The first of too early

[NATI BENGALS]

1. DJ Fluker OL Bama
2. Le'Veon Bell HB MSU
2. Walter Stewart DE/LB UC
3. EJ Manuel QB FSU
4. Denard Robinson HB UM
5. Jake Stoneburner TE OSU
6. DB
6. LB

[berserkerone88]

1. Why? Where does he play.
2. If he is there, good.
2. About 2 rounds too soon.
3. Gag pick?
4. He is made of glass. He is not an HB.
5. Decent pick but with Gresh and a 4th in Charles I doubt we go for a TE

[ibengals]

Yeah, can't really say I'm a fan of this. Didn't address secondary, didn't really address pass rush, and a couple of project picks.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

1. Why? Where does he play.
2. If he is there, good.
2. About 2 rounds too soon.
3. Gag pick?
4. He is made of glass. He is not an HB.
5. Decent pick but with Gresh and a 4th in Charles I doubt we go for a TE

1. BPA, Andre and Roland are in the last year of their contracts are they both gone? One of the reasons its too early to do these. Collins has 1 more year. Whit won't last forever. Good coaches would find a way to get him in the starting line. Zeitler or Boling can both play C. Fluker and Andre on the right would be a pretty sight.
2. Not my favorite. Not sure which HBs will be ranked highly come the end of the year. I could see a slow 40 really hurting his stock. I would like to have another big bruising chain mover though.
2. Wolfe and Barwin were not too early in the 2nd. He is looking better than both.
3. Boom or bust pick. We need a backup for Dalton. I want the backup to actually be able to push him. Manuel has the tools to develop into something good.
4. He has taken some monster shots. How many games has he missed? I don't think he will be a between the tackles pounder, but offensive playmaker and mismatch maker yes. Harvin/Cobb type deal.
5. I think this is Lee's last year. And we had so much faith in our TE depth cutting down the roster that it was the only position we signed as a free agent from another team.

[Jasonew6]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

1. DJ Fluker OL Bama
2. Le'Veon Bell HB MSU
2. Walter Stewart DE/LB UC
3. EJ Manuel QB FSU
4. Denard Robinson HB UM
5. Jake Stoneburner TE OSU
6. DB
6. LB

1. Not a need.
2. I only want a RB if he's a burner.
2. No more hybrids. Draft a pass rushing end or an OLB. We don't play a 3-4.
3. Not a priority.
4. I would actually be ok with this pick.
5. I love Stoney, but don't see it happening.

I think we need SS, CB, and OLB in the first 3 or 4 picks.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by Jasonew6

1. Not a need.
2. I only want a RB if he's a burner.
2. No more hybrids. Draft a pass rushing end or an OLB. We don't play a 3-4.
3. Not a priority.
4. I would actually be ok with this pick.
5. I love Stoney, but don't see it happening.

I think we need SS, CB, and OLB in the first 3 or 4 picks.

Harsh critisism. But true.

I am okay with the areas of need that you address. RT2, RB, DE, LB, CB. Just not in the order in which they are addressed.

I don't see a 6th round CB making the roster over an existing (IR recovering or internal FA).

LCB: Hall/TBD
NCB: Allen/Pacman (extended)
RCB: Dre/Prater or Ghee

I don't see a 6th round LB making the team unless we lose all of our free agents starters (Maualuga, Howard, Lawson) and some of our back up's (Skuta, Vincent Rey).

WILL: Howard/TBD
MIKE: TBD/Burfict
SAM: TBD/Skuta/Moch or Muckelroy

Drafting a backup QB is just too much of a luxury at this point, imo.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Harsh critisism. But true.

I am okay with the areas of need that you address. RT2, RB, DE, LB, CB. Just not in the order in which they are addressed.

I don't see a 6th round CB making the roster over an existing (IR recovering or internal FA).

LCB: Hall/TBD
NCB: Allen/Pacman (extended)
RCB: Dre/Prater or Ghee

I don't see a 6th round LB making the team unless we lose all of our free agents starters (Maualuga, Howard, Lawson) and some of our back up's (Skuta, Vincent Rey).

WILL: Howard/TBD
MIKE: TBD/Burfict
SAM: TBD/Skuta/Moch or Muckelroy

Drafting a backup QB is just too much of a luxury at this point, imo.

We have to take BPA. And if we are picking late like I hope, and Fluker declares early for the NFL draft, and he is available with our late 1st round pick. I think he would be a steal.

