Joe Murphy - Getty Images
6 months ago: OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 19: Barry Brunetti #11 of the Ole Miss Rebels scrambles with the ball against Michael Brockers #90 of the LSU Tigers on November 19, 2011 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
As the Bengals scouting department (both scouts) start combining rankings and scouting reports to come up with a consensus draft board, I'm also putting my own rankings aside to bring you the first Bengals-oriented big board of the draft season. This big board will evolve throughout the off-season as the Bengals fill their holes in free agency and prospects work out for scouts and NFL teams. I'll also try to keep an eye out for all of the mis-information that we'll be hearing until late April.
This board has already eliminated the elite prospects that have no shot at being available come picks 17 and 21(Luck, RG3, Kalil, and Claiborne). I have combined my own personal grades and rankings with others whom I trust (Not ESPN). Then I added in how each prospects fit into the Bengals plans and kept in mind the tendencies the Bengals have shown on draft day in the Marvin Lewis era. Punch all of those factors into the draft computer and out comes my list of the 25 prospects (in order) that the Bengals would draft. Somewhere amongst these players are at least two that will be wearing stripes in 2012.
|
Player |
Position |
Height/Weight |
Player Description |
Bengals Fit |
|
Trent Richardson Alabama |
RB |
5'11" - 224 lbs |
Power runner who can play all three downs from day one. Elite player. |
Starts day one and instantly provides an upgrade over Benson in every phase. Gives the Bengals an every-down RB for first time in a long time. |
|
David DeCastro Stanford |
OG (RG) |
6'5" - 310 lbs |
Elite pulling ability and stands out in the 2nd level. Top-16 NFL guard from day one. |
Starts at LG or RG depending on what the Bengals do with their former starting OGs. Pro-Bowler by 2013. |
|
Dre Kirkpatrick Alabama |
CB |
6'2" - 190 lbs |
Tough, physical, long CB. The new breed of CB that can cover the big WR. |
Starts season as #3 unless Leon Hall isn't ready. Starter by year's end in 2012. Instant difference-maker. |
|
Quinton Coples North Carolina |
DE |
6'6" - 275 lbs |
Long, strong and physically gifted athlete that didn't live up to potential on the field. |
Probably starts at RDE and rotates along the DL playing every position on passing downs. Upgrade over Rucker or Geathers. |
|
Justin Blackmon Oklahoma State |
WR |
6'1" - 215 lbs |
Run-after-the-catch type possession WR. Best on slants and drags. |
Starts opposite Green and is the underneath guy that can bring a physical presence. |
|
Courtney Upshaw Alabama |
DE/Sam LB |
6'1" - 270 lbs |
Versatile, power player that brings intensity. Probably only an 8-sack per year guy. |
Starts at either RDE or Sam LB. Helps against run as LB and can put his hand down in nickel to provide rush. Upgrade over Lawson. |
|
Janoris Jenkins North Alabama (Florida) |
CB/PR |
5'9.5" - 193 lbs |
Natural man-cover CB. He was born to play CB. Off-the-field issue behind him? |
Outside starter in nickel defense. Has ability to be #1 shutdown type. Man skills could be on J.Joe's level one day. |
|
Stephon Gilmore South Carolina |
CB |
6'0" - 191 lbs |
Raw but physically gifted. Isn't afraid to tackle and hit and can match up with bigger a WR. Good blitzer. |
Outside starter in nickel defense. Provides blitz opportunities for Zimmer. Upgrade over Clements on outside. |
|
Mark Barron Alabama |
SS |
6'2" - 215 lbs |
Hard-nosed, physical enforcer type with enough ball-skills to develop into an elite safety. |
Starts from day one at safety and eventually could become the leader of the secondary. Immediate upgrade over Crocker. |
|
Iowa |
OT |
6'6" - 300 lbs |
All-around OT prospect that should be drafted top-10. Some don't grade him as high as I do. |
If drafted, it would allow Andre Smith to move to RG while Reiff starts at RT and eventually LT in a few years. |
|
DT |
6'5" - 310 lbs |
Has the ability to become an impact DT in both phases of the game. |
Rotates with Peko and Atkins as rookie and eventually starts for Peko in future. |
|
|
Georgia |
OL (T & G) |
6'5" - 343 lbs |
Massive player who should develop into a nice power player with technique refinement. |
Starts at RG on day one while also having the ability to backup both OT positions. A step down from Bobbie Williams as run blocker but step up as pass blocker in year one. |
|
Baylor |
WR |
5'10" - 190 lbs |
Elite speed and a deep threat who actually lays his body on the line for a catch. |
Provides instant relief for Green because Wright will blow the top off of a defense. Makes everybody better because it opens the field. |
|
Miami |
RB/KR |
5'11" - 212 lbs |
Top-notch speed, acceleration and open-field elusiveness. Home run threat in every sense. Inexperienced as a blocker and receiver but flashes ability. |
Miller becomes the 1A back in a two-back system for Bengals. Also provides return ability. First home run threat at RB for Bengals since? |
|
LSU |
DT |
6'6" - 318 lbs |
Freak athlete inside. Young and still raw but has great potential as run defender and pass rusher. |
Rotates with Peko and Atkins as rookie and probably starts inside in nickel. Can also play DE in 3-4 defense if ever needed. |
|
South Carolina |
DE/OLB |
6'2" - 276 lbs |
Short arms and looks unaware at times but is very versatile and provides a spark at more than one position on defense. |
Could start at Sam LB or RDE in base defense while also sliding inside in nickel packages to use his talents to the fullest. A player the offense must find before every play. |
