I spent the majority of draft weekend on the couch with my laptop on my, lack for a better word, lap and a remote in my hand frantically flipping back and forth from ESPN and the NFL Network.
Usually I don’t have the privilege of being so lazy on the weekend, but that weekend I was and I took full advantage of it.
Unlike the Bengals, I don’t have a front office full of executives, a knowledgeable coaching staff or full-time scouts. All I had was a couple of draft magazines and the thought that I know what is better for the Cincinnati Bengals than all of those people combined.
All that being said, I went through a series of emotions as the Bengals selected their players.
Let’s look back and see what the Bengals did and what I would have done and then found out who seemed to make the better choice.
ROUND 1 What I wanted to do - When ESPN annoucned that there had been at trade at the No. 7 pick, I was hoping that the Bengals traded up. Not to my surprise it wasn’t the Bengals that traded up, it was the New Orleans Saints, who wasted no time in selecting defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. Needless to say, I was pissed.
What the Bengals did - The Cincinnati Bengals stayed at the No. 9 spot and selected the top linebacker available in Keith Rivers.
Who made the right decision - Believe or not, the Bengals have appeared to make the better choice. By not trading up, which would have meant giving up the team’s third-round pick, the Bengals were able to select two possible defensive starters instead of one. Also, Rivers appears destined to be a great asset on the field, in the locker room and in the community. At the recent rookie workout session, Marvin Lewis said of Rivers, “It’s something kind of innate in him. He was kind of bringing that group together. When he wasn’t in a meeting, he was watching tape on his own. He already gets it.”
ROUND 2 What I wanted to do - At the time, I was excited to see Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly still on the board. Personally, I wanted the Bengals to pick Laws because of how impressive he looked at the NFL Combine and the fact he was born in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio.
What the Bengals did - Cincinnati shocked their fans by selecting Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson, who was on his way home from the flea market when he found out that he was going to be a Bengal.
Who made the right decision - I can be hard on the Bengals, but it isn’t fair to be hard on Cincinnati for this pick. Let’s try to remember that St. Louis selected the first WR in the draft when it picked Donnie Avery (Houston). Both Simpson and Avery were projected to be selected between the second and fourth rounds, so that pick might not have been a reach since no one projected any WRs correctly. Also, the more I hear about Simpson, the more I like him. He can jump over defenders (44 inch vertical) and has huge hands. I heard an interview with his college coach and it is obvious that he has left a lasting impression. A positive one. Score another one for the Bengals.
ROUND 3 What I wanted to do - Personally, I liked Texas A&M DT Red Bryant or Maryland DT Dre Moore with the first pick. Then with the second pick in the round I wanted the Bengals to select Florida WR Andre Caldwell or LB Beau Bell. I also wouldn’t have minded the Bengals taking N.C. State safety DaJuan Morgan.
What the Bengals did - With the first pick the team selected Auburn DT Pat Sims and then selected Caldwell.
Who made the right decision - In college, Sims was more of a playmaker while Bryant was a better run stuffer, who I believed to have the potential to be a leader. Personally, I was happy with the Sims pick because all I wanted was a quality DT. With the second pick, the Bengals picked the same player that I wanted. I would have been excited to see the team pick Bell, but with Rivers already in the fold it was smart to pick Caldwell. It is hard to say who made the better choice since we were thinking the same thing (DT then WR).
ROUND 4 What I was thinking - Call me obsessed, but I was still not satisfied at the DT position. Both my guys (Moore and Bryant) that I wanted in the third were still on the board. I desperately wanted that ticker to list one of those DTs. I also noticed that LB Xavier Adibi, S Craig Steltz and RB Tashard Choice were all still on the board.
What the Bengals did - I wasn’t expecting it at all, but the Cincinnati Bengals selected Kansas offensive tackle Anthony Collins.
Who made the right decision - The Bengals made the better choice - by far. I have a good feeling that Collins will be a starter on the offensive line for a long period of time. Willie Anderson is getting older and Levi Jones has terrible knees. In my mind, Collins could end up being the steal of the draft.
ROUND 5 What I wanted to do - Right before the Bengals fifth-round pick, New Orleans traded up in front of the Bengals, again, and selected another DT the team had to be interested in. The Saints selected N.C. State DeMario Pressley, who has the skills, but hadn’t performed up to expectations in his college career. Besides Pressley, I was hoping the team would select Texas DT Frank Odom.
What the Bengals did - The team took a giant risk in Fresno State Jason Shirley. Shirley was suspended from his college team three times last year. In October he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and a hit-and-run.