Scott and Leonard are both free agents. And both can be upgraded. I think this is the draft to do it. I think BJGE will work best if we don't run him into the ground. I have wanted a talent infusion at HB for years. I feel like we have to draft at least 2 this year.

JPP, Von Miller, Aldon Smith, Robert Quinn, were all tweeners coming out. I would take any of them.

Gradkow is a free agent after this year. A 3rd rounder picked by Gruden would be cheaper and maybe even better than Grad. I think EJ Manuel would be worth developing. Probably is early for a back up QB. But for Manuel I think I'd give it a try.



We have 5 CBs under contract next year. Hall, Allen, Kirk, Ghee, Prater. A draft pick would bring it to 6. We will probably make more than one addition in free agency, whether its keeping Pickman and Clements around or adding some other vet. Hopefully the 6th rounders we pick make us keep them on the 53 that would mean we found something good in the late rounds.

Burfict, Moch, Muck, and Rey are the only LBs whose rights we have next year. And Burfict is really the only one who I would consider a lock. I could see a large turnover happening here or we could end up resigning our guys. It could really go either way right now. And the 6th round LB is more of a practice squad type. If he makes the roster good. If not PS.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

We have to take BPA. And if we are picking late like I hope, and Fluker declares early for the NFL draft, and he is available with our late 1st round pick. I think he would be a steal.

Scott and Leonard are both free agents. And both can be upgraded. I think this is the draft to do it. I think BJGE will work best if we don't run him into the ground. I have wanted a talent infusion at HB for years. I feel like we have to draft at least 2 this year.

JPP, Von Miller, Aldon Smith, Robert Quinn, were all tweeners coming out. I would take any of them.

Gradkow is a free agent after this year. A 3rd rounder picked by Gruden would be cheaper and maybe even better than Grad. I think EJ Manuel would be worth developing. Probably is early for a back up QB. But for Manuel I think I'd give it a try.



We have 5 CBs under contract next year. Hall, Allen, Kirk, Ghee, Prater. A draft pick would bring it to 6. We will probably make more than one addition in free agency, whether its keeping Pickman and Clements around or adding some other vet. Hopefully the 6th rounders we pick make us keep them on the 53 that would mean we found something good in the late rounds.

Burfict, Moch, Muck, and Rey are the only LBs whose rights we have next year. And Burfict is really the only one who I would consider a lock. I could see a large turnover happening here or we could end up resigning our guys. It could really go either way right now. And the 6th round LB is more of a practice squad type. If he makes the roster good. If not PS.

Yes, the Bengals have to take the BPA by within the confines of our team's need and directed by our existing personnel.

WTS, if Whitworth & Andre Smith are both Bengals in 2013, then Fluker is a BAD pick. Especially with the needs at SS, MIKE, SAM, RB, CB?, C, WR2, etc.

As for the need to upgrade the RB corp, I agree that there is a need. But as demonstrated by BJGE, this doesn't have to be in the draft. Bell would be a good addition. But with our struggling defense, it seems to me that defense needs to be the emphasis with the early picks. With the RBBC approach, there isn't as much of a necessity of elite RBs.

As for a 3rd round QB, I just cannot agree to this. The Bengals need players that are going to contribute in 2013. Not a QB that (hopefully) won't take 1 snap the entire season. Perhaps the Bengals can draft a QB in 2014, but I don't see the sense of it in 2013.

The LB corp is in huge flux. I cannot see the Bengals not drafting a LB (SAM, MIKE) with one of the first 3 picks.

Either draft a CB early, in the 5th, or not at all. With Hall/Kirk/Allen/Prater/Pacman (extended), this is 5 CBs. I foresee the 6th being on the practice squad or a FA pick up. I think that the Bengals should focus on the safety group before the CB crew.

IMO with late round picks, I would rather add contributors to the team than practice squad fodder. 5 get the bpa. 6a get a Roland upgrade. 6b get a WCO FB.

[JPK9er]

I don't think there's any way we take a QB that early in the draft when we really need to develop the safety position. Even if Ghee or one of our other current CB's moves to either safety spot, we still will lack a playmaker or more importantly, difference maker at the position. With that being said, if Bell is available in the 2nd, I would love to snag him with one of our two selections. Stewart will not go before the 3rd regardless of his numbers or measurables at the combine. We do need pass rush, but like Jasonew6 mentioned, we need a classic DT or DE who fits our scheme (assuming Zimmer is still around).