|
Jonathan Martin Stanford |
OT |
6'5" - 305 lbs |
Looks like a RT in the NFL and doesn't always play with great power. Still, he's a good player and is probably a top-20 pick. |
I think he could play OG or OT and would find a starting spot very soon on this offensive line. |
|
Wisconsin |
C/G |
6'4" - 315 lbs |
Technically sound and plays with good strength in run game. All-around player. |
Wisconsin's offensive line uses the same exact schemes and ideas the Bengals do on Sundays. Konz starts at either guard spot as a rookie and maybe center one day. |
|
Boston College |
MLB |
6'3" - 237 lbs |
Tackle-machine and intellectual leader of a defense. Not a physical presence and may not make many "impact" plays in the NFL. |
Depending on Rey Maualuga's situation, Kuechly could be starting day one for the Bengals. |
|
Notre Dame |
WR/PR |
6'3" - 224 lbs |
A true gamer that rises to the occasion. Floyd is a perfect #2 WR type that provides ability on all types of routes. Not great speed. |
Starts for Bengals opposite of Green. Not an instant impact guy, but will make more plays as season wears on. |
|
Nick Perry USC |
DE/OLB |
6'3" - 250 lbs |
Great burst off the line and raw pass rush ability. Needs to develop more moves but could end up as the best DE of this class. |
Rotates with Michael Johnson at RE and also provides more options in nickel packages as pass rusher. Probably a more effective rusher than MJ93 already. |
|
Virginia |
CB |
6'0" - 185 lbs |
Long, lean, tough and has good ball-skills. Minnefield has NFL pedigree and has the tools to develop into an impact player. |
Probably a year away from starting but could provide nickel snaps from inside and out and also help provide relief for Hall as he recovers. |
|
Boise State |
RB/KR |
5'9" - 223 lbs |
Short, squatty and thickly built. Martin actually earns the Ray Rice comparisons. Three down player that provides special teams help. |
Starter from day one and it will be hard to take him off of the field. Martin can block, catch, run between tackles and take it to the house. |
|
Memphis |
NT |
6'5" - 350 lbs |
Massive power player with enough agility to become elite inside force. Needs to play more consistent. |
Rotates with Peko at NT but could easily push him for more and more snaps by season's end. Physically superior to |
|
Nebraska |
CB/S |
5'10" - 205 lbs |
Short but thick CB that can jam WRs. If he loses at the line, he can't recover and find the ball. Might be a better safety prospect. |
Dennard might be the 2nd best safety in this draft and if the Bengals drafted him, he could be that elusive CB/S hybrid type that Zimmer has mentioned before. |
0 recs | 124 comments
Where's Claiborne??
Touhue Cha - February 14, 2012
There’s almost 0% chances he will be available at pick 17. So he went in the category with Luck, RG3 and Kalil.
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
unless the rams and vikes both trade their #2 and #3 picks away
kalil and clairborne will be gone at #2 and #3.
palewook - February 14, 2012
right
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
"This board has already eliminated the elite prospects that have no shot at being available come picks 17 and 21(Luck, RG3, Kalil, and Claiborne). "
then why is trent on our big board? I think trent has as much of a chance to fall as Claiborne or Kalil.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
Claiborne (CB) and Kalil (LT) are elite players at premium positions. Richardson is elite, but not at a premium positions. QB, LT, CB & Pass Rushers are premium and get drafted ahead of other better players. For example, AJ Green was #1 on many big boards, but Newton (QB), Miller (Pass Rusher) and Dareus (Pass Rusher) went ahead of him in the draft.
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
I get Richard is a top 5 talent that might slide out of the top 5 but idk about the top 10,
Let alone that he slides all the way to 17 before any one else would trade up for him. I really think, if we want to get him we will have trade into the top 10. Because we aren’t the only team that will want him, especially if he falls around the 8 spot because the trade value drops a lot from within the top 5 to around the 10th pick.
any team from picks 15-25 has a reasonable shot at getting richardson without trading too much.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
He could easily slide out of the top 10
RBs don’t go that high. When they do, they’re almost never worth it. CJ Spiller and Ryan Matthews are just ok. They’re good enough to start, but they’re not among the top few RBs in the league. Knowshon Moreno is purely mediocre. Darren McFadden is pretty special when he’s healthy, which wasn’t often the first year or two. Jonathan Stewart is purely a change of pace guy. Not something you want in a top-20 selection. Marshawn Lynch looked pretty good, but didn’t give consistent effort so the team drafted his replacement after only a couple years and let him go. Adrian Peterson was the last top-15 RB pick that really worked out the way you hope, aside from the fact that the team loses more than they win.
RBs are worth less and less as the rules change. It’s a passing league now, and no one can effectively argue otherwise. I recently tried, then had to admit there isn’t any truth at all anymore to the idea that a strong running game and defense wins championships. It’s all about passing attack and pass rush.
Maybe someone will take Richardson early, perhaps even probably. But it’s hardly a lock.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
Agreed
The draft isn’t done in order of talent, it’s done in order of need+position+talent.
