My top-five Bengals draft needs

With this site quickly become the Chad Johnson report -- along with players and their conduct behaviors -- I thought it was time to change things. You know, like talking about something else that actually pertains to football and the success of the Cincinnati Bengals. I know, it's an unpracticed effort around these parts, but we're going to try nonetheless. Though we will likely examine the above briefly.

What I wanted to bring up today, corresponding with the Sports Blog Nation mock draft, is a top-five ranking of "draft needs", by position, for the Cincinnati Bengals. Note: We'll likely do this one more time before the draft simply because issues that could develop from now until the NFL draft like our recent "need" to think about rebuilding our wide receivers position. This is strictly my opinion and I do hope that you provide yours.

My list.

1. Defensive Tackle. This has been a big need since I was in high school (over 10 years ago) preparing a communications class report support the development of two new stadiums to replace old Riverfront/Cinergy field. Right now the Bengals have four defensive tackles signed for 2008 -- John Thornton, Domata Peko, Michael Myers and Titus Adams (signed to off-season roster). Thornton, scheduled to make $3.5 million, is playing the final season of his contract. Myers is also playing his contract's final season. Adams seems unlikely to make the roster while Peko -- at times showing glimpses of quality, isn't a guy that solidifies the position -- at least not yet. In my opinion, this isn't just a need. It's a desperate need.

Here's the problem. The top two defensive tackles coming into the draft (Sedrick Ellis, Glen Dorsey) will likely be gone by the Bengals' ninth pick. That alone could be the reason we go after another position instead of forcing the ninth pick for the third best defensive tackle in the draft.

2. Linebacker. A more likely scenario is that the Bengals draft a linebacker to replace the departed Landon Johnson. In the mock draft, we picked up USC linebacker, Keith Rivers. As it stands, only Dhani Jones and Rashad Jeanty appear to be locked in as starting linebackers. Ahmad Brooks, while talented, hasn't claimed his spot due to injury and, at times, playing out of position -- I just don't see them handing him the spot without competing. Odell Thurman is a wild card that we're hesitant to think that he'll replay the effectiveness of his rookie season after suspended for two seasons working a construction job in Georgia.

The Bengals have 11 linebackers signed for 2008 (not including David Pollack). So they have bodies. However, they lack that play-maker that opposing offenses think to themselves, we have to account for that guy.

3. Wide Receiver. In fantasy land, if Chad Johnson didn't become the newest member of "cry-baby wide receiver" and if Chris Henry stepped out of character and stayed away from trouble, this position wouldn't even be considered, at all (except for maybe a return specialist). Sadly, in reality land, this is position could be the worst on the team by this time next season. This is my "plan ahead" point.

Now, I'm assuming that Chad Johnson, even if he plays in 2008, won't be with the team much longer because I don't see an existing scenario that bridges are rebuilt and fences are mended. With Henry gone, and the unlikely chance that Johnson and the Bengals heal, we're fully aware that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is working on the final season of his contract.

A scenario does exist that the Bengals could lose their their three best wide receivers that combined for 69 receiving touchdowns since 2005 -- 80% of Palmer's 86 passing touchdowns. Drafting a wide receiver isn't a "need" if we don't draft one the team will suffer for it in 2008. It's the seasons after 2008 that could be dire if the team decides not to replenish the position with the availability of their many draft picks. Then again, do you want Chad Johnson "mentoring" a young receiver?

4. Guard/Center. This is somewhat surprising, I'm sure you're thinking. I also know and accept that drafting a guard/center combination (or simply one or the other) isn't always a popular draft pick early during the weekend.

Eric Ghiaciuc was appointed as the newest Center after Rich Braham's career was cut short from an injury in 2006 -- though it was likely he'd retire after that season anyway. Sadly, since his retirement, the Bengals offense could hardly be considered consistent. Some blame the line. Some blame the performances of the skill players. Some, justifiably so, just blame those annoying injuries. Ghiaciuc's performance early in 2006 wasn't something to remember. Sack totals went up and Rudi Johnson began a downward spiral of depressing performances that's yet to stop. We're not specifically pointing Ghiaciuc as the problem. However, the coaching staff has acknowledged that he must improve. The Bengals have guys like Casey Hampton and Shaun Rodgers that they must account for. And Ghiaciuc hasn't always been the product of success against big defensive tackles. I do think that the Bengals should consider drafting a center that's strong enough to hold his own against these big guys.

But guard? It's no secret. This team misses Eric Steinbach. And there isn't a soul alive that can justify the massive contracts for three offensive tackles yet support Steinbach's departure to in-state rivals. As of now, the Bengals have a solid guard in Bobbie Williams and a natural tackle playing where Steinbach left. Andrew Whitworth was a solid guard last season. But I also think there's room for improvement at both guard spots.

