Need to overhaul this roster...draft and free agent needs & priorities

[tampanavy]

Thankfully I did not have to watch the Bengals on Armed Forces Network...frankly I'd rather be in Baghdad than experience what you that actually saw the game had to see.

They need to blow up this roster - particularly on defense. They need to look at the coordinators and all the position coaches and consider a shake up there as well. But the bottomline is that until they have a good physical defense, they will never have any consistency. They need to get rid of the guys that never get out of the trainer's room too - potential doesn't mean squat. This off season they need to clean house – and they can start some of the housecleaning now too – some addition by subtraction.

DL - no difference makers - particularly at DT. Geathers might be with more help. Let Justin go this year – spending $8 million + to watch him bull rush every time. Rucker - cut him - never healthy. Fanene - same. Peko only DT with potential to get better. Myers, Thornton, Robinson - all journeymen. Let Thornton go run a website - he has more passion for that. Sign one of the best veteran DL available and draft 2-3 DL in the early to middle rounds.

LB - disaster! Johnson is worth re-signing. Do not re-sign Miller, Jones, Marshall, Mays. Cut ties with Thurman and Pollack; neither can be counted on for their own reasons. Jeanty a starter - joke! Teams guy maybe. Schlegel - I like his toughness and character - maybe keep him as teams guy. Brooks - put him at SAM instead of Mike next summer and see if he can stay healthy and make an impact there (doesn't have a clue at Mike) - if not get rid of him. Spend some money on the best veteran LB available - not another Hartwell. Draft 2-3 LBs in the early and middle rounds.

DB - Hall and Joseph - hope for the best - especially if we can get more pressure on QB by improving the front seven. O'Neal under contract through '08 - trade him for whatever you can get - do not keep guys around that underperform because they don't like their contract - cancer! Jackson - get rid of him - toos slow to cover and not a hitter. Madieu - underachieving - maybe re-sign but do NOT overpay. Ndukwe and White hard to tell - Ndukwe is a 7th rounder from a horrible college defense and White seems to have trouble learing the defense - neither are good cover guys. Need to sign or fraft a good FS to either replace or push Madieu. Draft another safety in the late rounds as well. Get a nickel back/return man to replace O'Neal.

OL - Given the struggles of Jones and Anderson with injuries , need to re-sign Andrews - maybe even consider trading Jones - his whining has put him in the selfish category - so get rid of a selfish player. Kooistra is a good backup, but not a starter. Get rid of Kieft before training camp - never healthy. Mid-late round pick for depth (higher if Andrews/Jones not back).

TE - get another one please! Give Carson another weapon to keep the chains moving. Veteran pass catcher.

RB - Perry - signed through '08 - hopefully showcase him in the second half of season and then trade him for whatever. Go with Johnson, Watson and Irons (and bring in a couple speed backs to camp in case Irons knee isn't right).

WR - Get rid of Chatman. If Tab Perry isn't healthy in camp next summer - cut him. Tell Chad to shut up and play ball - and mean it! Get a couple of decent return men as backup WR's (or DBs).

Teams - re-sign Larson. Bring in competition for St. Louis.

They HAVE to tear up this roster - the current guys are letting Marvin's message go in one ear and out the other.

Regards from Baghdad

[BengalChris]

A very good post.

Only the Bengals have never learned how to play the free agent market. It lets too many quality players leave who are actually needed on the team, then drafts replacements or none at all. Therefore, they are in perpetual rebuilding mode.

While I loved Sam Adams when he was young, he wasn't the right signing for the Bengals.

O'Neal was one of the few good free agent signing in Bengal history. He helped the team at CB when it needed it most. Remember when Ashley Ambrose was signed? He only came in and lead the league in interceptions. But those are probably the two best free agent signings I can remember.

Compare how NE handles free agency. Quite the contrast, isn't it?

LB, DT and OL are a mess. Veteran leadership at LB and DT would help a great deal, so therefore, I predict Marvin won't be allowed to sign any, or at least not the ones who will make a difference and hold down the position while young draftees learn the ropes.