Because of all the reasons you listed, plus the fact that so many teams are going RB by committee, and I don’t think it is at all unlikely that Richardson falls.
emeybee - February 14, 2012
lol i think your logic is a little of buddy
Talent is the first thing a scout looks at. That is what makes a certain player jump off the board to a team. Yes a RB may not be a big need for teams like Baltimore (if Ray resigns), Titans, vikings, or even the Raiders (if they keep RunDMC). But every other team will be looking at TR as an immediate upgrade.
This year is an exception as far as RB. We are talking about an elite RB that comes out every couple of years, that will touch the ball %50 of snaps of each game he starts. And has the ability to break it off for a TD each time he touches the ball. And he isn’t in the top 5? top 10? that really baffles me. I just don’t believe he will fall out of the top 10.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
It's not "am i getting an upgrade"..
It’s “Is this position worth a top 10 pick.” QBs, LTs, DEs, CBs, these are the guys that go early. A running back isn’t a premium position any more. And as I’ve hashed out with you in the past, you just value running back much much more than NFL GMs do.
Cry - February 14, 2012
I value TR's talent not that his is a RB
I think the best way to describe it. Like when we picked AJ Green last year. Its not often a WR gets picked in the top 10 let alone the top 5, but when they do, you know they will be worth something.
And the same thing goes for TR. He is a top 5 talent, and if he has good chance to slide out of the top 5 and if he is any where close to the 8th pick, we go up and get him. We wont have to give up that much to fill a big need with a dynamite play maker.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
you know a top 5 WR will be worth something?
Tell that to Charles Rogers. He was THE sure thing of that draft and only went #2 because #1 had no need for WRs. No one was less risky than him. He was a Biletnikoff and Warfield award winner. He managed less than 40 catches in his entire NFL career, and it wasn’t hampered significantly by injuries.
No one is a sure thing. Not Richardson, not Luck. The difference is that a team in need of a QB will always take a chance on drafting a guy that might be a franchise QB. Many teams don’t bother with drafting 1st round RBs at all, no matter how good they look.
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
+1
Noone knows a players motivation or desire. I prefer a RB that has something to prove and not a RB who will be drafted high in1st round and really have nothing to play for because he already got paid.
That is why so many good RB’s come from practice squads or go undrafted. They have something to play for.
Yarin - February 15, 2012
im pretty sure thats TR m.o.
He is all about football and a gym rat.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
See you in April then
No point debating what other teams will do as neither of us are psychic.
emeybee - February 14, 2012
nope but its fun to speculate, right?
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
+1
I love make pretend.
Cry - February 14, 2012
Lets just say for the sake of the arguement, TR falls out of the top 10....
You don’t think teams with picks 11-15 wouldn’t consider to trade down. Im looking at KC, Seattle, Cardinals and Jets as possible places that he lands just at their respective position.
But you could also look at the Pats, Browns, Lions, Steelers, Broncos, Greenbay and NY looking to trade down with out giving up to much because TR is already way past the top 5.
If we sit like ducks again in this draft, there is no way Richardson falls to us. just no way. I think thats why we trade up, no team will expect it. much like no expected mike brown to trade Palmer.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
Why do you think TR is better than every back in the NFL?
He could be, or he could be a huge bust. No one knows. Even if he’s great he could have injury issues in the NFL that never appeared in college a la KiJana Carter. Trent Richardson is NOWHERE NEAR the prospect Carter was. Not even in the same ballpark.
The Chiefs have a big play RB in Jamaal Charles. The Seahawks have Marshawn Lynch, who isn’t as consistent as you’d like but does have elite talent when he puts the effort in, which has been more often the last couple years. The Jets have a very solid RB that no one on this board seems aware of in Shonn Greene. He had over 250 carries and averaged 4.2 yards per. The Cardinals have an good but underused back in LaRod Stephens-Howling and don’t typically go for RBs in the draft.
What else do all those teams have in common? HUGE holes in other positions. Nobody needs a RB as badly as the Bengals do. Only Miami and Cleveland even come close, but even they have more pressing needs. RB is a must-fix issue for the Bengals. If Bobbie comes back as he was before the injury it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the Bengals made do with him and Livings. I’d hate it, but I’ve been in that boat for a few years with the G position. If Leon doesn’t come back strong CB could be a huge need, but would it really surprise anyone to the core if we had a lesser Hall starting opposite Clements next year? Or if Crocker came back as SS? Only RB is an absolute must-fix. No other team is in that situation or even close to it.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
btw
we still don’t know who the Amobi Okoye/Jean Pierre-Paul is of this draft. The guy that flies under the radar then shoots up 60 spots after the combine.
Plus the usual mixup that happens after the combine, with a medical issue discovered and a receiver being .2 seconds faster or slower in the 40, or the tape reveals a lineman has short arms, or small hands, or whatever stupid thing makes someone drop 8 spots for no real reason. Plus the ones that move up because of their workouts. To say someone is a lock to go in the 5-10 range before we even get to the combine is ridiculous.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
To say someone is a lock to go in the 5-10 range before we even get to the combine is ridiculous.
so when I say TR has just as much chance to fall to 17 as Kalil and Claiborne, thats way off base? but when some one says, we have no chance a getting Claiborne or Kalil at 17 its not off base?
