?
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
probly who-dey revolution
a group of _ that think they can force mike brown to leave town.
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
i think you are right sir
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
revival, but close!
I’ve actually never heard of the revolution.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
They have been somewhat quiet recently........because we have made some competent moves.
They gained fame a couple years ago for taking out a billboard near the stadium that stated (something to this effect)………“Please hire a real GM Mike Brown. Thank you, the fans”
The Van Buren Boys - January 18, 2012
Ah-ha, good to know. I’m a Bengals fan out in Maine. How this happened is a long story.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
That, IMO, is a good thing Grover and I am for some reason relieved.
IMO, who dey revolution is, IMO, a large group of Troglodites who have a relationship to Bengal fandom similar to that which the KKK has with Christianity or that Alcaida has with the Muslum faith. I view them as the pointed headed skinheads of the Bengal community. I must point out that this is only my own personal view.
Images such as placing MB’s face on a rather famous portrait of Che Gueverra, a dispicable charactor who somehow has been imbued with heroic cult status, Communist symbology, and a quote by Karl Marx in it’sWebsite title. The rather classless marketing of MB urinal cakes and the like. IMO, it is pretty classless and furthermore completely ineffective. They are certainly not a group that I would want to be associated with and those who I know who are associated with them lose credibility with me. But, like I said above, this is just my opinion. I am not one to tell others how to live their lives.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 19, 2012
Sorry, I know I had a whole write up about Jenkins but I really want this guy in stripes cmpared to all the others in this years draft!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
I like Jenkins too
ticalcaldwell - January 18, 2012
Yesssss lol!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
Y didn't the links post arggggg!!!!
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2011/12/05/janoris-jenkins-scouting-report/
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2011/12/05/alfonzo-dennard-scouting-report/
Jenkins is the best corner in this draft (“IF”) he wants to be mentally!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
That's a big IF
Luke - January 18, 2012
He didn't even finish first team all-american.
He was second team in D2. He didn’t lead his team in tackles or anything. He only had two INTs. The biggest impact he had was as a return specialist.
Cry - January 18, 2012
The more I hear about Jenkins, the less I am sold on him
pemci - January 18, 2012
Do you think he really got thrown at???
If I’m a coach in the D league I wouldn’t want to throw his way. Which means, no action, interception, or runners coming his way…
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
I'm not sure how you people could NOT want Richardson
The dude runs incredibly hard, he’s like Ray Rice but bigger.
RHSNEYES - January 18, 2012
+1
I think we are projected to get Miller because Richardson will be off the board by the 17th pick. But if some how he drops to us. We pick him no question!
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
he has the look of mcfadden
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
The question is - Is it him or His Oline that is responsible for his performance?
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
its not that we dont want richardson
its the simple fact that we have a lot of holes to fill and he most likely 99% sure wont make it to pick 17 and we should not trade our draft away to get him when we are more than just a RB away
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
that would be a great first round
im all for miller.
and a CB although ive seen other CB’s that might be just as good.
as long as we do something to replacing Livings and RG it will be good
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
in the minority… but I’d rather try and snag Chris Polk in the second round and focus on more immediate needs like CB/OG in the first round.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
Polk would be great
I didn’t know much about him until I went to the Alamo Bowl. The kid is impressive! The only knock I have on him is that he runs straight up. I’m sure that can be coached up. He has good size, speed, and hands.
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
I think they can coach him to run lower. I’d just hate to use a first rounder on a RB when over the past few years it’s been shown that you don’t need to spend a high pick to get a quality back. Darren Sproles, Arian Foster, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, etc, etc. Then again, we don’t really have the scouts to possibly find these gems in the later rounds or as undrafted free agents.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
I remember them saying the same thing about Adrian Perterson
that he ran straight up….however, seeing what Peterson as done, would we really pass up on him because he runs straight up?
I like Polk, and would be happy if we got him.
pemci - January 18, 2012
Polk got it done
behind a horrible OL too…
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
Polk will be gone by the time we pick in the 2nd round.