You also have to consider this. Willie Anderson's career is hanging on by a thread. Not because of his performances, but simply his age and the risk of injury. This will be a big make-or-break season for Anderson with Stacy Andrew on his heals. Levi Jones finished last season solid after horrible performances coming off his injury early in the season. Would the team be better off with Whitworth at left tackle and Jones either traded or simply cut -- though the cap ramifications would make that unlikely. In that scenario, the Bengals really need to think about a guard.

Will the team draft a guard? Unlikely, though I still label it as a need, but not a huge one. Center is a much bigger issue if this line is to ever improve. And the way the Bengals look at the offensive line, a center/guard combination is very likely.

5. Defensive End. After losing Justin Smith this off-season to the San Francisco 49ers, the Bengals signed Antwan Odom to a five-year deal giving the Bengals Odom, Robert Geathers, Jonathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker and (unlikely to make 53-man roster) Jimmy Verdon as their defensive ends. Rucker is a mainstay on the inactive list almost every week. Fanene shows signs of being a productive end, but hasn't cemented himself. Geathers, our most talented defensive end, had a down year because he was taken out of position to play linebacker. Odom, while having a good 2007 season, could be the product of having one great year during a contract year. I'm not trying to take anything away from Odom, but it wasn't like the Titans were desperate to keep him around. Furthermore, it would seem to us that Odom's strongest contribution will be pass rushing on for-sure passing downs. I still think Odom is a good signing. At the same time, I don't think he's "the answer".

The Bengals still need an all-around defensive end that can pass rush and contain the edges. Even though I do think that the team is stable and serviceable at end, I think there's talent in the draft that could be seen in the later rounds that could challenge Fanene and Rucker -- based on what we've seen them do, not the potential they hold -- to improve the position.

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Mock Draft Database Updated AND Your Time Killer
For Today

Again, the Mock Draft Database has been updated. . .it's up to 60 Mock Draft and projects as far out as three rounds.

And if you're looking for a fun little diversion, some folks have created a nice little MMORPG that has some potential.  Unlike most MMORPGs, however, this one doesn't have a fairy or an elf or a dwarf to be seen.

Nope. . .this one's all about the FOOTBALL!!

It's called Goal Line Blitz, and it allows you to get into the world of football while doing nothing but telling your guy how to train and watching your team's stats.  It's sort of like Out of the Park Baseball, for those of you that are familiar with that, except it's FOOTBALL!!

Did I mention FOOTBALL!?

Sign up with the link above there. . .it only takes a few minutes to make your guys, put up a post in the "Players Looking for Teams" forum, and start looking at contract offers.

Hope to see some of you there!

That's all for now. . .continue enjoying your weekend, pore over the Mock Draft Database, and VOTE in the SBNation Mock Draft poll.  One guy appears to be running away with things at the moment, so if you want to see the Beloved Purple draft someone else, then get yourself over to the poll and cast your vote.  We're officially "on the clock," so I'll probably be sending my pick into the folks in charge sometime this evening so it can be posted on Mocking the Draft bright and early tomorrow morning.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.dailynorseman.com/story/2008/4/5/125738/3705

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Those Trade Offers Aren't Rolling In

A month or two ago it looked like a lock that the Falcons would entertain trade offers for the #3 pick. The Cowboys, led by Petrino-meddling owner Jerry Jones, were expected to make a strong push for Darren McFadden. I don't know if the team would really be willing to do so, but it would certainly be nice to have the options.

Yet Steve Wyche of the AJC writes that there's been nada mucho thus far. A number of NFL teams are smartening up and realizing that it's a waste of picks, time and money to jump up in the draft order. Logically, the Cowboys could get two terrific players on an already solid team instead of one possible home-run who has more kids than Old Mother Hubbard (she lived in a shoe and shit).  While the Falcons could use more than one first round pick, a player like Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey may be special enough that they want to stay where they are, anyways.

But here's my question to you: what's the ideal trade scenario? Play around with it for a bit and see who might want to trade with us, and what we'd get for those picks. The best one will be Falcoholic endorsed, which is like the highest honor a 23 year-old blogger can bestow on someone without having to spend any money for it.

Thoughts?

Read The Full Article:
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/story/2008/4/5/12417/67942

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Falcoholic Draft Countdown: Detroit Lions, #15

1. Chris Long, DE, Miami Dolphins
2. Jake Long, OT, St. Louis Rams
3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Atlanta Falcons
4. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
5. Ryan Clady, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
6. Vernon Gholston, LB/DE, New York Jets
7. Leodis McKelvin, CB, New England Patriots
8. Matt Ryan, QB, Baltimore Ravens
9. Sedrick Ellis, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
10. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, New Orleans Saints
11. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Buffalo Bills
12. Chris Williams, OT, Denver Broncos
13. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Carolina Panthers
14. Jeff Otah, OT, Chicago Bears

In a new low for voter turnout, the Bears have selected Jeff Otah to shore up a great need on the offensive line. The Bears need a lot, but this frees them up to look RB and QB in the second round and later. Quality pick.