And i guarantee the combine will only help TR, because thats his thing, he is a gym rat. When he out benches the majority of linemen at the combine, just wait till you hear his buzz. TR is just a freak when it comes to that stuff.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
yes
because OTs and shutdown corners go at the top of the draft. RBs don’t.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
we are talking about the top ten right?
thats only 4 players that would be considered elite in their positions that would be worthy of the top 5 pick.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
if there are 6 Jonathan Josephs and 6 Joe Thomas's and 6 Emmitt Smiths
there won’t be an Emmitt Smith drafted before #13.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
im sorry but Emmit smith gets picked 1-6
he is the hall of fame for a reason.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
no chance
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
First off, " if Crocker came back as SS?"
I would retire as a bengals fan lol jk.
But i never said TR is the best back ever to come out of college and to ever grace a football field. Im implying TR is in the top 5 as far as best PROSPECTS coming out of college. Yes, there are more number one QBs that fail miserably especially being drafted high then every other position? Then why do teams insist to keep drafting QBs high?
Every team wanted to be safe with their really picks, then there would be a lot of kickers, OL and DL players picked in the first round.
The RB position has gotten devalued the past couple of years because most major colleges prepare their RB more than any other position on the field minus the QB. So most RBs are pro ready when they are coming out of an elite college. BUT when a player like TR comes out, you can’t ignore his talent because he is a “RB”.
TR is by far heads and shoulders above all the other RBs coming out this year. So if your even considering a RB you will most likely be looking at him. And if he falls to the to 8th spot (magic spot) you better bet some team in the mid teens is ready to pull the trigger to acquire his talent.
An average back in the league is 3 years, so every team has a spot open for a RB. And just because you have a shone greene in the back field doesn’t mean you should pass up the next possible emmit smith. And most teams are starting to use the two back system, so you pretty much need 1a and 1b in your back field, that will only improve your chances of winning.
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
really?
a guy for your RB committee in the top 15? Do you really believe that?
And yes, you do pass on a guy in the top 15 because he’s a RB. Like it or not, RBs are not important to winning anymore. At all. Look at the Super Bowl teams this year. Or last year. It’s a passing league. Any decent group of RBs will do. When you have a chance to draft a possible shutdown corner or sack artist or wideout, you absolute look right past the RB. Unless you have absolutely nothing at all in the RB position and are pretty well stocked elsewhere, as ONLY the Bengals are
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
"a guy for your RB committee in the top 15? Do you really believe that?"
yes, just like how LT and Greene split carries while LT was still productive. Most teams will make room for Richardson.
the bengals are the only team that need a RB? At this moment, Seahawks, Browns, Bengals, Steelers, Baltimore, and the Pats don’t have their starting RB filled.
And teams like the colts, cardinals, jets, broncos, chiefs, washington, lions, packers, and tampa bay could use an upgrade at the RB position. Im not saying all these teams don’t have bigger pressing needs, but to acquire a talent like TR would be hard to pass up
AMAS85 - February 14, 2012
split carries?
If you call over 250 for Greene compared to like 70 for LT, then yeah, I guess you could say they split carries. So did Benson and Scott.
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
your speaking of last year
what about the first year LT was with the Jets?
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
When he was still pretty decent?
He and Greene did split carries, but they were almost identically in their production. Then Greene logically got the starting role because he’s getting better and Tomlinson is getting worse. Greene was the workhorse last year and looked great doing it. They do not need a RB. They DO need other spots.
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
Are you just taking names out of hats?
Colts need every position, that’s a wash. If you need every position, you don’t take RB first.
The Cardinals don’t draft first round RBs. They have a decent on in Howling, and they don’t care for a better one. They just don’t go for big name RBs. They want a QB, another WR, some o-linemen, and lots of help on D. They’re content with their RB by committee approach.
The Jets have a guy who carried the ball over 250 times for over 4ypc, they have needs and RB isn’t one.
The Broncos have a decent guy in Moreno and a very good guy in McGahee. They could use a guy that is better than Moreno and less injury prone than McGahee, but they’ve got lots of other holes.
The Chiefs have Jamaal Charles, probably Dwayne Bowe, other than that their offense is pathetic. They’re not drafting a RB.
The Redskins drafted two extremely productive RBs last year in Roy Helu and Evan Royster. Why would they draft RB again?
The Lions have Keiland Williams, who’s pretty good, and Morris, so they’re in the mix. I’ll grant you that. But they also have much more pressing needs.
The Packers don’t need a RB. They need more playmakers on D.
The Bucs have LaGarette Blount and so many holes they make the Browns look competetive.
You value RBs MUCH higher than NFL teams do. I do too, but you’re way out there. Richardson is one of many good prospects in this draft. He’s a guy that, if he lives up to expectations (which is rare), if he doesn’t have serious injury issues (which is rare for a RB), could be really good. You couldy say that about a few dozen guys in this draft, almost all of them in much more vital positions.
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
"Are you just taking names out of hats"
lol im just pointing out how many teams will be interested in an upgrade at the RB position.
Its rare that a RB isn’t taken by 15th pick history proves.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Not recently.