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by JPK9er

I don't think there's any way we take a QB that early in the draft when we really need to develop the safety position. Even if Ghee or one of our other current CB's moves to either safety spot, we still will lack a playmaker or more importantly, difference maker at the position. With that being said, if Bell is available in the 2nd, I would love to snag him with one of our two selections. Stewart will not go before the 3rd regardless of his numbers or measurables at the combine. We do need pass rush, but like Jasonew6 mentioned, we need a classic DT or DE who fits our scheme (assuming Zimmer is still around).

All of our safeties are under contract next year. We have spent 4 draft picks on the ones on our team. For the most part all of our safeties our young and have room to develop. Most importantly under Marvin we have had guys like Crocker, Roy Willaims, Dexter Jackson, and Ohalate as starters and we still haven't picked one early. Would I like to see one picked early? Yes. Do I expect it to happen? No.

I just think if a Russell Wilson, Ryan Mallett type QB is there in the 3rd we have no reason not to take him. Gradkowski is a free agent. And Dalton is no longer a rookie. I'm not dead set saying we have to take one in the 3rd. But a guy who could potentially push Dalton and be a long term #2 QB wouldn't be a bad addition and it would save us money on a backup QB contract.

Chandler Jones was 6'5" 247 lbs at the combine. Stewart is listed at 6'5" 249 by UC right now and he looks every bit of it out on the field. Just because UC moves him all around doesnt mean he couldn't be a classic DE. I don't see how you can say regardless of his measurable and numbers.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

All of our safeties are under contract next year. We have spent 4 draft picks on the ones on our team. For the most part all of our safeties our young and have room to develop. Most importantly under Marvin we have had guys like Crocker, Roy Willaims, Dexter Jackson, and Ohalate as starters and we still haven't picked one early. Would I like to see one picked early? Yes. Do I expect it to happen? No.

I just think if a Russell Wilson, Ryan Mallett type QB is there in the 3rd we have no reason not to take him. Gradkowski is a free agent. And Dalton is no longer a rookie. I'm not dead set saying we have to take one in the 3rd. But a guy who could potentially push Dalton and be a long term #2 QB wouldn't be a bad addition and it would save us money on a backup QB contract.

Chandler Jones was 6'5" 247 lbs at the combine. Stewart is listed at 6'5" 249 by UC right now and he looks every bit of it out on the field. Just because UC moves him all around doesnt mean he couldn't be a classic DE. I don't see how you can say regardless of his measurable and numbers.

Again, at this point, the opportunity cost of taking a backup QB is too great. Gradkowski costs $2 million. This isn't breaking the bank. And the Bengals already have Zac Robinson on the practice squad.

Most of our positional groups' depth would improve with a 3rd round pick.
G (upgrade over Trevor Robinson),
RB (upgrade over Peerman),
LB (upgrade over Vincent Rey),
S (upgrade over Miles),
CB (upgrade over Newman),
DE (iffy - good for dline rotation, though).

I see much more value upgrading any of these players than to draft a backup QB.

In addition, with the NFL protecting the QB as much as they do, it is far more likely that one of the above positions will suffer an injury. Correspondingly, Wharton, Scott, Howard, boneheads Miles/Mays, Dre Kirk, & Dunlap/Anderson

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Again, at this point, the opportunity cost of taking a backup QB is too great. Gradkowski costs $2 million. This isn't breaking the bank. And the Bengals already have Zac Robinson on the practice squad.

Most of our positional groups' depth would improve with a 3rd round pick.
G (upgrade over Trevor Robinson),
RB (upgrade over Peerman),
LB (upgrade over Vincent Rey),
S (upgrade over Miles),
CB (upgrade over Newman),
DE (iffy - good for dline rotation, though).

I see much more value upgrading any of these players than to draft a backup QB.

In addition, with the NFL protecting the QB as much as they do, it is far more likely that one of the above positions will suffer an injury. Correspondingly, Wharton, Scott, Howard, boneheads Miles/Mays, Dre Kirk, & Dunlap/Anderson

I won't argue with any of that. It was just food for thought.

But if a guy has a chance to be an above average or even average NFL starting QB and is available in the 3rd we better carefully weigh our options and he should get some consideration.

I wouldn't mind feeling like we actually had a chance if Dalton did happen to miss time. We play the cheap cheating arse Steelers and Ravens twice a year. Once Dalton figures them out and starts beating them the cheap shots will follow.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

I won't argue with any of that. It was just food for thought.

But if a guy has a chance to be an above average or even average NFL starting QB and is available in the 3rd we better carefully weigh our options and he should get some consideration.

I wouldn't mind feeling like we actually had a chance if Dalton did happen to miss time. We play the cheap cheating arse Steelers and Ravens twice a year. Once Dalton figures them out and starts beating them the cheap shots will follow.

