Gene J. Puskar - AP
3 months ago: Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard can't come up with the interception on a deflected pass intended for Penn State receiver Derek Moye (6) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The NFL season isn't quite over but that hasn't stopped mock draft after mock draft from being published. After all, 30 of the 32 teams have their first-round draft positions set, only the Patriots and Giants are remaining and they'll split the last two picks of the first round.
The latest mock draft we're bringing to you comes from Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, in which he selects a running back and cornerback in the first round for the Bengals.
First, with the No. 17 overall pick, Banks picks Alabama running back Trent Richardson for the Bengals.
This is the Carson Palmer pick, and for once we're not talking about a costly interception. The Bengals offense could use some fresh legs as a replacement for impending free agent Cedric Benson, and Richardson can help move the chains in a variety of ways.
We've seen this pick a lot and while it's understandable considering the team's struggle to run the ball in 2011, taking a running back before an offensive lineman seems, at least to me, like placing the cart before the horse. Both guard positions could desperately use an upgrade and Bobbie Williams is a free agent.
However, I would be surprised to see the Bengals pass on a running back of Richardson's caliber if he would happen to fall to them at No. 17.
Then, with the No. 21 overall pick, Banks selects Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard for the Bengals.
If the Bengals can come out of the first round with a new starting running back and another cornerback to play against all the three-wide sets in today's NFL, they'll have hit a second consecutive jackpot at the top of their draft. Maybe not in an A.J. Green-Andy Dalton sense, but it'll still rate as a huge success on paper.
This is a pick I'm more apt to get behind. With Leon Hall recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury, the only cornerback under contract worth starting is Nate Clements and at his age he's a liability in coverage. The Bengals desperately need a new cornerback for 2012 and Dennard could fit the bill.
So, what do you think about this latest mock draft?
0 recs | 167 comments
Richardson is still the guy that I want the most.
However, with Dennard, I like his well-rounded skillset, but I think they might be better off waiting until the second if a guy Dre Kirkpatrick isn’t there.
Also, as much as I want Richardson, I don’t see him dropping that far.
RHSNEYES - January 27, 2012
Trent Richardson I can see easily enough
But I’m not so sure about the CB pick. I think the Bengals can do better in FA than the CB’s likely to be available at #21. I think there are two DB’s really good and then a couple not as athletic as either Hall or JJoe.
BENGALS69 - January 27, 2012
Trent will NOT BE THERE
we need to give it up…also…Denard…injury issues at Senior Bowl…..eehhhh…would go Jenkins/ Miller
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
Decastro/ Jenkins
Don’t waste first round pick on a RB
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
I think this is my ideal first round.
Maybe Kirkpatrick, if he falls after getting high before the combine. The Bengals could go after one of Polk/Miller/Pead in the second round if needed. Next year is also going to be great for RBs.
The Bengals need to prioritize FA vs. the draft carefully, though. There is SOME premier talent in free agency this year that could free them up in the first round to draft BPA.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Polk/Miller/Pead/ AND Martin
I’m guessing Pead will be there in the third.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
If it's Richardson, chances are, it's not a waste.
Anyone else, I tend to agree with you though.
This is a lot like the A.J. Green/Patrick Peterson argument last year. I think people are looking too far into the “shiny hood ornament” argument enough to forget that backs of Richardson’s caliber don’t come along as often as you think (just like receivers of Green’s caliber don’t come along as often as you think), and that he’s worth the selection if he drops to 17.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
DeCastro and Gilmore for me
whodeycommish14 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Gilmore will be there in the second.
Maybe not at 17 in the second, but given what we know at this time, I think he’s a reach. I do like him a lot, but you’ve got to take value.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
A lot of people are saying Gilmore will be taken
In the first twenty picks. I think he’s a beast.
whodeycommish14 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Really?
Interesting. I guess I’m learning a few things. I think he’s fantastic but I think he’ll fall into the second. So might Jenkins. The only sure thing at CB is Claiborne – the rest all have traits that could make them tumble (drugs, suspensions, height)
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Oh no I'm not saying he'll definitely be there.