RBs have been slipping lately in the draft. Mark Ingram last year at 28. As a prospect he was considered an upgrade to probably 25 teams at running back. Why did he slip all the way to 28? Because teams had other holes to fill and because RB isnt valued as highly lately. No he wasn’t the prospect that Richardson is, but we’re also not talking about Richardson dropping to 28… just to 17. It IS a possibility.
Luke - February 15, 2012
Richardson could slide
becuase not a lot of teams NEED at running back…
Indy – need RB, but have bigger need at QB
StL – Have too many other needs than to draft a guy that will just split with S Jackson
MIN – already have AP
CLE – maybe. have a ton of holes. could re-sign Hillis & use him + Hardesty
TB – maybe. but Blount has played well.
WAS – maybe. Royster ended 2011 strong, just drafted Helu. Still have Hightower
JAX – already have MJD
CAR – already have 3 RB’s (including Newton)
MIA – just drafted D Thomas 2nd round last year
BUF – just drafted CJ Spiller recently, and have Fred Jackson
KC – J Charles is a great YPC guy, and already have McCluster.
SEA – M Lynch emerged as a stud, so i don’t see them grabbing another stud RB
ARI – Just drafted RB high last year, and now Beanie has emerged
DAL – DeMarco Murray was good and still have ex-1st round pick Felix Jones
PHI – Already have L McCoy
NYJ – maybe. is an upgrade over S Greene
If Trent escapes that 4~6 range with Cle, TB and WAS….then i could see him falling down to 16 (Jets) before another team considers drafting him. Either CLE or WAS will go with a QB, and CLE could take a WR. TB could use RB, but Blount is good when his QB & offense isn’t terrible (like it was in 2011).
The Jets are a ground/pound team with a mediocre QB, so i could see them grabbing Trent if he fell to #16. So if the Bengals want TR, they’d have to slide ahead of the Jets.
It’s just like with Aaron Rodgers – the only team that needed a QB took Alex Smith, so he fell, and fell, and fell.
ephram - February 15, 2012
I would agree with most of your assesment
And it is pretty much what the draft gives as far as talent coming out of college. But we are taling about an elite talent in RB and if he somehow manages to fall out of the top 10, his stock sky rockets because to trade up and get him wouldn’t cost a team that many draft picks. So more teams than the Jets would be interested.
I just think if we just sit there and wait for one of our biggest need to fall to us, we will get jumped like the year we drafted Rivers. I think the 8 spot is the magic number, if he makes it there, I beleive we would only have to give up our 17th and a 2nd round pick. Which in my mind would be well worth than hope that he falls to us.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
TR is just heads and shoulders above any other back thats coming out this year
I wouldn’t waste my time trading up for any other back.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Lamar Miller will make more of an Impact in the NFL than "TR"
He did more with a lot less of an OL than what “TR” had in front of him.
Plus I keep telling you guys that he is THE FASTEST player in college
this year (hands down).
Speed does matter in the NFL.
I know there are doubters about my statement (he’ll make more of an Impact)
but every team that passes on this guy is going to regret it.
gratefulmax - February 15, 2012
The more I look at Miller the more I like him
But he’s clearly the #2 back in this draft. Speed is important, but it’s not everything. See: LeGarrete Blount. Plus, Richardson has speed, AND power AND lateral quickness. Miller is a speed/lateral quickness guy who is not going to run over anybody.
Animal_Like_Football - February 15, 2012
i do like miller's speed and definately top notch
but speed isn’t everything. I don’t think he has the patients to be to the productive back he was in college in the NFL. I noticed he feetwork wasn’t that great compared to other running backs.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Not even close to the fastest guy in college
He is extremly fast, and will be one of the fastest in the NFL, but you cant say he is the fastest. It is widley know that Jeff Demps and Cris Rainey are by far the fastest with Olympic Speed. Jeff Demps is even going to run in the Olympic this year
hewesdilg - February 15, 2012
TR runs a 4.4 in the forty at 220 plus lbs
Chili Dog - February 15, 2012
Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey run in the low 4.2's
hewesdilg - February 16, 2012
But they don't weigh 220lbs
have a power clean of over 365lbs, bench 475lbs, and squat 650lbs
Oregonbengalsfan - February 16, 2012
not worth your time buddy....
i tried to convenience people about TR plenty. They can’t get past the whole “RB in the first round bust” thing or “there is no value in RB early in the draft” lol
IF we have legitimate chance to trade up to get TR, we will. TR is a Marvin type of player. And its the type of running back he has been looking for years for.
Get that type of back in our back field, will do wonders for Andy. It makes me think dynasty.
AMAS85 - February 16, 2012
I want no part of Miller
I think he has bust written all over him
biggie22 - February 15, 2012
as far as somebody good falling that we really need
I think that either Richardson or Kirkpatrick or DeCastro could fall to #17.
While people can debate all year, which of those 3 is a better pickup for the team, if any of them falls to #17 i’d rather take the one that falls into our laps, than move up to take Richardson, because moving up would cost a 2nd round pick (which is another starter that we could use).
Basically i’m saying i’d rather have Kirkpatrick/DeCastro (#17) + Doug Martin (2nd round) over Richardson alone (trade up, no 2nd round), if it came to that.
Now if all 3 of these guys get drafted before 17, then i would be ok with us moving up to get one of them.