Detriot and Greenbay Are looking for backs, Especially Detriot to complement Best and the passing game. Starks and Polk to replace Grant for GB!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
Detroit will most definitely NOT draft a RB anywhere near the top three rounds
They have Jahvid Best (a 2010 first round pick) coming back next year.
They also have Mikel Leshoure (a 2011 2nd round pick) coming back next season after missing all of his rookie year.
Detroit has no play-making lbs (as from Stephen Tulloch, but he is an UFA) and very few playmakers in their defensive secondary. They will almost assuredly address defense with their first couple of picks, and they will definitely NOT be selecting a RB in the first two rounds.
Recent history shows that as teams move toward pass-centric offenses, they value a RB less and less (at least to the point of figuring out that RBs can be found anywhere), thus causing RBs to slide on draft day.
Polk should be there for the Bengals in the second.
The_Black_Stripes - January 18, 2012 via mobile
I think they’ll try and re-sign Kevin Smith as well.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
If Polk slides to us in the 2nd
And we used the first 2 picks on O line and DB I would do backflips. What round is D lineman Wolfe projected to go?
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Wolfe isn’t projected to be taken in Walter Football’s initial four round mock. They do have us taking Miami DT Marcus Forston though
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
other mocks ive seen wolfe in the 2nd.
JCompton41 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Bingo!
Running back is the most fungible position in the NFL.
It is just really hard to justify spending a first round pick on a player who plays a position that is becoming less and less valued, and who has the shortest projected shelf-life of any other NFL position (RBs TEND to wear down by 28 – there are exceptions, of course, but the general principle is true).
What I mean by RBs being valued less and less in today’s NFL can be illustrated by the following list of the stating RBs of the SuperBowl winning teams over the last decade:
2010 = James Starks (in fact, GB’s features back – Ryan Grant – was injured at the start of season, yet GB STILL won the SB without him).
2009 = Pierre Thomas (Reggie Bush and Mike Bell as compliments)
2008 = Willie Parker (talk about a short shelf-life)
2007 = NYG’s Earth/wind/fire (Jacobs/ward/Bradshaw). 3-headed attack with no single) as the feature back
2006 = Joseph Addai (another example of a RB’s extremely short shelf-life, especially when you consider that Addai was a 2006 1st round pick, yet his career is already over for the most part, whereas a fellow 2006 1st round pick – Johnathan Joseph – just signed a 5-year contract worth close to $50M, as we all know.
2005 = Jerome Bettis (his fat ass was well past his prime in 2005)
2004 = Corey Dillon (had an effective season with the Pats, yet we all know his best seasons were here. Soon after 2004 season, Dillon fell into “short shelf-life” running back obscurity
2003 = Antowain Smith (who was a Bills castoff after buffalo spent a first round pick on him yet he only produced one 1,000 yard rushing season in his first 4 seasons with the Bills).
2002 = Allstott and Warrick Dunn (very, very solid players, but the bucs won thanks to their dominating D).
2001 = Kevin Faulk
2000 = Jamal Lewis (short shelf-life, compounded by a federal prison sentence.
It is only when you go back to the 1999 Rams with Marshall Faulk (and even that offense was more geared toward the pass) and the back-to-back SB champion Broncos of 1997-1998, that you will find a SB championship team which features a run-first offense led my a single, features running back.
The NFL has changed drastically since the Broncos-led Terrell Davis days. Even so, Davis, himself, was a 6th round pick.
Listen, I really like both Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller, but with the way SB champion offenses have been over the past decade and more, and with the general fungibility of running backs in today’s NFL, it is becoming increasingly difficult to justify spending a first-round pick on a running back.
I just feel that this team is in desperate need of improving both OG positions (we are woefully deficient here IMO) and the secondary, and that there is enough top talent available in this year’s draft to address those early in the draft.