We now move on to the Pride of Detroit-represented Detroit Lions, who have had many of the players they might want snatched out from under them. At this point, the team might like some help on the line, in the cornerbacking corps or possibly at running back or linebacker. Keith Rivers and Mike Jenkins have slipped down the draft board a bit, but I'm not sure they fill the most critical needs.

Click entry link below to access the poll and comments.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/story/2008/4/5/121223/9064

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As the Bengals turn -- arrests, police escorts
and idiots. Oh my.

In every sense of the word, this week was a disaster for the Jack Brennan PR machine. Chris Henry was arrested and subsequently waived. After spending two nights in jail, with a $51,000 bond, Henry was released to house arrest -- only work allowance to leave is word (ironically).

Then Chad Johnson spoke -- in what has to be the most embarrassing SportsCenter interview in recent memory. Even Drew Rosenhaus shakes his head -- though most of us suspect "Oil Slick" is the architect to Chad's self-imposed character suicide.

Then it was reported that Domata Peko and Chris Perry, along with Henry, caused a ruckus at a nightclub called Bang. Word has it that the players were buying expensive hundred-dollar bottles of alcohol (not sure exactly what) and breaking them over their own knees in an effort to "show off". Of course, guys like Peko and Perry must recognize that showing off on the field has rewarded few impressions. So this is how they get their cheers, I suppose. Keep in mind though, this is unsubstantiated heard from people that claim were there. Take it for what it is. Whatever they were doing, they were quickly escorted out with the help of local police. There won't be any likely legal action so it's a closed case -- even through the Chancellor's office.

It was even reported for a time that Chad Johnson was apart of the Bang group. However, Jack Brennan -- the hardest working staff member with the Bengals organization -- said that Chad wasn't around. Though Brennan is mostly telling us this because Chad said he wasn't there. Believe him? I don't know. Seems to me that the one way Chad could get his way out of Cincinnati is doing whatever it takes to embarrass the team so Marvin Lewis and the front office completely lose their patience.

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The Titans have a brand new Carr

Chris Carr is officially a Tennessee Titan. The CB/KR became the newest member of the gang as a result of Oakland’s unwillingness to match the offer sheet that was signed last week.

Read The Full Article:
http://mvn.com/nfl-titans/2008/04/05/the-titans-have-a-brand-new-carr/

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Perrilloux to travel to White House with LSU

Ryan Perrilloux, whom you will recall walked off the LSU football team a couple months back, must have some very interesting photos of Tigers head coach Les Miles filed away somewhere.

Since February, Perrilloux has been suspended indefinitely, was put back on the team by Miles, immediately skipped practice, didn't show up for practice (again), was barred from participating in spring practice and the spring game and was accused of a causing a racial stir at a local restaurant.

But, according to Miles, Perrilloux will travel with the team to meet President Bush in recognition of the Tigers national championship.

OK... WTF?! What kind of sick, twisted, S&M relationship do Perrilloux and Miles have to where the QB can do whatever/whenever/wherever, and the coach just goes along with it? When is enough, enough?

"Well, I don't know," Miles said. "The guy's doing pretty good in the classroom, busting his tail. You know, he's youthful. You tell me? He hasn?t broken a law. It's really a difficult issue. So it is my hope, like with my sons or my daughters, that if they are misbehaving that they'll get the behavior right. And that he (Perrilloux) will learn to do some things that are respectful and then allow us to promote him."

Does Perrilloux have the polaroids from Miles' Oklahoma State initiation?!?!?

We have already seen rising signs of the LSU team revolting amid Miles' kid-glove approach, but how long before Perrilloux destroys the Tigers football team?

From the LSU Daily Reveille:

Time for LSU to dump Perrilloux
...He has been given a second, third - and if he survives this most recent debacle, a sixth - chance to get right, but apparently football is not on the top of Perrilloux?s priority list. And if he doesn?t want to play football, LSU coach Les Miles should grant the selfish sensation his wish.

I couldn't agree more, but is doesn't appear that Miles is in any rush to kick Perrilloux off the team.

Is it time to stop the abuse? Is it time for LSU to call in Dr. Phil for an intervention??

View the original post or comment on Perrilloux to travel to White House with LSU...

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Fanblogs Open Thread

This one is dedicated to Ramblin' Gator, who is in football addiction recovery. Just four more months, buddy.

View the original post or comment on Fanblogs Open Thread...