Who made the right choice - For once, I think that I may have had the better choice in Okam. However, Shirley could be a superstar if he could develop and stay out of trouble. He is just bigger and stronger than anyone he faces. Overall, the Bengals are taking a slight risk (fifth-round pick) after already selecting a DT in the third round. The risk could possibly have a big reward, but Okam is a proven DT that wants to eventually go to law school.
ROUND 6 What I wanted to do - After the Shirley pick, I stopped watching the draft. I lost my focus. However, that didn’t mean that I didn’t know what I wanted. I was surprised to see two of the three top centers available in Steve Justice (Wake Forest) and John Sullivan (Notre Dame). I also liked Kentucky QB Andre Woodson, North College Hill (HS in CIN) CB DeJuan Tribble, Iowa State DT Ahtyba Rubin and Cincinnati S Haruki Nakamura - all of which were still available when it was the Bengals turn to make their first selection of the sixth round. All were selected by the team’s second sixth-round pick, but USC RB Chauncey Washington, CAL RB Justin Forsett, Louisville WR Mario Urrutia, Arkansas WR Marcus Monk, Michigan WR Adrian Arrington, Hawaii WR Davone Bess and Oklahoma St. WR Adarius Bowman were all still on the board.
What the Bengals did - With the first pick in the round, Cincinnati selected Appalachian St. S Corey Lynch (right). The second pick, the team selected Villanova TE Matt Sherry.
Who made the right decision - Again, I love to give the Bengals props for pleasantly surprising me when they picked Lynch, who should be a valuable player on special teams and could eventually become a great player on defense as well. The Sherry pick was ridiculed, however Reggie Kelly is entering the second year of his three-year deal and you have to think that his career might be over once that contract runs out.
ROUND 7 What I wanted to do - The Bengals had already drafted two WRs, but there are handful of talented players still on the board in Louisville WR Mario Urrutia, Arkansas WR Marcus Monk, Hawaii WR Davone Bess and Oklahoma St. WR Adarius Bowman. Please pick one of them. Also, I couldn’t believe that Illinois LB Jeremy Leman and Boston College S Jamie Silva were still available. Please take one of them.
What the Bengals did - With the No. 244 overall pick, Cincinnati picked undersized Cincinnati defensive end Angelo Craig and then with its next pick it selected Urrutia.
Who made the right decision - I would have to call this a push, while I would have liked Leman or Silva - Craig does provide some much needed depth at the DE position. Then with only seven picks left in the entire draft, the Bengals selected the player I wanted in Urrutia, who is 6-foot-6 and dominated when he was a freshman. The only knock on him was that he didn’t improve, but in his defense he has battled injuries.
OVERALL
Usually I am kind of upset after the NFL Draft, however this year I came away completely satisfied. So I was surprised when I woke up on Monday morning and heard Cincinnati sports talk radio stations make fun of the draft, many giving the team average grades of C- through B-. Personally, I loved the draft and it shot up my interest and it needed shot after the annoying offseason this team is having.
As usual, this year’s draft provided some expected picks, some surprises and some that left us wondering what were they thinking? Overall, I had a feeling similar to that of eating at a fast food joint; I am full, and I had enough to eat, but the food could have been a lot better and I am just not satisfied. To get a better idea, I’ll look at the picks; the good, the bad and the ugly.
The most complete linebacker in the draft by far. Rivers is a born leader who is NFL ready. In the long run he may prove to be the best possible pick for a team searching for not only a leader on the defense, but a player that can help solidify the middle/heart of the defense. After Sedrick Ellis was selected at seven, the best scenario was to get Rivers and it luckily it came to fruition. He could be the new face of the unit, if we even had one.
After striking out on the top tier defensive tackles, the Bengals landed one of the best available in the third, in Pat Sims. Sims stats won’t grab your attention, but his hustle and style will. The coaches noted his toughness and serious upside after the pick. “He’s very athletic. He anticipates the snap. He’s quick, powerful. He can play both the three technique and be an inside pass rusher,” one personnel man said. I think Bengal fans everywhere exhaled with this pick due to the glaring need at defensive tackle.
We all know that the wide receiver position had become another need with the events occurring in the last couple of months. Getting Caldwell in the third was a steal, not only can he step in and play in the slot, but he’s also a tremendous return man. Also worth noting is his 40 time at 4.3, which was second best overall at the combine. You can coach technique, but you can’t teach speed.
I think this guy could end up being a starter at guard and eventually right tackle. He was generally graded as a second rounder, and even some “experts’ had him tabbed a first rounder prior to April 26th. It looks like the ideal situation, Collins can sit back and learn from the veterans for a year or two before being penciled into the line up. Another plus is he can virtually play every position on the O-Line aside from center.