The_Black_Stripes - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Fantastic post.
wdrGrover - January 18, 2012
then thats the one big problem with marvin
he prefers to run first than pass. with the new rules against the defense you should be airing it out more. the days of pound the rock are over or very limited, but you still need a good running back of course.
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Marvin should just leave the offense to Jay and let him handle it
Jay’s postseason comments about what he envisions for this offense is very encouraging. He specifically referenced the Saints and Packers offenses with regard to get contributions from multiple players in all facets of the offense. Jay realizes what it takes to build a championship-caliber offense, and Marvin should just let him be. I really think Jay has a vision for this offense, and I can’t wait for this team to have a full offseason to work together to improve.
The_Black_Stripes - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Plus there are always good RB's popping up
in the later rounds. DeMarco Murray comes to mind. Rudi Johnson is another.
This very good post shows the dangerous of letting the glitz overcome the basics, like building really good Olines.
BENGALS69 - January 18, 2012
Exactly! Other current, quality RBs selected in the middle-to-late rounds include:
Maurice Jones Drew – Current NFL rushing champ.
Arian Foster = UNDRAFTED!!
Fred Jackson; Jamaal Charles just to name a few.
Build this offensive line first.
The_Black_Stripes - January 18, 2012 via mobile
And there are no guarentees at RB - ever
Kenny Irons or Chis Perry anyone?
IllinoisBengal - January 18, 2012
My one concern about Miller
He’s never been known as a receiver, from what I’ve seen. If he can learn, great, but we need someone that’s a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Big Sky Bengal - January 18, 2012
i think richardson provides that
he was the only good thing alabama had on offense
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
He had 17 receptions this year.
That’s not alot but that’s what training camp is for. Gruden and co will coach him up and I remember watching Andy during training camp last year and he loved to dump it off to the backs when stuff was covered downfield! Miller would excel in this offense!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
IMO, catching it out of the backfield is secondary to his running ability
If he a great runner that is most important. He have guys who can catch. Being able to do both would be really great but I think there is probably too much emphasis on it.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
idk
if you look at all the great offenses, they have backs that can catch out of the back field on a regular basis. I think if we can get one, which wont be hard to find because anything is an upgrade from benson when it comes to hands lol.
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
a Statue has better receiving hands than Benson....
pemci - January 18, 2012
Coats had better hands than benson
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
damn dude thats wrong lol
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
LOL!
TCfromDubVee - January 18, 2012
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
That was cold lol!!!
Dwight Carter - January 18, 2012
not in a WCO
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
If we ran a pure WCO I would agree with you but we really don't.
First of all I did not mean to say that RBs in the WCO who can catch aren’t important, they are, but a WCO relies heavily on the pass which comprise 80% or so of the plays and relies heavily on horizontal routes and short passes for long multiple play drives down field. Our offense has a 50/50 pass/run balance with much more emphasis on the run from scrimmage than a pure WCO does. In a WCO the pass sets up the run not the other way around. That is why I say that in our offense the ability to run is more important than the ability to catch out of the backfield. Maybe the reason we run a traditional/WCO Offense is that we don’t have a RB who can catch, like say Roger Craig, so we can’t run a true WCO. But if you are going to hand the ball off to a RB 50% of the time that guy had better be able to run between the tackles, get to the edge, shed tacklers and make the first man miss. Every time I hear someone say they have a balanced run/pass WCO I cringe. There is no such thing. We do not run a real WCO. Maybe we want to but don’t have the personell but if we get WCO type players and still run the O we are playing now the fit will not be optimal. We actually run a combination traditional/run and shoot/ WCO and all of these Offenses require different talent structures. That, IMO, is why we frequently see a more chaotic mix of receiver/defender mix where our WRs always seem to have to fight for the ball because the aren’t getting good separation. When you are playing 3 different styles of O you really can’t set yourself up to do any of them really well. Maybe we are moving toward a real WCO but our current O if definately not there right now.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 19, 2012
If they can address defense in FA
then you could draft a running back in 1st round… otherwise I would be happy with a guard and a defensive back.
txbengal29 - January 18, 2012
I would be happy with either of those combinations
Either a RB, G, or CB.
whodeycommish14 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
What about linebacker?