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Who the hell will they draft 2008: Notre Dame TE
John Carlson

Notre Dame TE John Carlson would fit right in to the Colt's offense.I'm crashing BBS's Who the hell will they draft 2008 party with an analysis of my former classmate, Notre Dame TE John Carlson.  In the latest Mock Draft, BBS has Carlson as the first player chosen by the Colts in the second round.  He would definitely fit right in with the Colts.

The Colts TE situation got a little thinner recently with the Bengals signing Ben Utecht.  Before this happened, I don't think the Colts were a player in the TE market.  With a semi-reliable 2nd option gone to another team, that only leaves Clark and Fletcher left at the position.  Tight End has now become a definite need in the draft, and Bill Polian has not hesitated in the past to use his first pick on an offensive hole, even when conventional wisdom said to go defense first.

Carlson is 6'5", 256 pounds, which is pretty good size for a TE.  As a comparison, Clark is 6'3", 252, so they are roughly the same size.  Some stats on Carlson:
YEARTEAMRECYDSAVGLNGTDFDFUMLOST2004ND6315.21200002005ND7568.02210002006ND4763413.56240002007ND403729.3413000
Do NOT be fooled by his reduction in stats from 2006 to 2007.  This had absolutely nothing to do with him.  In 2006, he had Brady Quinn throwing to him, 2 other NFL caliber Wide Receivers, and an offensive line that could block without his help.  In 2007 he had an awful OL to play with, and a freshman QB throwing to him.  He led the team in receptions in 2007, even though he was constantly doubled.  He also was a Mackey Award Finalist each of the past 2 seasons.  The other thing to take notice of in his stats: ZERO fumbles.  We all know how much Coach Dungy hates fumbling.  It looks like he can hold on to the ball.

At the combine, Carlson was a top performer in the Vertical Jump, 20-yard Shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle.  Carlson's overview from NFL.com says:Productive but not flashy in an NFL-style offense at Notre Dame. He can make the tough catch and gives top effort, assets that could see him come off the board in the first two rounds.

Positives: Has good size and is a complete tight end. ... Can block and get open down the seam. ... Quick off the snap and blocks with a purpose. ... Keeps a square frame and can seal the edge or get to linebackers. ... Smooth adjusting to off-target throws. ... Reliable route runner. ... Has build-up speed.

Negatives: He's not Jeremy Shockey or Vernon Davis athletically, but he's not a complete slouch. ... Could be stronger. ... Was prone to drops and lapses in concentration. ... Has long arms and decent strength, but tries to block with his shoulders and loses leverage.This is a pretty good summary of Carlson, and actually hits both a positive and a negative of him that I have as well.  With an extremely young OL last year at ND, he was forced to stay in and help block a good majority of the time, so he has lots of practice blocking.  His best attribute, however, is his ability to catch the ball down the seam.  This is only good when you have a quarterback that can actually throw a seam pass, and Peyton obviously is one of the best at it.  In the video below, check out the catches at the 1:23 mark:  Up the seam, in between 3 defenders.  You'll also notice that almost all of his catches are over the middle, which is a very good thing.  The video looks like it is exclusively from 2006, when he had teammates like he'll see in the NFL, and ran an offense like an NFL team. (I apologize for the Intro...the actual highlights start at 0:44, for those of you who don't want to see the beautiful images of Notre Dame).

The one negative, which the NFL.com overview also said, is he had a tendency to drop a pass or two when thrown to him.  This seemed to be more of an issue in '07 rather than in '06.  I really don't see this as a problem going forward.  It also says he isn't athletic enough, which I don't buy.  He played on the ND basketball team as a freshman, which, in my opinion, makes him pretty versatile and athletic.  I think it helped him gain some strength, as well as agility, which he used later in his career.

Carlson recently had his Pro Day workout, and made a great impression on those in attendance.  This is a good news / bad news situation.  The good news is he is getting the attention he deserves.  The bad news is his draft stock is rising, meaning he probably won't be there in the third round.  The Colts cannot rely solely on Bryan Fletcher to play in the second TE slot.  John Carlson would be perfect fit into the Colts offense.  He is a two-time Academic All-America, and has a great "Football IQ".  New Era Scouting says about his "Football IQ":Carlson is a player who understands his role and seems to grasp what is expected of him quickly. He has had no trouble taking in Charlie Weis's complicated, pro-style playbook in terms of both his routes and blocking schemes. All of these things are exactly what the Colts look for in a player.  I'd love for him to wear the Colts blue, and I think everyone else here would too.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/story/2008/4/5/85040/24628

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Steelers starters take notice of McFarland

Free-agent defensive lineman Anthony "Booger" McFarland has won more Super Bowls than Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel, who comprise the Steelers' starting defensive line. Torn patella tendon or not, the Steelers recent flirtation with McFarland and his two...

Read The Full Article:
http://www.steelersfootballblog.com/2008/04/steelers-starte.html

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