Chris Perry, don't waste more typing on this 1st round bust. Irons appears to be a Perry clone, high on injury statistics, zero production statistics. What has always made the Bengals go is a bruising workhorse type RB. We need to draft that type of runner and let him learn the ropes behind Rudi for a year, then hopefully make the switch.

[Bengal Dude]

A very good post.

Only the Bengals have never learned how to play the free agent market. It lets too many quality players leave who are actually needed on the team, then drafts replacements or none at all. Therefore, they are in perpetual rebuilding mode.

While I loved Sam Adams when he was young, he wasn't the right signing for the Bengals.

O'Neal was one of the few good free agent signing in Bengal history. He helped the team at CB when it needed it most. Remember when Ashley Ambrose was signed? He only came in and lead the league in interceptions. But those are probably the two best free agent signings I can remember.

Compare how NE handles free agency. Quite the contrast, isn't it?

LB, DT and OL are a mess. Veteran leadership at LB and DT would help a great deal, so therefore, I predict Marvin won't be allowed to sign any, or at least not the ones who will make a difference and hold down the position while young draftees learn the ropes.

Chris Perry, don't waste more typing on this 1st round bust. Irons appears to be a Perry clone, high on injury statistics, zero production statistics. What has always made the Bengals go is a bruising workhorse type RB. We need to draft that type of runner and let him learn the ropes behind Rudi for a year, then hopefully make the switch.

O'Neal was actually part of a trade, but I agree that it was a good move to get him and he gave us a couple of good years, but this'll be he his last year in stripes.

I don't think we can be critical of Irons yet. He only got 4 carries in the preseason and he looked good so we may have something next year. Perry can contribute when healthy, but every injury he gets seems to be worse than the previous one. I don't know how much longer he'll be here since we drafted Irons to fill the hole for Perry while he was out.

[BengalChris]

O'Neal was actually part of a trade, but I agree that it was a good move to get him and he gave us a couple of good years, but this'll be he his last year in stripes.

I don't think we can be critical of Irons yet. He only got 4 carries in the preseason and he looked good so we may have something next year. Perry can contribute when healthy, but every injury he gets seems to be worse than the previous one. I don't know how much longer he'll be here since we drafted Irons to fill the hole for Perry while he was out.

You are correct, O'Neal was actually part of a trade. This only makes the point more clear. The Bengals have never learned how to play the free agent game and, whether the management likes it or not, free agency is part of the game played in the NFL.

The team can't spend draft picks, then train them, then stand by while other teams come in and sign away someone who is ready to really contribute. That's the function of a minor league team that trains players for the big leagues. If the Bengal's management want this team to be part of the big leagues, then it's going to have to start acting like one and using all of the tools available to build a championship caliber team.

Irons may turn out good, but injured right off the bat is not a good sign. At least Rudi is there, that's more than can be said for the other two. Even though Perry contributed when he's played, I don't believe he's suited up for 16 games yet and wasn't he one of Marvin's first draft picks?

[Bengal4Life85]

Hello to everyone. I'm new on this forum, and I am a huge Bengals fan. I absolutely love the Bengals. I really like posting my ideas, but I would like you to respect me in your replies, and I will treat you with the same respect. Well, on to my first post.

I posted this on another forum. It was considered a little drastic by the people on the forum, but I still like the idea, especially with this thread calling for drastic change. It's my 2nd edition of the Bengals only mock with offseason thread. It has been changed a little bit due to the comments I have recieved.

1st: Calais Campbell: Frankly, I believe that the Bengals will end up with a Top 5 draft pick. And we need a pure pass rusher who can also stop the run. Calais Campbell fits this bill. He is very good as an edge rusher, but also has a bullrush, and can stop the run. Perfect pick for the Bengals, as it upgrades the secondary also. They do not have to cover recievers as long, thus preventing many completed passes.