I just think he has a couple different skill sets. He’s a heck of a return man, he’s physical, likes to stop the run. The biggest thing I’ve seen with Gilmore is that he looks a little raw on his technique and he doesn’t look too fluent on defending the double move.
whodeycommish14 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Our own Joe Goodberry had us pick him at 17 in his first mock
What I’ve read of him though has said that he’s a gambler who gives up big plays on occasion. So there’s definitely risk/reward with him.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
like both these picks
BengalDude - January 27, 2012 via mobile
+1
Dave*Neal - January 27, 2012
+1
no way Richardson is still on the board this late.
Striped4life - January 27, 2012
I said that about Steven Jackson and look what happened
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
I wouldn't be so sure.
He’ll probably be drafted before 17, but there’s a chance he falls due to the draft’s scarcity of other positions, and the general fear of building around a RB in the NFL right now.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Also
I dont want Trent if he is……He is a little faster and younger Benson….I am tired of Rudi/Ced type backs….we need speed…Trent ran through holes the size of Texas…watch the tape…he has made some plays but for the most part…his O-line is why he is solid….period…see every other Bama back that has come out of there…Alexander, Ingram and Richardson….ehhhhh
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
This is the second time I've seen Richardson compared to Benson.
He’s far more elusive than Benson, is a more decisive decision-maker, a much better receiver, is faster, and still strong enough to break tackles. Benson is a one-gap runner who hesitates, does a poor job of finding cutback lanes, and doesn’t break enough tackles.
The bigger problem is the OL, though – terrible run blocking most of this year.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Yeah
Richardson is nothing like Benson. Richardson is an all around back. He can run through the holes, he can take it outside, he can make people miss, he can break off a big run, he can catch out of the backfield, and he can pass block. No he doesn’t have Miller speed, but he has speed.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
Miller isn't that much faster.
Not sure where that’s coming from.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
After looking some more
you’re right. Miller and Richardson have about the same speed according to recorded 40 times
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
Hit the nail on the head.
A lot of Richardson’s yards have come after contact.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
^This
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
i like that
been a couple of years since the bengals had a back that could gain yards after contact. dillion did that, guess rudi did that for a bit too.
palewook - January 27, 2012
Oh, and, the only two "fast" RBs in this draft are Pead and James.
No one considers either to be an every-down back. James can’t catch. Pead runs very upright and has ball security issues. 2nd and 3rd round prospects.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
and pead weighs 190 ish
palewook - January 27, 2012
And Ingram was better than them all. People don’t understand that Alabama had all Americans on there line. If we upgrade our line like hell Leonard could get 1300 yds for us
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
A lot of people think Richardson is better than Ingram.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
...
pick1: DeCastro
pick 2: Miller
We have gone sooooo long in Cincinnati with out a top flight running back, Its almost like we dont know one when we see one.
But on is there … In the draft line up …. His name ….. MILLER
WhooooDeyyyyy
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
Please nooooo Miller, especially in the first!!!!!!:)
However, I do love DeCastro in the first
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
Gruden
Mouth waters at the thought of Miller in the back field following the block of Big Nasty De Castro …. History in the making.
I mean … to have these 2 kids to rival our divisional foes is priceless ….
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
Maybe with Decastro and Richardson
Or even DeCastro and Martin but probally not with Miller. He’s not nearly as well rounded as the other two (blocking, pass catching, etc.)
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
I see
Dooley noted , But……
His speed and elusiveness and speed by the way… Is the reason he can and will take it to the house for us . More often than not.
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
would be happy with this...
I dont want to use a first round pick on an RB..but he wont make it to our second round pick….and I agree…we havent had a great RB since we drafted Perry in the first round….oh wait…he sucked too….and we passed up Steven Jackson….jus sayin
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
I'm not sold on Miller
And the only RB I’d spend a first round pick on is Rishardson
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
+1
liked miller for late 1st round pick until his injury.
palewook - January 27, 2012
Ouch
Chris perry s name still hurts …..
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
yes it does
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
keep this around for a reason
palewook - January 27, 2012
Draft is far too deep to take anything but BPA in the first round.