Can Rivers and Muckleroy come back and play, Moch? I wouldn’t be surprised if they draft a linebacker early on at some point in the first 3 rounds.. knowing Marvin…
txbengal29 - January 18, 2012
There are a few concerns there but we are more solid at LB than in the CB and S position
With a good set of CBs and Ss their job gets much easier.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 18, 2012
+1
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
We have more LB's than Pacman has arrests ;-)
Quantity, yes. Quality, not bad. I really expect to see some production out of Rivers this season. The D line is a Lb’s best friend and he hasn’t got to play behind this one. IMO that helped Howard and Lawson have a productive season. I’m not saying Rivers is going to set the world on fire, I’m curious to see what he can do.
Bigcatdaddy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
The thing about Lamar Miller is
it’s not just his speed. He can beat you with his speed, physicality, agility, and field awareness. I saw him break three tackles on the right side of the field, then had to switch fields, and gained thirty-five yards out of it against Va Tech because he’s the total package. From what I understand, he’s a humble kid too. That’s killing two birds with one stone. People think it is just his speed. Negative…. He’s got different things to offer.
whodeycommish14 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
hes definately a unique talent
and would be nice in stripes
Bengalsfan024 - January 18, 2012
Trent Richardson Is Waayyyy better than Lamar Miller
stripes earner - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Lamar Miller shows speed only
its Richardsons ability to anticipate the defenders next move that makes him special who ever drafts him will have a top tier back we should trade both our draft picks to get him
stripes earner - January 18, 2012 via mobile
not sure i would do that
only andrew luck is worth trading that much for
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
I would not trade a first round pick for a RB unless his name is Clark Kent.
Yes Richardson is good but he also runs behing one of if not the best Oline in college football. My mother could run for 4 yards a pop behind that line and she has been dead for a dozen years. If Richardson fell to us I would definately consider him over Miller a bit. But I think Miller will be there for our 2nd 1st round pick and will allow us to pick a S,G or CB we need with the first pick. This is all spec. The prodays and combine work will tell us more. Hell a very promising G might step up or the playmaking S we so desperately need. Or both.
JUNGLEJOHN - January 19, 2012
If we take Miller then what happens to Scott?
When Benson leaves will Leonard be the hammer. Do we bring in someone else?
Cincinnati222 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
scott would probably be the 2nd back in the rotation
AMAS85 - January 18, 2012
Don't know depends on FA. I would like to c hillis Leonard and whom every we draft just no benson
njbengalstat - January 18, 2012
Interesting
Oregonbengalsfan - January 18, 2012
glad we did not take bowers
bengalinflorida - January 18, 2012
Richardson has the best line in college
Needs blockers to be successful no matter who u are. Lineman make running backs not other way around.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
im starting to come around to Miller.
As long as the first 2 or 3 rounds bring a back, corner, guard with them 4 picks I’m happy regardless of the order. That even leaves room for a flyer like Barron of burcict or Floyd and I’ll still be happy.
JCompton41 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
too many backs to take one in 1st
Were not looking for anybody to run 25+, James and Pead are better than Miller and we can get them in 3rd.
pray4gm11 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Would prefer Miller over pead and james for sure
But if we get decastro, gilmore, a saftey, Pead, can’t argue with that.
JCompton41 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
We need (all the above covers it)
and PROTECT the ball.
IllinoisBengal - January 18, 2012
Looking for mocks?
Found this database
Oregonbengalsfan - January 18, 2012
Miller all the way.
