Draft 12/19 (long version)

[berserkerone88]

Free Agency:
Re-Sign:
Michael Johnson - DE
Andre Smith - RT
Rey Maualuga - LB
Adam Jones - CB/PR
Terrance Newman - CB

Free Agents:
William Moore - S (ATL)
Kevin Ogletree - WR (DAL)

Draft:

Round 1: Ezekiel Ansah | DE | BYU

Everyone knows about the athleticism of Ansah. One big concern for him is the lack of production at BYU. While somewhat understandable for a guy with such limited experience you would still almost expect a sheer athlete like Ansah to just dominate more than he has. What he does show are the things that can be tough to teach players. He shows some great hand and foot work already. Which is quite impressive at this stage. He takes on double teams well and is still improving on splitting them. He lined up at both ends, OLB and NT this year for BYU. He can win virtually any one on one battle he gets in. Once he ends up in a pro system and can be put in just one spot and work on consistency and increase his football knowledge, he will be a dangerous, dangerous player. The Bengals are perfect fit for Ansah where his raw explosion and speed can be used in match up scenarios that benefit him without having to be an instant starter. The depth and explosion he brings is something that can push a fringe great defense to the next level. Ansah would likely assume the starting role by 2014 over either Carlos Dunlap (injuries and inconsistent play) or Michael Johnson (solid but not spectacular) at DE. Ansah also brings a type of versatility the Bengals haven't had in a few season but have sadly tried to re-create with Robert Geathers playing DT on occasion in Dime situations. Antwan Odom was the last one to do this for the Bengals with extensive success and Ansah reminds me of Odom from a build perspective but with much, much more upside. In the various games below, you can see Ansah use brute strength as well as his raw athleticism to beat lineman. He also has shown glimpses of top notch play recognition on screens. He does still have trouble with the draw and splitting the double teams, but at least he can draw them and not get completely obliterated. With Ansah you are getting a guy who will at his floor be "an alright athlete to have on your team" and at his highest ceiling will be a guy leading the NFL in sacks. Having only 3 years of time playing football with his skills, Ansah is the ultimate risk/reward in 2013. It is all about potential with Ansah, for him it is unlimited and if he is hanging around in the late first it would be unwise to pass him up.

Games watched:
Ansah vs ND
Ansah vs Utah State
Ansah vs Boise State and Utah
Ansah vs Washington State
Ansah vs Georgia Tech

Round 2: Alec Ogletree | LB | Georgia

A man who possesses wonderful athleticism and a long frame, Ogletree has a long way to go before he reaches his potential. From a drug-related suspension to his tendency to freelance at times he will not go as high as he SHOULD. Still learning the LB position as a converted safety, Ogletree is fine when in coverage but still finds himself being the nail not the hammer too often. His speed and athleticism often allow him to make up for his blown assignments and poor angles. Has good form when going for tackles but also capable of laying the big hit on a ball carrier. Fully capable of blitzing the QB, Ogletree wasn't asked to do it a ton and he does sometimes struggle to get off blocks and can be taken out of a play if the OL gets to the 2nd level. Despite all of this, Ogletree's problems are all of the correctable kind for a man who hasn't played LB all that long. Once he adds some weight to his long frame the problems with receiving not delivering hits should be over. Once he plays more time at LB all his freelancing and being out of position can be eliminated. What makes these more acceptable is Ogletree's rawness at LB. If he were a 4 year MLB then we would have issues. But his athleticism and coverage skills make him well worth the risk. The biggest question is will Ogletree be a MLB or OLB in the NFL. And this is up to the team that drafts him, if I am the Bengals I am giving him every shot in the middle with Burfict sliding to SLB where he wont be in coverage (his weakest skill) nearly as much. Getting younger, faster and more athletic should be a prime goal of the Bengals LB core for 2013.