The Bengals should go hard after young, immensely talented guys like Carl Nicks or Brandon Carr or even Dwayne Bowe to mitigate need on draft day, and then evaluate what’s available.
If they draft a first-round RB that’s not Trent Richardson, I’ll be disappointed. The rest aren’t worth a first round pick. If they draft Dennard, I won’t be all that happy, but that’ll probably mean the top 3 corners are gone. Seems like a reach to me, especially given scouting reports from the Senior Bowl.
Honestly, this draft is so deep at positions of need (except safety), there’s a ton of flexibility in rounds 2-4 for guards, running backs, and cornerbacks. I just don’t want to see them reach for Dennard and Lamar Miller – that’s a nightmare first round to me.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
I agree with the BPA angle
especially since in my mind they need to upgrade at so many positions.
My list to upgrade, in no particular order, covers just about every position:
Guards
RB
WR
DE
DT
ILB
OLB
FS
CB
BENGALS69 - January 27, 2012
That's basically everything except Tackle and Center!
I think the DL and LB corps performed quite well last year. There’s a clear need at SS, but Reggie Nelson is fine at FS. I’d rank the needs, in order, as:
OG, CB, RB, SS, WR, DT, LB
I think the first 4 are glaring needs, the next 3 need to be addressed for depth.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
That's what I said, we've got a lot of positions that need upgrading
Are you really happy with Rey M?
Lawson did a good job buy he’s a free agent…I doubt he’ll return.
Crocker was simply bad
Geathers isn’t lighting up anybody anymore
Sims is a free agent, hopefully he’ll be back but regardless we need much better depth.
Guards is obvious, but what about Andre Smith in his final year? Can we keep Collins, another FA? Will Smith earn an extension and if he does will he get lazy again? Kind of demands we look for a guy that can play guard right now, then swing to RT if necessary.
So let BPA rule, whoever it is outside of QB, LT, C they can be productive and play right away.
BENGALS69 - January 27, 2012
no I am not sold on Rey
He hasnt shown anyone that he has the ability to solidify the MLB position….Our LB corps is suspect right now….
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
I guess it's fair to say every position on every team should be improved every year.
- I think Rey was injured for most of the year, and he has one more year before I’d seek his replacement. I’d look at a late round ILB (maybe with the extra 5th rounder).
- Keith Rivers comes back. Lawson might get re-signed (I hope he does).
Crocker is awful, but he played SS. Nelson was FS.
Geathers is likely gone, but was an excellent run defender. Still, Fanene, Rucker and Dunlap are a very strong trio.
But, sure, BPA – though I think it’d be wasted on a LB or DL player.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
I have no idea what Nelson and Crocker are.
They’re listed as the SS and FS respectively, but Crocker’s better as the SS and Nelson’s better as the FS.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
Wait, really?
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Crocker was playing SS all year and clearly lacks the coverage skills to be a free safety.
Bengals.com depth chart shows Crocker at SS and Nelson at FS. I think you read it backwards.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Must've switched it.
Was the other way around to start the year.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
I kind of wonder if Robert Sands could pan out.
The Bengals are kind of awful at grooming bench guys to become starters, but sure would be nice..
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
On that note, you hope that Moch could potentially replace Lawson, too.
They could both step up and be good reasons not to draft safety/LB too ealry.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
moch and his health issues worries me
the fact he couldn’t or wouldn’t grit out migraine issues at anytime during his rookie season, worries me about his heart. figuratively and literally.
palewook - January 27, 2012
You can't always "grit out" migraines.