I agree, that if Trent gets through that initial 4~6 range and starts to slide, it’s not a foregone conclusion that we only need to jump the Jets at #16 to get him, as a team with a lower pick could trade into a spot above #16 to grab Richardson.
ephram - February 15, 2012
agree with most...
but you’re undervaluing the Redskins and Jets RBs. Helu and Royster both kicked ass last year, I’d give our entire stable of RBs (including Leonard) for either of them. Shonn Greene had over 250 carries and averaged 4.2 per, what more do you want out of a RB?
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
We can trade up!! lol ahahaha
I have a good deal
send our 17th pick+6th round+7th round+1st+2nd round in 2013+3rd+4th to Vikings for their 2012 1st+3rd+4th
Touhue Cha - February 14, 2012
Best back in last years draft fell to 28.... so theres a chance now with the plug and play RBs
that richardson value drops simply do to the position he plays
like MLB has fallen off
Bengalsfan024 - February 15, 2012
historicly, a RB back has been taking in the top half of the first round 18 or the past 20 years or so.
I think Richardson is a much better prospect than ingram.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Two of any of these guys would be so sweet.
Cry - February 14, 2012
Reorder
1. Richardson
2. DeCastro
3. Kirkpatrick
4. Blackmon
5. Reiff
6. Copels
7. Jenkins
8. Barron
9. Upshaw
10. Still
11 Glenn
… After this it won’t matter we’ll get 2 of the above.
johnfhs24 - February 14, 2012
I would add
Donte’ Hightower to the list if it was me
biggie22 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
He's number 40 on my big board.
That’s why I didn’t add him.
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
gotcha
He’s actually my #1 ILB but I know I’m in the minority and most people have several others ranked ahead of him
biggie22 - February 14, 2012
He’s my #2 ILB
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
dude from arizona ? your #1?
Bengalsfan024 - February 15, 2012
Kuechly
ILB from Boston College.
Animal_Like_Football - February 15, 2012
Nooo
Kuechly is #1
Hightower is #2
Wagner is #3
Burfict is #4
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
I would be happy with any 2 from the list.
We all have our own favorites and all but unless the Bengals shock us all with something stupid, we should get 2 very good players if they get 2 off this list. I soured on Dennard but a move to S would intrigue me.
EPK1979 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Great work here, Joe.
You really did your homework. I wouldn’t be surprised if three of these names become Bengals.
Anthony Cosenza - February 14, 2012
I have a friend that lives in Boston
He asked me earlier, that if I was the GM of the Bengals, if the Patriots called to move up for our 2 picks for theirs, would I do it. He said it would be both of their 1’s,2nd and 3rd. I said definitely. Was wondering what some of you guys would do?
EPK1979 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Wait,
We get their 2 firsts AND their 2nd & 3rd?!
JoeskiBroski - February 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Yes
Its highly unlikely but its a no brainer to me
EPK1979 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Trade Value Chart
Bengals value – 1,750
Patriots value – 1,696
So yeah, I’d do it.
Joe Goodberry - February 14, 2012 via Android app
Yes yes yes
biggie22 - February 14, 2012
In fact
I’d do it for just there 2 first and there 2nd, forget the 3rd.
biggie22 - February 14, 2012
Shhh.... son't tell the Pats that!
Boomer Lion - February 15, 2012
If there's a first-round grade OL or CB available and we take a WR, I'm going to be pretty upset
But otherwise I like your rankings.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
I would love to draft Kendell Wright
Just need to fill other holes in FA first.
TCfromDubVee - February 14, 2012
Im becoming a big fan of Wright myself
He plays bigger than his size and like Joe said that speed would open things up for everyone.
EPK1979 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Somebody always tumbles.
The Bengals have been very good the past few years of getting people who likely shouldn’t have been still on the board when their picks rolled around.
There was a risk Green wouldn’t be there at #4, getting Dalton in the 2nd was a miracle. Even Maualuga a few years back should never have fallen into the 2nd round based on what the so called experts said.
So Richardson at 17 is a real possibility.
The more intriguing question becomes, what if it’s Barron who drops this year? Double Hernia surgery, will not be able to participate in the combine and potentially even his pro day if his healing is slower than expected.
It’s a huge stretch to think he’d fall to the Bengals at 53 in the second, but if he were…
Skyhook - February 14, 2012
Well in fairness
The Rey tumble seems to have been appropriate given where we are today.
emeybee - February 14, 2012
I'd say Maualuga in the 2nd was almost a miracle, but Steinbach in the 2nd was walking on water while carrying a whale.
Dalton was a probably be there, by no means a miracle.
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
Dalton was very close to going bottom of the first.
Then when you consider that the 49ers were content to pick Kaepernick right after we picked Dalton, it’s damn near a miracle.
Cry - February 14, 2012
why chase minnifield so high?
pray4gm11 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
He's #26 overall on this board
and I believe he’s between 32-38 on my general draft board (I’d have to check). I put him higher on the Bengals board because I took out 2 QBs that I had higher, and their need for a CB raised him a few spots.
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
Give me Poe
And any of this players(Kirkpatrick, Barron, Jenkins, Upshaw, Konz, Wright or Gilmore). Everybody on ur board are ALL day one starters for us… Nice Board!!!
pray4gm11 - February 14, 2012 via mobile
Just so you know
Taylor mays is the starting SS.