Games Watched:
Ogletree vs Bama
Ogletree vs Tennessee
Ogletree vs South Carolina

Round 2: Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers

Khaseem Greene will be a steal. It matters not where he is drafted, which won't be high enough as a Big East defender who doesn't rush the QB often. He is a converted S who was moved to WLB at Rutgers. Since the move Greene has only gotten better. His coverage skills have not diminished but his play-read skills and ability to play downhill have. He is a solid tackler who wraps up and makes the sure tackle. He is aggressive in attacking the ball and fights to rip the ball out. He can cover some serious ground from the outside and plays with a passion that will go well with our current core of players. He is limited in his ability to grow physically at 6-1 and 230lbs. Not big but not a terrible size for a WLB. What he does represent is the missing link for a Bengals D that gets carved up by TE and down the middle. He can cover extremely well from the LB position and could be a blanket on TE's in the NFL. Whether he starts at WLB from day one or is used in packages is strictly up to where he is vs the run from a strength stand point. I think he will be fine. He can shed blocks decently and once he is in the backfield has a good nose for the QB and again, aggressively goes after the football. He is an All-American LB from the Big East, consecutive 2x Big East defensive player of the year (only 2nd player ever to do this in Big East history), finished the season with 125 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 5.5 sacks from the WLB spot. That is incredible from that position, one often not considered a "playmaking" position. From his ability to blanket in coverage to his ability to read and react to his ability to make a play, Greene is the exact type of LB the Bengals defense NEEDS.

Games Watched:
Greene vs Syracuse
Greene vs UConn

Round 3: Leon McFadden | CB | San Diego State

Round 4: Dennis Johnson | RB | Arkansas

Dennis Johnson is one of the least talked about backs and is flying under the radar right now. He has been the star back in Arkansas this year outshining the formerly highly touted Knile Davis. DJ is a small compact back who has shown ability to be an every down back in the NFL. He doesn't have the elite speed of Franklin or Barner, but he has the lateral agility and movement that is hard to ignore. He hits the holes hard and explodes to the second level. He is more than willing to stay back and protect the passer showing a wider range of blocking skill than some other backs in this class. He doesn't cut block, he engages the blitzer and stops them if he can. DJ also shows soft hands from the backfield to be a more than reliable weapon in the pass game. What also sets DJ apart from other backs at this point is his lower body drive. He churns his legs and fights for the extra yards exceptionally well. His ability to change direction and maintain speed is what I love most about him. I view him as a natural compliment to the LawFirm and an excellent replacement for Brian Leonard. Bonus time, DJ can also be an effective kick return guy (read: Bye bye Tate). His lack of top end speed and being on a terrible Arkansas team will keep him down the boards. But in the 4th (or maybe 3rd) DJ is a great pick up for a team needing youth and depth at RB.

Games Watched:
DJ vs Ole Miss, SC and Miss St (2011)
DJ vs Ole Miss (2012)

Round 5: Cornelius Washington | DE | Georgia

Round 6: Kerwynn Williams | RB | Utah State

Round 6: Jordan Kovacs | S | Michigan

Depth Chart:

Offense:
QB: 2
RB: 4
FB: 1
TE: 3
WR: 5
OL: 8

QB: Dalton | Robinson
RB: Green-Ellis | Johnson | Peerman | Williams/Herron
FB: Conner
TE: Gresham | Charles | Quinn
WR: Green | Sanu | Ogletree | Hawkins | Jones
LT: Whitworth | Collins
LG: Boling | Wharton
C: Robinson | Cook
RG: Zeitler
RT: Smith | Roland

Defense:
DL: 8
LB: 6
CB: 5
S: 7

DE: Johnson | Ansah
NT: Peko | Thompson
UT: Atkins | Still
DE: Dunlap | Washington
WLB: Greene | Lemur
MLB: Maualuga | Ogletree
SLB: Burfict | Skuta
FS: Nelson | Sands | Iloka | Kovacs
SS: Moore | Mays | Miles
CB: Hall | Kirkpatrick | Newman | Jones | McFadden

Special Teams:

K: Brown
P: Huber

LS: Harris

[Bengal4ever68]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

Free Agency:
Re-Sign:
Michael Johnson - DE
Andre Smith - RT
Rey Maualuga - LB
Adam Jones - CB/PR
Terrance Newman - CB

Free Agents:
William Moore - S (ATL)
Kevin Ogletree - WR (DAL)

Draft:

Round 1: Ezekiel Ansah | DE | BYU



Round 2: Alec Ogletree | LB | Georgia



Round 2: Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers



Round 3: Leon McFadden | CB | San Diego State

Round 4: Dennis Johnson | RB | Arkansas



Round 5: Cornelius Washington | DE | Georgia

Round 6: Kerwynn Williams | RB | Utah State

Round 6: Jordan Kovacs | S | Michigan

Depth Chart:

Offense:
QB: 2
RB: 4
FB: 1
TE: 3
WR: 5
OL: 8

QB: Dalton | Robinson
RB: Green-Ellis | Johnson | Peerman | Williams/Herron
FB: Conner
TE: Gresham | Charles | Quinn
WR: Green | Sanu | Ogletree | Hawkins | Jones
LT: Whitworth | Collins
LG: Boling | Wharton
C: Robinson | Cook
RG: Zeitler
RT: Smith | Roland

Defense:
DL: 8
LB: 6
CB: 5
S: 7

DE: Johnson | Ansah
NT: Peko | Thompson
UT: Atkins | Still
DE: Dunlap | Washington
WLB: Greene | Lemur
MLB: Maualuga | Ogletree
SLB: Burfict | Skuta
FS: Nelson | Sands | Iloka | Kovacs
SS: Moore | Mays | Miles
CB: Hall | Kirkpatrick | Newman | Jones | McFadden

Special Teams:

K: Brown
P: Huber

LS: Harris

I like the Leon McFadden pick

[Orange and Black Attack]

Personally, I think you have Leon a round higher then I would take him considering we could possibly take Rambo/Williams at that same spot and fix our safety issue.

[bfine32]

I would love it, just not sure Jay Gruden would.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

I would love it, just not sure Jay Gruden would.

I think the offense is almost there.
With Sanu it really started to click, Jones and K. Ogletree should provide more vertical threats we need next year. Charles is proving to be a valuable #2 TE.
We add our RB's in the mid round and we have an offense to fear IMO.

This defense has "nickname" potential (granted we retain guys) and I think with one big draft like this we can get there.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by bfine32

I would love it, just not sure Jay Gruden would.

8 picks with 6 defense & 2 offense (both RBs).

I am not happy with Quinn as a TE. Nor am I happy with Roland as an RT2.

It would take ice in the veins to wait until the 4th round to draft a RB. And it would be extremely risky. What happens if the remaining good RBs are gone by the Bengals pick?!?

I would also feel more comfortable with a Safety in the 3rd round (if not earlier).

WTS, this draft would create a CRAZY dominant defense for the next 5 years (easily).

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by mulligan

8 picks with 6 defense & 2 offense (both RBs).

I am not happy with Quinn as a TE. Nor am I happy with Roland as an RT2.

It would take ice in the veins to wait until the 4th round to draft a RB. And it would be extremely risky. What happens if the remaining good RBs are gone by the Bengals pick?!?

I would also feel more comfortable with a Safety in the 3rd round (if not earlier).

WTS, this draft would create a CRAZY dominant defense for the next 5 years (easily).

1. Why? He is yet to be activated and we don't seem to concerned with activating a 3rd TE.
2. With Roland, we aren't running the heavy set every other drive so I could't care at this point.
3. Ice? Probably not. RB's can be found in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Especially if you don't need an every down RB. DJ is just a specialist for us.
4. I don't see the need for drafting one high with the FA I gave us signing William Moore.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

I think the offense is almost there.
.

Our defense is currently better than our offense.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

Our defense is currently better than our offense.

And we could lose virtually half of it to free agency. Can't keep them all.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

And we could lose virtually half of it to free agency. Can't keep them all.

But you had us keeping most of them in your re-sign segment. Like I said, I like it (except for letting Howard walk in favor of Rey), but Gruden wouldn't.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

But you had us keeping most of them in your re-sign segment. Like I said, I like it (except for letting Howard walk in favor of Rey), but Gruden wouldn't.

What do we really need on offense?
Change of pace back - check
vertical threat WR - check

We have youth at every other position on offense.
We need to get younger and more athletic on offense. I don't think Jay would be that upset.