There are different symptoms for migraines with different people. Some people can’t see while having migraines, or involuntarily vomit frequently. You can’t practice if either of those things are happening.
dqniel - January 27, 2012
migraines
can be a sign of heart trouble
reason i used the “figuratively and literally” line. which leads to the concern you addressed, his inability to grit out the migraines. if medication or treatment can’t encourage him to take the field when he’s feeling less than 100%, we have to wonder about his playing heart.
palewook - January 27, 2012
I disagree entirely about the "figurative" aspect
dqniel - January 27, 2012
i know =)
but think we both agree how it can be perceived in the nfl that a player that won’t play through a few aches and pains each season is soft or lacks that warrior heart.
palewook - January 27, 2012
In other words, yes, it’s a problem with his health, but I disagree that it says anything about his heart.
dqniel - January 27, 2012
not saying it does
only noting its a perception thing in the nfl. if a player won’t play through pain for any period during a season, whispers of him being soft always kick up. which tends to turn a career into a shorter duration. since fewer teams will gamble to sign a vet fa perceived as having a history of being soft.
a great example of how quickly the nfl can turn on a player, hillis went from madden cover strong man to wimpy goat in less than 12 months.
palewook - January 28, 2012
Plus, there aren't great ILB prospects in this draft.
The only LB I love in the first round is Upshaw.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
To an extent
I want to see how he does with a different coach before I’m willing to pass on him though.
You named about five players. When you say a lot of holes, I expect about twenty players.
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
lol
pretty much narrowed it down to the entire team….
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
I think NEEDS are OG, CB, RB, SS.
Wants are WR, LB. Depth is DE, DT, C, T.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
they went 9-7 and had a 6-2 start to the season
holes? what the hell are you talking about
especially with cb ranked so low good freaking gog
Doc Scratch - January 27, 2012
putting that in perspective
they went 6-2,
finished 3-5.
the 2nd half drop off could be attributed to poor game planning, clock management, refereeing, or injuries.
i’m on the injury bandwagon. felt like the team struggled the moment hall went down. once simms was lost the defense dropped off even more. the loss of bobbie was big too.
palewook - January 27, 2012
+1
I would like Miller..but he is just right on the edge of a first rounder…I think he will be taken in top of round 2….
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
I agree
Please DO NOT take Miller and Dennard in the 1rst round!!!!!!!!!!!!!
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
perhaps we're wrong
i’d be disappointed with that draft too
palewook - January 27, 2012
it all depends then on what order they have guys on the big board
Bengalsfan024 - January 27, 2012
I'd be happy with this
It’s a great start. There are still lots of picks and lots of good players, but 2 key areas of need are at least partially addressed. I’d love a guard worthy of being picked 17 or 21 overall, but most drafts don’t have a guy like that. This one might with DeCastro, but if he’s gone then I don’t see anyone else that’s significantly better than what the Bengals can get for the o-line in round 2.
Of course the combine and pro days will change all this, making mocks at this point completely worthless, but it’s still fun.
indesignkat - January 27, 2012
There is actually quite a bit of depth at guard in the draft.
Lots of good guys to target in the second if Glenn (who I don’t love) and DeCastro are gone.
I’d be happy with any first round combination of: Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, Barron, Richardson, DeCastro, Kendall Wright
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
rebuild the secondary in the 1st
(if you can’t get richardson, and don’t reach for a rb in the 1st if he ain’t there)
palewook - January 27, 2012
Dont want Denard.
so many senerios because of all our needs Ill be happy in round 1 with
Kirkpatrick / Barron / Richardson /Millar / Jenkins / Glenn / Decastro / Konz / The G from wisconsin (i forgot his name) / all these players will immediately help the team
Bengalsfan024 - January 27, 2012
They just extended Cook, doubt they'll go after Konz.
Ideally, it’s Nicks in FA so they can wait for Zeitler (Wisconsin) in the 2nd. Huge reach for him in the first.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Yeah Zeitler in the 2nd would be great if he falls that far hes making some noise right now
Konz i say because as a C he can push Cook for his Job and the loser plays RG
Bengalsfan024 - January 27, 2012
God I'd love Konz and Decastro to start the year off with ....
I like Cook but with these guys coming in behind him our line could be solid for years…Add in Nicks man!!!!
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
now you're just gettin greedy. lol
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
HAHA for sure I am ...
But man, what I wouldn’t give for that line…..
