Like the previous five drafts, Bengal fans walk away feeling underwhelmed by their new acquisitions.
Rivers is fine, but why couldn’t we move up to get Sedrick Ellis? Maybe the Saints simply outbid Cincinnati. The Bengals ended up with two DT’s in the third and fifth rounds to add depth at a short-handed position, but neither expect to be the pass rusher type we coveted in Ellis and Dorsey. Bargaining for trades in the NFL Draft is probably as hectic as controlling air traffic in a tower at the airport. You have limited time to make crucial decisions based on the coordinated efforts of your team gathering and updating information.
Before we collectively sigh at the serviceable heap of newcomers headed our way this summer, let’s look at those already on the team who’s roles will be impacted from the new picks.
Ahmad Brooks sounds to be nowhere close to being ready to play based on the statements made last night by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. In so many words, Zimmer said the handful of games Brooks has appeared in is not enough to assure the security of his future. Zimmer appeared despondent when talking about Brooks, and his tone suggested that the groin problem which limited Brooks to one full game last season, could be a lingering problem for the linebacker.
Another note of interest is how Zimmer talked about Rivers playing at inside linebacker. Let’s not forget that Odell has been cleared to resume his career and will be suspension-free until he proves himself otherwise. Those of you thinking Thurman has an outside chance of starting, are looking through a glass half empty. Marvin has not drafted a better defensive player than Odell, and tackling is not a skill that is easily forgotten. The sheer reckless abandon he plays with every down is something that should not be harnessed on the sideline. But surely we wouldn’t line Odell up on the outside. What is the new defensive brain trust building in their workshop along the Ohio River? Zimmer allowed that a signal-caller can use an abundance of linebackers on third down in today’s NFL. It makes sense, in that case, to stockpile talent at that position, and allow the coaching additions to begin molding it into works of art.
By drafting wide receivers in the second and third rounds, Marv and crew are preparing for the worst as Hurricane Chad moves closer to shore. With local Scarface, Chris Henry, run out of town, suddenly the remaining receiving corps looks slow and unthreatening. Let’s hope second-round pick Jerome Simpson can become a deep threat which contrasts styles with Housh. Like most of the world, I hadn’t heard of Simpson, but I was dazzled at his highlights. The man is clearly exceptionally athletic and reportedly has large hands. He has good size (6'1'’, 200 lbs.), and while I wouldn’t say he’s slow, his quickness and juke ability will likely be his stronger assets. Drafting Florida’s Andre Caldwell in third round, helps the offense rely less on practice squad material like Glenn Holt and recently signed Doug Gabriel. Carson should have a stream of new toys to try out after the departure of some integral pieces of the passing game.
The glaring absence of a running back in this year’s draft points to how committed the organization is to Rudi Johnson. The stubborn insistence to the formerly effective powerback cornered the offense into obvious passing downs all year last season. It would be optimal if Chris Perry can beat out Rudi in training camp and become our everydown back, but we have to assume that the curse that hangs above Perry hasn’t been completely lifted and that it will eventually surface again. We have five running backs, all of which are equipped with their own question mark. So much for committing ourselves to pounding the run.
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