I have been saying on other posts that I want Miller. Yes running back has been less valued more and more but the guy WILL be the best running back out of this draft. Saw him play live and he is a game changer. People wonder about him in the passing game. Miami only had one good offensive lineman and he helped a lot on passing downs which is a great thing. He does have good hands but will need to improve in that area. The 3 games I saw in person,he may have had one negative run. He is always going forward. He hits the whole harder than any running back I’ve seen in the past couple years. Bounces off and breaks tackles. Can run outside or inside the tackles. Saw some people on here compare him to Rice but he actually has a great frame. Probably 5’11 210-215. Sometimes his speed holds him back as he is so fast he doesn’t set up his blocking sometimes. I see people projecting Wilson with one of the picks but if Miller is there,line or no line,we need to take him.
EPK1979 - January 18, 2012
also
think Clinton Portis,before the Buckeyes mangled his knee
EPK1979 - January 18, 2012
willis mcgahee
JCompton41 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Oh crap. good call. thats what I meant to say. Thanks JCompton41
EPK1979 - January 18, 2012
Solid mock, but i think its not the best situation
i like Dennard, i think he’ll be a very good corner for years to come. But i think Jenkins is going to be the best corner of this draft. Ever expert has compared him to asante samuel. I think the off the field stuff is behind him and he could form a top of the line corner tandem with hall. And for the miller if he’s fully healthy with no lingering shoulder problems i think he could be a freak of nature with his size and speed. but I’d like them to see what they can do in free agency, and maybe they can land a really good back and not have to waste a first round pick on a running back. but this team has a very bright future and i can’t wait!!!
WHO DEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thegrassisGREENer18 - January 18, 2012
+1
Dwight Carter - January 19, 2012
How about this scenario
The Bengals sign Nicks in FA and package one of their first round picks with a second a a few of the later round picks to move up in the 1st. Then, the Bengals take Claiborne and Dennard with their 1st round picks and look to take LaMichael James or Polk with their remaining 2nd round pick. Several teams are lacking in picks due to stupid trades on their part, so the Bengals should be able to package something that lets them move up for Claiborne while still getting Dennard later in the 1st.
WOOD98 - January 19, 2012
it will take 2 firsts and more to move up in front of tampa bay.
JCompton41 - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I could see Claiborne falling a little bit after the AL game
and I think the Bengals have a high enough 1st rounder and a multitude of 2nd, 3rd and 4th round picks that could be packaged to make an enticing offer. The Bengals have a lot of youth and I think they could afford to give up some of those extra picks to put themselves in line for a couple of 1st round corners.
WOOD98 - January 20, 2012
That would be great but
I think it would cost a lot more to move into the top 5 than a first and a later round pick. It cost Atlanta 2 first rounders to move up to pick Julio Jones with the 5th pick. I think the Bengals need to do whatever than can to sign Nicks but I’m starting to get the feeling that NO will franchise him and sign him before Colston.
EPK1979 - January 19, 2012
I'm from S.Fla and have seen Lamar Miller play "live"
and I’ve been saying since the beginning, that this is the guy who we should target.
His speed is a given. It’s his “Vision” though, that’s awesome.
Look at his film and you’ll see a guy who’s always “moving forward”
always looking and stepping into creases, cracks and crevices that
“advance the ball “forward”.
It’s easy to say that a RB"S job is supposed to be exactly that, but a lot of them
see the the CC&C (might patent that) but don’t have the speed to get through it.
Lamar Miller does.
I’d Love to see us get rid of Benson & Scott and bring in……………
…………Michael Bush / Lamar Miller / Brian Leonard / Cedric Peerman
Now that’s a versatile backfield for Jay Gruden’s Scheme. Think about it.?.!
gratefulmax - January 19, 2012
Watching his tape doesn't do him justice.
I think after the combine his stock will be shooting up. Hell I have seen a few people that already have him in their top ten. Running backs haven’t be drafted all too much in the first round the past couple years. I would argue the talent hasn’t been there and it is with Miller and Richardson. I would take either one but I think people are really sleeping on Miller. Watching him live you get a real feeling of how explosive he is.
EPK1979 - January 19, 2012
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