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
would it really be a reach to grab konz as a guard prospect with our last 1st round pick?
palewook - January 27, 2012
I can't get too excited about Dennard
Everything I’ve read about him says he’s good, not great, at everything. To me, it seems like his ceiling is a good #2 corner in this league. Doesn’t seem like 1st round material.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
Billy Cundiff
BAHAHAHA
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/expect-delivery-billy-cundiff-jersey-wide-left-080349417.html
keithster - January 27, 2012
it arrives at the house to the left of yours......lol
thats funny
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
I think I just dirtied my pants!!!!!!!!!!!!
OH MY GOSH this was so funny my boss had to ask what was going on…..he then read it and started laugh so hard he fell outta his chair!!!
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
Other than Claiborne
Who we know will be gone for sure, DeCastro is my #1 target
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
mock drafts are going to be pointless
since the vikings are already making statements they will trade the #3 draft pick for a solid offer. which means the browns will have to trade with the vikes or rams if they want RG3. and if the browns don’t get RG3, it will shift the draft in an odd way. the browns will take richardson at #4 or target the BPA (probably wr or cb)
palewook - January 27, 2012
I also heard that the Browns maybe be trading down and that
the Redskins want to trade up, so until it happens, Mock Drafts are pointless… :)
pemci - January 27, 2012
and we still have to see what happens in fa
someone that needs a QB will sign the backup from the packers or jason campbell etc
palewook - January 27, 2012
True...
pemci - January 27, 2012
To put some fuel on the fire
DeCastro is available in this mock… haha… Let the criticism begin!
The Dealio - January 27, 2012
I dont see him being there either
one of the top O-line guys in the draft..he may though….you never know
ticalcaldwell - January 27, 2012
Ok but over the past 4 years how many OG have been draft round 1?
Bengalsfan024 - January 27, 2012
Times be a changin
77CincyRage - January 27, 2012
The funny thing is
In this scenerio if we would have taken DeCastro first we probabally would have been able to get both him and Richardson
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
if we get richardson and decastro in the 1st
it could be the greatest draft in bengals history
palewook - January 27, 2012
DeCastro + Martin > Richardson + 2nd Round OG
Couldn’t agree with you more.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
I don't know about this
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
But if DeCastro is leading the way, there's not going to be any contact to begin with. ;)
I just like the idea of rebuilding the line. With Bobbie a question mark and Livings inconsistency, I think this team would start to make some great strides with an elite guard anchoring the middle.
I could see either argument. I’ve seen DeCastro compared to Steve Hutchinson and Richardson compared to Adrian Peterson. That’s about as close of a toss up as as it gets.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
Yeah I could go either way on these 2
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
Whats the knocks on Dennard?
I saw a few mocks with us picking him in the 1st but seen a lot of people not into him. Is he not worthy in the 1st round? if so why do so many people dog him? I know about the injury at the bowl game but everyone gets injured.
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
Really bad showing at the Senior Bowl, for me.
And he’s the shortest and least athletic out of the bunch. He could be Leon Hall, I guess, but I’d rather have a guy who could be Joseph.
More specifically – scouts are saying he’s been really rigid, bad out of breaks.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Scouts are also saying that the most impressive CBs in the Senior Bowl
are Jenkins and Boykin
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
And I've been a Jenkins fan for a long time.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
you don't mind the character issues?
palewook - January 27, 2012
get over it already
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
i asked a question, i didn't pass judgement.
until now, learn to read.
palewook - January 27, 2012
You continue to bring that up. Clearly everyone and their brother know about his character issues
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
l2r
palewook - January 27, 2012
short.
.
Chili Dog - January 27, 2012
couldnt cover our tight ends
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
He’s a press man CB who has to win at the jam in order to stay with WR. Not deep speed. Short. Ball skills are really bad. I think 3 career Ints
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
so basically he only can stick Boldin or Ward in our division?
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
if he did
he’d be really good at it, but Wallace, Brown, Little and Torrey Smith will kill him.
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
I have Dennard as my 8th best CB
and it has very little to do with the Sr.Bowl
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Thanks for the info on Dennard....
pemci - January 27, 2012
Def thanks...
I’ve been wondering why every mock draft I see has us picking him up in the 1st…. Just didn’t know why…glad everyone else feels the same
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
it’s because, some say Dennard looked better than Prince Amukamara in 2010. So he came into 2011 with top 15 aspirations. He didn’t take the next step and actually played like a mid-2nd rounder.