Coldmutha - February 14, 2012
in what arena league are you talking about?
indesignkat - February 14, 2012
Mark Carrier will coaching him up.
It is definitely possible.
keithster - February 14, 2012
Thanks! #InsideInfo
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
lol
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Question..
Is anyone else concerned that Poe is almost a non-factor in the pass rush game, or is that a given based on his body type? Peko hasn’t given us much in that area either and I do believe Poe could be a better NT and anchor in the run game.
Cry - February 14, 2012
Best Breakdown I've Seen to Date
Really well thought and described review, Joe.
I think you captured a lot of the conditional thoughts for the draft at the pre-combine, pre-UFA, pre-college day stage of affairs. Of course, these three things change the team needs and talent inputs. A few comments note that there will be a few rapid risers and a few tumblers to go with the changes that come after cap considerations and UFA moves.
I think the few things you captured particularly well are:
1) The concept that taking an OL is more complex than just plugging in an OG. The brass will be thinking about guys who can play OT (especially if DeCastro is already off the board) and/or OC when it comes time to select. So that elevates Reiff, Konz and Glenn on our board as guys who can start at OG in Year 1 but who can backup and/or move to other positions at later dates. This sort of flexibility is very valuable on a OL roster where you have to have 5 guys on the field and only can keep about 8 total. For the record, I think Glenn is the guy most likely to be a bust.
2) The CB/S issue is also well captured. We know that top end CBs will go in the top 5-6 picks. Then usually the 1st Round talents will start coming off the board in the middle of the round (of course depending on the relative needs of the teams drafting). This year there is Dallas drafting at #14 and needing a CB badly (although they have a decent amount of cash to potentially grab a guy in UFA). You also took the time to mention that Dennard is now being thought of by many as a Safety at the next level — this and his marginal Senior Bowl performance probably push him into the 2nd Round. Then there’s Janoris Jenkins who has the prior MJ label hanging over him. I think he’ll prove to be the best cover guy from this draft when all is said in done while Claiborne and Kirkpatrick will be solid 10-year guys. You didn’t mention that Barron is having a medical problem with bilateral sports hernias, and this will absolutely drop his value (maybe into the 2nd Rd).
3) WR — one thing that is listed but not directly addressed is the height of the players. The Baylor WR is really a small guy which makes his potential use as a #2 less feasible for a QB like Dalton with moderate arm strength. I don’t think there is much chance that Blackmon drops out of the top 5 – 10 where the best WRs have been going the past decade or so. I don’t think that we’d take a guy other than Blackmon with a 1st Rd pick.
4) DL — It’s interesting but unlikely to think that Mike Brown burns a top pick on a DE or DT when the needs at DB and OL are so great. I guess a lot here depends on what happens in UFA and who is taken before #17 and #21.
Great post though.
West TX Bengal Fan - February 15, 2012
Thanks
I didnt mention Barron’s injury because I don’t think it hurts his value. His camp is saying he’ll be fine in 8 weeks.
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
Double Sports Hernia -- that's a pretty serious problem
Joe, that’s usually more than an 8-weeker. Of course his agent says that he’ll be fine. Lots o’ money is riding on the presentation. But I remember a few others — McNabb comes to mind — who were never really the same players after their sports hernias were fixed.
And you gotta figure that it’s bothering him a ton, else he’d tough out the combine and then take his chances on the draft w/o messing with the pro day. Regardless of what guys are writing, I’d be kinda surprised if Barron still goes in the 1st….although I’ve learned in the draft that I am wrong a lot! :)
West TX Bengal Fan - February 15, 2012
McNabb wasn't the same because he got fat and old
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Blackmon
has absolutely 0% chance of falling out of the top 10 much less all the way down to 17
Banana Jamma - February 15, 2012
Obviously I disagree
he’s not my #1 WR (on my board) and I don’t think the combine will help his stock. I’ve already factored how I think they’ll do at the combine. I’m thinking he runs a 4.55-4.65 and that wont help his cause.
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
agree
I think he’s way overrated by people. Kendall wright is my number 1 wideout.
JCompton41 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Same here. Wright is #10 and Blackmon is #12 on my board. Michael Floyd is #17
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
Wright's Value
I think Wright is particularly valuable to a team having a QB with top end arm strength. A guy like Cam Newton or Ben Roethlisberger would have a field day with a 5’ 10" guy who can hit the deep ball quickly. But we saw with Dalton a lot in 2011 that he doesn’t quite have the arm to hit the deep ball consistently unless he’s getting rid of it really early. So for the Bengals who really could use a possession guy to pair with Green, I think Blackmon would be a better choice.
One thing about Blackmon that I noticed in their bowl game with Stanford — he runs really great routes. He’s tough to cover even when the DBs know it’s coming to him. That said, going against NFL defenses is a whole different world and maybe Wright’s speed converts to inside success as well as long as he runs tight patterns (which is what made Chad such a great WR for so many years….speed combined with top end route running).
West TX Bengal Fan - February 15, 2012
I agree
Wright moving more to the outside this year opened his game up and has as a 1st round player. He made some great, tough catches on the sideline this year. What really stands out about him to me is, for his size, he is a really good blocker in the running game. I could only imagine how much Bengals could mix it up in formations if they got him.