2nd: Barry Richardson OT Clemson: With how the OL of the Bengals is playing this year, we need some new tackles. Get rid of Levi thru a trade, and draft Barry Richardson out of Clemson. This guy has made 2 RB's look a whole lot better than they really are, and he is a big guy who can pass protect. This is, IMO, the second coming of Willie.

3rd: Craig Stelz FS LSU: This is a good value pick, as Steltz has been one of the most underrated players for a very good LSU defense. Witness his game against Florida, where he had 17 tackles. He is physical against the run, and can cover recievers as well. The only knock on him would have to be his habit of jumping on play action. But this flaw can be corrected, and would allow us to see what we can get for Madieu

3rd: Adam Kraus OG/C Michigan: The Bengals should have 2 3rd round picks in next year's draft to compensate for the loss of Eric Steinbach. Kraus is the type of versitile presence the Bengals need on the OL. He plays both G and C, and has been one of the bright spots for an always good Michigan OL.

3rd: Corey McKeon ILB Nebraska: This pick is for the projected Levi Jones trade for a 3rd round draft pick. McKeon flies under the radar, but is disciplined and runs to the ball. Good value pick at this point in the draft.

4th: Trevor Laws Notre Dame: This pick stays the same for me in both of my mocks. I really do believe that Trevors Laws could make an impact, just like Peko did during his first year. His motor is constantly running, and if he puts on 10-12 pounds, he would be a very good one-gap DT.

5th: Joe Jon Finley TE Oklahoma: Joe Jon Finley is a good TE who would allow Reggie Kelly to play a part-time role. Good value pick at this point in the draft, and could shore up the TE position.

6th: Marcus Walker CB Oklahoma: This late in the draft, you have to look at players with potential. Marcus Walker has some potential, and would stick on the team with his special teams ability.

7th: Anthony Hoke OLB Cincinnati: This is also for special teams, and allows for some of the Bengal's LB's this season to be released, and gives them depth in case of injury.

Here's how I believe the offseason will play out:

Bengals do not resign Justin Smith

Release Caleb Miller, Odell Thurman, David Pollack John Thornton, Johnathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker, Blue Adams, Ryan Fitzpatrick, DeDe Dorsey, Dhani Jones, Antonio Chatman, John Busing, Mike Myers, Dexter Jackson, Lemar Marshall, Glenn Holt, Bryan Robinson, Deltha O'Neal and David Jones.

Trade Levi Jones for a 3rd round draft pick.

Sign Karlos Dansby, Jamie Martin, Albert Haynesworth, Gibril Wilson, and Chris Carr

QB: Carson/Jamie Martin/Jeff Rowe
RB: Rudi/Kenny Irons/Watson
FB: Jeremi Johnson
WR: Chad/TJ/Chris Henry/Skylar Green
TE: Reggie Kelly/Joe Jon Finley
OT: Willie/Barry Richardson/Kooistra/Whitworth
OG: Bobbie/Whitworth/Kraus/Stacey Andrews
C: Ghuciuc/Stepanovich/Kraus

DE: Robert Geathers/Eric Henderson/Bruce Davis/Mike Myers
DT: Haynesworth/Peko/Toeina/Trevor Laws
OLB: Dansby/Jeanty/Henderson
ILB: Brooks/McKeon/Landon
OLB: Landon/Schlegel
CB: JoJo/Leon Hall/Chris Carr/Marcus Walker
S: Madieu/Gibril Wilson/Ndukwe/Marvin White

Well, that's my first post, and I hope it is a good one. Thoughts?

[BRB]

Hello to everyone. I'm new on this forum, and I am a huge Bengals fan. I absolutely love the Bengals. I really like posting my ideas, but I would like you to respect me in your replies, and I will treat you with the same respect. Well, on to my first post.

I posted this on another forum. It was considered a little drastic by the people on the forum, but I still like the idea, especially with this thread calling for drastic change. It's my 2nd edition of the Bengals only mock with offseason thread. It has been changed a little bit due to the comments I have recieved.