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
I haven't understood the love for him.
I couldn’t see projecting him better than a #2 CB, or at best a low end #1. Not first round material IMHO.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
Just curious how you view Chase Minnifield
I’ve read some good things about him, but where does he fit in your rankings?
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
heard good things about this kid
Toasted_Orange_Monster - January 27, 2012
Minnefield is #7. Just above Dennard. He can really do it all. Press man or off coverage. Doesn’t do a lot of zone, but will come up to tackle. Misses some. Not sure about hos acceleration & agility but has good enough speed. Good ball skills. Nice body. Long arms.
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Go Off and take Decastro and take Polk if he still there in the second. Polk wont last the Second.
Go Def and take Barron. Stop Mike Wallace and Torrey Smith over the top.
Take these two out of the game is inperative.
Chili Dog - January 27, 2012
+1
pemci - January 27, 2012
Hmmmmm
njbengalstat - January 27, 2012
Not Dennard!!!!!
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Gilmore
;)
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
gilmore over dennard?
college game break down’s
high school highlights
nfl scouting projection
palewook - January 27, 2012
Gilmore is my #3 CB, Dennard #8
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
See, even Joe, the guy who has been working on draft stuff all year agrees!
H e h e h e.
jsl413 - January 27, 2012
Agreed
What about Boykin?? I’ve heard his stock has been rising and always wondered why he wasn’t mentioned much before
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
Much rather have Boykin than Dennard
same height, faster and jumps higher.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
Do you think he'll be available to us 2nd
Most mocks I’ve seen have him in the 2nd or even the 3rd. Has his stock improved that much?
biggie22 - January 27, 2012
ESPN Scouts Inc
has him as a solid day 2 pick.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
I’d love him in 2/3 round
Joe Goodberry - January 27, 2012 via Android app
sounds good to me
palewook - January 27, 2012
not 5 10
Short arms. Who wins the Jump Ball?
Chili Dog - January 27, 2012
denard is a 3rd corner at best
Don’t see us taking corner unless Kirpatrick falls into our laps.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
If at #17 Decastro and Richardson are available who do you take?
I take Richardson because the teams with picks 18, 19 and 20 dont need a rb, so in theory we could then draft richardson at 21
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
DeCastro. And it's not close for me.
Animal_Like_Football - January 27, 2012
+1
ephram - January 27, 2012
with you
palewook - January 27, 2012
+1
Dave*Neal - January 27, 2012
im taking best g over best rb any day
That’s a no brainer. Richardson not special enough to light it up with our line. With good line play Miller or Martin can handle job.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Might fault I think that’s what u meant anyway. Decastro you’ll select 1st.
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
DeCastro supposedly is a top 10 talent
If he falls to 17, you HAVE to take him.
Somebody will trade up to get him eventually, if you pass him by.
ephram - January 27, 2012
I meant Decastro
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
If the draft really goes like this
Take Trent at 17 then trade up to grab DeCastro at 18. Done.
steve henderson - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Is Richardson really that impressive of a RB to take before a solid G like decastro? we need to fix our O line fist to protect Andy and what ever RB we get “teach me how to dougie”
towery10 - January 27, 2012
BPA > NEED
Every year a team’s "NEEDS" continually change come draft time.
What is strong one year becomes your NEED a year or two later.
If you draft each year only for NEED, you are just chasing your tail, because you’re only selecting mediocre stop-gaps, and passing on better overall players.
It is more important to stock your team with the best players possible.
Therefore it is important to draft the best player available > draft for need.
Of course, if you can get the best player available who matches your NEED that’s ideal.
We all pretty much agree our top 3 needs are CB, OG and RB….followed by Safeties, more O-Line, WR and LB….and then least needed are QB, TE and D-Line.
So we need to make sure we get a CB, OG and RB somewhere in the draft….but that doesn’t necessarily mean we need to take them as 3 of our top picks.