[RIPChrisHenry]

i liked everything you did but get kevin ogletree outa there, i about puked when i saw that.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by RIPChrisHenry

i liked everything you did but get kevin ogletree outa there, i about puked when i saw that.

care to elaborate?

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

What do we really need on offense?
Change of pace back - check
vertical threat WR - check

We have youth at every other position on offense.
We need to get younger and more athletic on offense. I don't think Jay would be that upset.

Who is this verticle threat WR? Dude from Dallas?

Ben needs to be the Change of Pace RB in this Offense, not the other way around.

Interior Olineman could help (I know you like the rotation approach)

A real backup QB could be an option.

I'm sure there's a lot Jay could petition for.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

Who is this verticle threat WR? Dude from Dallas?

Ben needs to be the Change of Pace RB in this Offense, not the other way around.

Interior Olineman could help (I know you like the rotation approach)

A real backup QB could be an option.

I'm sure there's a lot Jay could petition for.

Yes. Dude from Dallas.
Fine. Split carries with Ben and DJ.
Yes I just love it. Glad you like making things up still.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

Yes. Dude from Dallas.

Dude averages 12.8 YPC in his career. Tate averages 17.2. Why not just keep Tate if you want a WR that really doesn.t do jack?

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

Dude averages 12.8 YPC in his career. Tate averages 17.2. Why not just keep Tate if you want a WR that really doesn.t do jack?

AJ Green averages 15.1
Guys, bfine thinks Tate is better than AJ Green.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

AJ Green averages 15.1
Guys, bfine thinks Tate is better than AJ Green.

Silly really.

You said dude from Dallas could be "vericle threat".

I showed Tate is more of a "verticle threat"

Neither is very good (as was my suggestion we could draft a WR).

Somehow that led you to suggest I thought Tate is better than AJ.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

Silly really.

You said dude from Dallas could be "vericle threat".

I showed Tate is more of a "verticle threat"

Neither is very good (as was my suggestion we could draft a WR).

Somehow that led you to suggest I thought Tate is better than AJ.

Something led you to believe I like the center rotation.
So I figured I could make things up too.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

Something led you to believe I like the center rotation.

That was from reading you facebook page.

But to each his own.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

That was from reading you facebook page.

But to each his own.

Oh okay. Right.

Have fun thinking Tate is better than AJ.
To each their own.

[bfine32]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

Oh okay. Right.

Have fun thinking Tate is better than AJ.
To each their own.

Credit for defending your mock. Obviously, you don't like it when folks disagree with it.

[berserkerone88]

Originally Posted by bfine32

Credit for defending your mock. Obviously, you don't like it when folks disagree with it.

I don't mind. I don't mind at all.
But I will defend it.
But it gets annoying when you just resort to attempting pot shots at people of late.

[CincyGuy344]

Love the draft. Ansah could end up being great. I worry A.Ogletree wont fall to the 2nd but if he did I would love to see him in stripes I actually wouldn't be mad if we got him in the first....But it shouldn't be many picks away thanks to the raiders.
Greene I love I think he will start day 1 at WLB with Burfict at SLB
Mcfadden if there an instant nickle and depth
Johnson I don't know much about but I am really wanting Barner or how ever you spell it from Oregon
Who cares about the rest I would be buying season tickets
as far as WR Sanu will only get better and emerge as our 2 I love Hawkins and Jones playing in the slot and being a deep threat guy with reverse ability, whalen is OK in a pinch. Adding ogletree would help with depth and give us one more option.

[RIPChrisHenry]

Originally Posted by berserkerone88

care to elaborate?

do you???? what the heck is ogletree going to do here??? play ahead of sanu...no play ahead of marvin...no play ahead of hawkins no...play ahead of aj green...maybe.(figured id be rediculous too) play ahead of tate....hate to say it cuase i hate tate but no hes not...tate is a better option at wr then kevin. i sometimes wonder if the bengals have ****** for soo long cuz the bengals front office listens to morons like you on here.... i mean r u serious ha lets bring in.......wait for it....KEVIN OGLETREE!! hahaha uve gota be kidding me