Sorry. With our current depth (or lack thereof), imo, a backup QB is still too much of an opportunity cost.

Maybe 2014. But, it is going to be a stretch for me to get on board in 2014, because if the Bengals play their cards right, they could almost go entirely BPA in every round of 2014.

[Carolinabengalfanguy]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Sorry. With our current depth (or lack thereof), imo, a backup QB is still too much of an opportunity cost.

Maybe 2014. But, it is going to be a stretch for me to get on board in 2014, because if the Bengals play their cards right, they could almost go entirely BPA in every round of 2014.

I mean QB can be best player available down the stretch. I'd take a Nick Foles (3rd), Kirk Cousins (4th), Colt McCoy (3rd), or John Skelton (5th) type of guy in the middle rounds. All of those guys look to be solid backups if not starters and I've liked everyone of them. Personally I'd love a Foles/Skelton guy whose tall and has that cannon of an arm to give a little variance to Dalton's abilities.

Oh and btw I wouldn't want E.J. Manuel. I just don't think he's going to be NFL material. I've got to at least think and expect my drafted QB could be an NFL starter. Well except I liked Kellen Moore who I don't think of as an NFL starter but his price was so low it's worth bringing him in at the time. If Manuel went undrafted or down into the 6th or 7th I'd think about it.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by Carolinabengalfanguy

I mean QB can be best player available down the stretch. I'd take a Nick Foles (3rd), Kirk Cousins (4th), Colt McCoy (3rd), or John Skelton (5th) type of guy in the middle rounds. All of those guys look to be solid backups if not starters and I've liked everyone of them. Personally I'd love a Foles/Skelton guy whose tall and has that cannon of an arm to give a little variance to Dalton's abilities.

Oh and btw I wouldn't want E.J. Manuel. I just don't think he's going to be NFL material. I've got to at least think and expect my drafted QB could be an NFL starter. Well except I liked Kellen Moore who I don't think of as an NFL starter but his price was so low it's worth bringing him in at the time. If Manuel went undrafted or down into the 6th or 7th I'd think about it.

I still am not buying this philosophy.

You want to draft a back up QB. Every round, the Bengals could get a week-in and week-out contributor to our team.

Re-Sign Gradkowski, improve the ACTIVE 45-man roster in the 2013 draft, and perhaps in 2014, consider a later round QB.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

I still am not buying this philosophy.

You want to draft a back up QB. Every round, the Bengals could get a week-in and week-out contributor to our team.

Re-Sign Gradkowski, improve the ACTIVE 45-man roster in the 2013 draft, and perhaps in 2014, consider a later round QB.

Even once you get to the 3rd round there is no guarantee that the pick is an automatic upgrade or difference maker. They are rookies and not all of them pan out.
Other than Sanu's TD pass our two third round picks from last year haven't done much. Thompson was incactive vs the Skins.
Moch our 2011 3rd rounder hasn't taken a snap yet
Shipley isn't here anymore and Ghee hasn't done anything
MJ is a monster but Coffman was a bum.

If we were able to find a quality backup QB in the mid rounds we can essentially forget about the position for 4 years, I don't see how that is a wasted pick. The goal would be to find a QB better than the available veteran career backups. We wouldn't find that in later rounds and a late round QB would be lucky to make the PS.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

Even once you get to the 3rd round there is no guarantee that the pick is an automatic upgrade or difference maker. They are rookies and not all of them pan out.
Other than Sanu's TD pass our two third round picks from last year haven't done much. Thompson was incactive vs the Skins.
Moch our 2011 3rd rounder hasn't taken a snap yet
Shipley isn't here anymore and Ghee hasn't done anything
MJ is a monster but Coffman was a bum.

If we were able to find a quality backup QB in the mid rounds we can essentially forget about the position for 4 years, I don't see how that is a wasted pick. The goal would be to find a QB better than the available veteran career backups. We wouldn't find that in later rounds and a late round QB would be lucky to make the PS.

So, based on your argument, you would rather take a chance on a back up QB that statistically will not amount to anything AND won't see a snap the entire 2013 football season, because of Andy Dalton.

Sorry. I would rather "roll the dice" to attempt to get a Michael Johnson in the 3rd, Geno Atkins in the 4th, Fanane in the 4th, then get a "quality" back up QB who doesn't wouldn't contribute 1 snap the entire season.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

So, based on your argument, you would rather take a chance on a back up QB that statistically will not amount to anything AND won't see a snap the entire 2013 football season, because of Andy Dalton.