If a CB like M Claiborne or an OG like D DeCastro falls to pick 17, then that’s the ideal scenario of NEED matching best player available. But if they are both gone, and a stud WR like Blackmon falls to pick 17 (unrealistic, but just for example), you HAVE to draft him over a player of need like Lamar Miller or Konz because Blackmon is a top 5 talent, while Miller & Konz are in the 25~40 overall talent range.
So I don’t want to see the Bengals reaching for a Lamar Miller or Dennard (for example) even though they meet needs, if much better players fall to them in the draft.
There are enough decent OG’s and RB’s in the draft that they can find one in round 2 or 3 instead of reaching in round 1 if an elite one isn’t there when they pick. Although with the NFL game going more to passing, CB’s will be at a premium and probably be reached for more than normal….meaning we’d better get one in free agency because we’re not likely to find one as a good value in the draft when we pick.
ephram - January 27, 2012
claiborne or decastro falls to 17
i mortgage the farm for the 18th pick at that point, giving up the 24th and our 2nd round pick for the 18 th pick with a later pick from 2013 thrown in (4-6 th round).
and i take claiborne and decastro with the 17th and 18 th pick.
palewook - January 27, 2012
1 DeCastro
1 Jenkins or Barron
2 Martin
BengalDude - January 27, 2012 via mobile
I like this scenario
Diesel2405 - January 27, 2012
Not sold on Barron
Nothing tells me he is any better than Mays or Sands.
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
mays or sands dont have his iq of the game
Basically is qb of defense and is a playmaker
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Somebody say something?
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
+1
I think what you may have heard Oregon is someone in the distance trying to say that Mays and sands do not have as high an IQ for the game of football as Barron does. That Barron is like a QB (a field general) for a defense and is quite the play maker. It was just hard to understand because it sounded like gibberish. Must have been said while he was sticking his tongue in a box fan or something.
joecincy07 - January 27, 2012
Lol
njbengalstat - January 27, 2012
I got this...
Nelson, Hall, and Clements have the IQ… Nelson, our FS we’ll be able to put them in the right place. Pluck in the play making ablities of Mays or Sands and the D will be fine! Barron is overated! He’s the only one in the draft worth a fisrt round pick at safety. Wait till next year to see if the Mays and Sands project works if not there’s a Rambo out there ready to get first blood!!!
Dwight Carter - January 27, 2012
Good luck...
Pray has given me a headache….
pemci - January 27, 2012
^THIS
Oregonbengalsfan - January 27, 2012
nothing against barron
would love to have him with a 2nd round pick if he were still on the board, not convinced he is worthy of either of our 1st round picks when we have huge needs at CB, G, and RB
palewook - January 27, 2012
What will be interesting is who on the Bengals
will be leading the draft day team? Will Marvin still lead the pack? Will Gruden?
Admittedly this is awfully thin, but Gruden getting an extension while turning down HC gigs strikes me as not normal for the NFL.
Then I see Marvin Lewis is breaking into TV during SB week by working for the NFL Network. I think he could be auditioning for a new career starting in 2013. Is it possible that Mike Brown already has a succession plan in place? We’ll know more if rumors come out that Gruden was a dominant voice during draft day.
Still think the Bengals want to go offense in April. 17, 21 and 53 for RB, WR and Guard/Tackle.
BENGALS69 - January 27, 2012
Lol
Dwight Carter - January 27, 2012
keep in mind
zimmer is paid more than some head coaches in the nfl (as is gruden too)
palewook - January 27, 2012
the 1sr rd..
point blank the only way to know for sure which direction this team is going in the draft is to see what we do in free agency..i like the mock draft and all it provides a lot of fun for people but free agency will play a major role this year and that should be the first area of concern…WHO DEY
rawdawg78 - January 27, 2012
TLCCALDWELL
WHAT SLAVE BLOG TALK MEAN?
pray4gm11 - January 27, 2012 via mobile
Fine with the Richardson pick
But please GOD don’t take Alfonso Dennard..stay as far away from that man as you can.
Bengal4ever - January 27, 2012
1st pick-David DeCastro OG , other 1st- Chase Minnifield CB
Bengal4ever - January 27, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Cincy Jungle to post a comment.