1st: Calais Campbell: Frankly, I believe that the Bengals will end up with a Top 5 draft pick. And we need a pure pass rusher who can also stop the run. Calais Campbell fits this bill. He is very good as an edge rusher, but also has a bullrush, and can stop the run. Perfect pick for the Bengals, as it upgrades the secondary also. They do not have to cover recievers as long, thus preventing many completed passes.

2nd: Barry Richardson OT Clemson: With how the OL of the Bengals is playing this year, we need some new tackles. Get rid of Levi thru a trade, and draft Barry Richardson out of Clemson. This guy has made 2 RB's look a whole lot better than they really are, and he is a big guy who can pass protect. This is, IMO, the second coming of Willie.

3rd: Craig Stelz FS LSU: This is a good value pick, as Steltz has been one of the most underrated players for a very good LSU defense. Witness his game against Florida, where he had 17 tackles. He is physical against the run, and can cover recievers as well. The only knock on him would have to be his habit of jumping on play action. But this flaw can be corrected, and would allow us to see what we can get for Madieu

3rd: Adam Kraus OG/C Michigan: The Bengals should have 2 3rd round picks in next year's draft to compensate for the loss of Eric Steinbach. Kraus is the type of versitile presence the Bengals need on the OL. He plays both G and C, and has been one of the bright spots for an always good Michigan OL.

3rd: Corey McKeon ILB Nebraska: This pick is for the projected Levi Jones trade for a 3rd round draft pick. McKeon flies under the radar, but is disciplined and runs to the ball. Good value pick at this point in the draft.

4th: Trevor Laws Notre Dame: This pick stays the same for me in both of my mocks. I really do believe that Trevors Laws could make an impact, just like Peko did during his first year. His motor is constantly running, and if he puts on 10-12 pounds, he would be a very good one-gap DT.

5th: Joe Jon Finley TE Oklahoma: Joe Jon Finley is a good TE who would allow Reggie Kelly to play a part-time role. Good value pick at this point in the draft, and could shore up the TE position.

6th: Marcus Walker CB Oklahoma: This late in the draft, you have to look at players with potential. Marcus Walker has some potential, and would stick on the team with his special teams ability.

7th: Anthony Hoke OLB Cincinnati: This is also for special teams, and allows for some of the Bengal's LB's this season to be released, and gives them depth in case of injury.

Here's how I believe the offseason will play out:

Bengals do not resign Justin Smith

Release Caleb Miller, Odell Thurman, David Pollack John Thornton, Johnathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker, Blue Adams, Ryan Fitzpatrick, DeDe Dorsey, Dhani Jones, Antonio Chatman, John Busing, Mike Myers, Dexter Jackson, Lemar Marshall, Glenn Holt, Bryan Robinson, Deltha O'Neal and David Jones.

Trade Levi Jones for a 3rd round draft pick.

Sign Karlos Dansby, Jamie Martin, Albert Haynesworth, Gibril Wilson, and Chris Carr

QB: Carson/Jamie Martin/Jeff Rowe
RB: Rudi/Kenny Irons/Watson
FB: Jeremi Johnson
WR: Chad/TJ/Chris Henry/Skylar Green
TE: Reggie Kelly/Joe Jon Finley
OT: Willie/Barry Richardson/Kooistra/Whitworth
OG: Bobbie/Whitworth/Kraus/Stacey Andrews
C: Ghuciuc/Stepanovich/Kraus

DE: Robert Geathers/Eric Henderson/Bruce Davis/Mike Myers
DT: Haynesworth/Peko/Toeina/Trevor Laws
OLB: Dansby/Jeanty/Henderson
ILB: Brooks/McKeon/Landon
OLB: Landon/Schlegel
CB: JoJo/Leon Hall/Chris Carr/Marcus Walker
S: Madieu/Gibril Wilson/Ndukwe/Marvin White

Well, that's my first post, and I hope it is a good one. Thoughts?

I disagree with a fiew of your choices but besides those, it's Intelligent post.

[Redfox]

Good post but i think we should take Glenn Dorsey DT in first round if availiable.

[Bengal4Life85]

Which picks do you disagree with me on?

And how would you improve them?