Sorry. I would rather "roll the dice" to attempt to get a Michael Johnson in the 3rd, Geno Atkins in the 4th, Fanane in the 4th, then get a "quality" back up QB who doesn't wouldn't contribute 1 snap the entire season.

That is why I went with EJ Manuel. Whether we like it or not a #2 QB takes a spot on the 46man gameday roster. Manuel is big and fast and could offer something as a runner which could be a contribution to our team.

And injuries are entirely unpredictable. Having a decent backup QB that could win games is by no means a bad thing.

Manuel I don't even know about. Its early. I may not like him in 6 months. But you just can't rule out the chance of us taking a QB in the NFL draft already.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

That is why I went with EJ Manuel. Whether we like it or not a #2 QB takes a spot on the 46man gameday roster. Manuel is big and fast and could offer something as a runner which could be a contribution to our team.

And injuries are entirely unpredictable. Having a decent backup QB that could win games is by no means a bad thing.

Manuel I don't even know about. Its early. I may not like him in 6 months. But you just can't rule out the chance of us taking a QB in the NFL draft already.

Again, I would rather sign a veteran QB than draft a rookie project QB. We already have Zac Robinson. If you are opposed to Gradkowski, then put in Zac.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Again, I would rather sign a veteran QB than draft a rookie project QB. We already have Zac Robinson. If you are opposed to Gradkowski, then put in Zac.

I like Gradkowski and I like Zac. But I wouldn't be mad or surprised if we tried to upgrade from them, I don't think it would be impossible. If we got a guy who is going to be an above average backup with high upside I would be happy.
A Skelton, TJ Yates, Joe Webb, or Russell Wilson type. I just don't see the down side to picking a QB who could potentially develop into a good starter but serves as an above average backup when we are in the market for a backup.

[Carolinabengalfanguy]

Honestly though if I feel we can upgrade another position with a really good prospect I'd probably take them over a talented QB that fell into the mid to late rounds. I'm just saying I'm not against taking a QB to be a backup if he seems to be uber talented to me and had fallen a round or more farther than I expected.

[CinciREborn]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

1. DJ Fluker OL Bama
2. Le'Veon Bell HB MSU
2. Walter Stewart DE/LB UC
3. EJ Manuel QB FSU
4. Denard Robinson HB UM
5. Jake Stoneburner TE OSU
6. DB
6. LB

I'm not trying to be harsh or overly critical but I don't like a single pick in this draft :(

1) we have WAY to many holes for this. I Can understand if smith doesn't resign BUT we HAVE to do EVEYTHING to get him back. You could make a case for the first pick to e SS DE RB CB or LB. WAY to many cases to be adding OL to the mix.

2) BJGE is on path for a 1000 yards and since we have him on a 2 yr contract I imagine that will be the reasoning to put a high Running off at least another year. It isn't what I want but it's what I see happening

2) ehhh I'm okay with it but there's other prospects I like Alot more at LB and DE

3) too too too many holes.

4) you just drafted a QB in round three. Again too too too many holes. Why draft two QBs in a row when you havnt even addressed secondary? I'm also a Michigan fan. Shoe lace won't do anything in the NFL. Weres pat white?

5) If you would have addressed other needs I might consider this. I doubt it though :/ TE may be at the very bottom of what I see our needs as :/

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

I like Gradkowski and I like Zac. But I wouldn't be mad or surprised if we tried to upgrade from them, I don't think it would be impossible. If we got a guy who is going to be an above average backup with high upside I would be happy.
A Skelton, TJ Yates, Joe Webb, or Russell Wilson type. I just don't see the down side to picking a QB who could potentially develop into a good starter but serves as an above average backup when we are in the market for a backup.

Opportunity Cost. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...rtunity%20cost

If you don't understand this concept, I cannot help you.

[NATI BENGALS]

Originally Posted by mulligan

Opportunity Cost. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...rtunity%20cost

If you don't understand this concept, I cannot help you.

I understand what opportunity cost is.

How did that opportunity cost work out for the Texans last year when they opted to take a QB in the 5th round when they had a clear cut starting QB?

The same way you say there are veteran NFL QBs available there are also veteran NFL players that will be available at every other position of need.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by NATI BENGALS

I understand what opportunity cost is.

How did that opportunity cost work out for the Texans last year when they opted to take a QB in the 5th round when they had a clear cut starting QB?

The same way you say there are veteran NFL QBs available there are also veteran NFL players that will be available at every other position of need.

3rd round (your mock) & 5th round (Texans drafting TJ Yates) are completely different.