EPK1979 - February 16, 2012
+1
I initially loved the idea of Bengals possibly getting Blackmon, but that is when I thought he was in the 6’3 to 6’4 range and had deep speed. In addition to running a slow 40 time it wouldn’t surprise me if he measures shorter than 6’1. He has the a very good chance of falling into the mid-first round.
AWC71 - February 15, 2012
Great read
It’ll be interesting to see if Blackmon would be a pick for the Bengals at 17, seems perfect for our offense
Nick_Crago - February 15, 2012
Good post
The Bengals will need to trade up if they are in love with Richardson. Personally, I’d be very happy if we could somehow get Martin. I believe the Bengals should and probablty will adress CB first and formost then BAP O-line.
featherman - February 15, 2012
Trent Richardson
I’ll admit the highlight videos of him are aweful impressive. But should i be bothered by the fact that he doesn’t even take contact in any of those clips until he’s 5 yards into the defense?
His O-Line was so dominant that he’s usually into the 2nd level of the defense before he makes contact. By the time you get that deep into a defense, you’re facing smaller defenders who you can bowl over, and have more space to cut and make impressive moves.
I’m not taking away from Trent, but i just wonder if Martin, Polk, Pead, Herron, James, etc… had that kind of O-Line blowing up huge holes for them, if they’d have looked as impressive this season?
ephram - February 15, 2012
Thanks "ephram" , I've been saying this for a while now.........
Lamar Miller will make more of an Impact in the NFL than “TR”
He did more with a lot less of an OL than what "TR" had in front of him.
Plus I keep telling you guys that he is THE FASTEST player in college
this year (hands down).
Speed does matter in the NFL.
I know there are doubters about my statement (he’ll make more of an Impact)
but every team that passes on this guy is going to regret it.
gratefulmax - February 15, 2012
Faster than Rainey?
pray4gm11 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Yes, Faster than Rainey. You'll see it at The Combine!
gratefulmax - February 15, 2012
i don't think Miller is catorgized as a "bruiser" by any means
the only advantage miller has over TR is speed. He doesn’t have the same patients that TR has that will make successful in the NFL. I see Miller as a north and south type runner. He cuts decent but he tends to try to out run everybody. But he wont be as successful as was in college, because everyone is fast in the NFL, generally speaking.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
If you try and find tape of Miller as a freshman
He did lower his shoulder more and broke a lot more tackles. When Miller hurt his shoulder in the first game of the season, he went away from that more to try and protect his injury. He also went through 3 position coaches in 3 years at Miami and that didn’t help a player as young and as raw as Miller. I think with more consistent coaching in the pros he will be a special player.
EPK1979 - February 16, 2012
no doubt he can a special player, like most top prospects coming out
but im trying to picture him in our offense and think there are several players that would fit a lot better in our offense. I like Miller, just not on our team.
AMAS85 - February 16, 2012
Miller's Running Style
I watched a few You Tube compilations on Miller and noted, however, that he really runs upright a bit too much with respect to the prototypical NFL RB. Maybe that doesn’t cause problems — Adrian Peterson, Clinton Portis and Tony Dorsett were others who also carried similar running posture. But most analysts talk about this while noting that it makes a guy more prone to injury in the long haul.
West TX Bengal Fan - February 15, 2012
I agree with u on this one on his o-line. He has 3 All Americans on O-line blocking for him, so his job is a little easier than that group. What sets him apart from feild that no ones talks about are he’s hands. He could play all downs so he’s a little bit more ahead of them guys but not by far. Pead and Miller would be all Americans with the Alabama o-line.
pray4gm11 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
If you're just watching highlight videos then of course he's already 5 yards into the secondary
That’s pretty much true of every RB highlight video.
Animal_Like_Football - February 15, 2012
+1
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
Why isn't Pead on the list??
gratefulmax - February 15, 2012
lol i think these are first round considerations.
i think pead would have to run a very low 4.3 in the combine to be drafted in the first. But i would take a shot at in the second.
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
seriously?
Joe Goodberry - February 15, 2012 via Android app
because the list isn't based on how close to Cincinnati they played college ball?
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
Haha
Awesome
Oregonbengalsfan - February 15, 2012
Well Though Out.
We need more well organized thinking like that on this site
recedingjungle - February 15, 2012
Love this list
There isn’t a guy on there I wouldn’t want to see in stripes, just guys I like more than others.
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
yep either way you look at it, we will get someone we could really use
not like when we had to take rivers when we should have gotten ellis. lol
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
think we can get about 5 more 1st round picks?
Benson to the packers for a 1st(it works in madden!)
Rivers to eagles for a first(see madden comment above)
Crocker to the patriots(again, madden comment)
Bobbie to whoever gives up a first(a lot of teams do in madden)
Can’t think of a 5th.
JCompton41 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
holy crap
they still can’t get it right after all these years?
I shouldn’t be surprised. You can still trade draft picks that have worth based on the alphabetic order of your mascot, can’t you?
madden sucks
indesignkat - February 15, 2012
not sure ill have to see when i get home
Maddens getting closer to not sucking, needs a few more tweaks and it could be really good.
JCompton41 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
oh and trading for future 1st round picks is insanely easy
Could probably get 20 1sts without a problem.
JCompton41 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
lol thats they Madden is designed, its suppose to be that easy for the general fan base
AMAS85 - February 15, 2012
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