First of all, I love the kid for his play against that team up north this past fall. On top of that he has that rare ability to be in the right spot at the right time. Big plays are his specialty and he will provide a solid back up and good special teams player. Some said he was headed for the third or fourth round going into the draft, so getting him in the sixth was a great value pick. Maybe he’ll be the next great Lynch at safety?
His intangibles (6-5 230 pnds, 4.6 40 yard dash) alone will raise eyebrows. He really shined as a Freshman and Sophomore at Louisville, but injuries hampered his Junior year as highlighted by Adam Kiefaber in his column leading up to the draft. I think this kid will prove there is reason he left school early, maybe not this year, but soon enough he will.
Did anyone see this selection coming? If so please let me know because not in a million years would I have called this one. He probably didn’t compete against a single player headed to the NFL in college, but he’s a phenomenal athlete who produced consistently. In hindsight, it may not be so bad. Many are saying the guy is a hard worker with great character. I hope management got this right with Simpson, and will eventually make us forget all about our current receiver situation. Another positive is there have been reports that the Steelers were poised to take Simpson with their second round pick, but the Bengals beat them to the punch. Who Dey!
There were few mock drafts that included Sherry’s name at all. At Villanova he was a role player for three years before he became a go-to guy his senior year. He has decent size and speed (6-3 245 pnds, 4.7 40 yard dash), and he utilizes both in the passing game. His glaring weakness is his blocking skills; many scouts say he can’t hold his own at all, even against sub-par competition. I think he looks like he’ll be assigned to the practice squad.
A hometown guy, Craig was a cornerstone of the Bearcats D. He’s known for playing with a mean streak and loves to get physical. Used primarily as a pass rusher, Craig saw action at both linebacker and end. He generally produced on effort alone because he lacks elite speed, and that could be his downfall in the NFL. He’s another guy that was tabbed for free agent, but hopefully Marvin and Co. saw something special.
I think Bengalnation let out a collective “not another one” after our 5th round pick was taken. Over the past three years we have heard enough about bad character, so why did the Bengals select a guy who has a case pending for DUI/hit and run? Does talent trump trouble? Apparently the Bengals think so, and I am not happy at all about this pick. Heck, the guy may go on to stardom, but…if he gets in trouble, be ready Marvin, because you will be sitting on the hot seat and you better be ready to take full responsibility.
Overall I wasn’t overly enthused with our picks, initially. But… after further review, I think the glass looks more half full than half empty. The front office (what we have of one) filled many holes, and landed players with some serious potential. I graded most of the picks as good. The reason I rated three picks bad is because I thought they were all reaches and could have been selected later. I think the 5th round pick of Jason Shirley was flat out ugly. We have to ask the question at this point, is it really worth taking another guy with a record? We’re not talking about a guy with a past or a questionable charge, his charges are pending and a court date is near. I think at some point you have to pull the plug on bad character completely. No longer can talent trump trouble, we won’t see change until that occurs.
Overall Draft Grade
B-
Other News
Former MVP running back Shaun Alexander is scheduled to meet with club officials in Cincinnati on Monday. The Boone County (KY) native has always made it known that he was raised as a Bengals fan and has always wanted to play for Cincy. Ironically the Bengals were expected to look at a running back in the draft, some even had them taking one in the first round. But they didn’t take one despite a deep class of running backs, but maybe they were looking ahead to negotiations with Alexander. For years Bengaldom has discussed the possibility of Alexander in stripes because of his interests. Although he is thirty something, he should be fresh due to injuries that have kept him off the field for a good portion of two seasons (he’s never suffered a knee injury). I personally think he’s ready to rebound, and he seems hungry to prove himself once again. On top of his ability, he would provide experience, leadership, and great character. He would also help crowd the backfield. Moves would have to be made to accommodate Mr. Alexander, both roster and financial cuts, but in his current situation he should be affordable. Stay tuned.
At first, I didn’t realize who Corey Lynch was, then I was quickly reminded that he was the guy who blocked the field goal that clinched Appalachian State’s upset over Michigan this season.
Personally, I love this pick. Lynch will provide the team with another player with great character (National Honor Society in high school) and a top-notch special teams player (six blocked kicks in college).
This pick provides great value. Lynch will be a special teams stud right away and has showed the ability to be a playmaker/team leader while playing at the safety position.
Corey Lynch Highlights (senior year)
Corey Lynch Highlights (junior year)
Corey Lynch Draft Video
After watching all that video has to make you a Lynch fan, however I don’t know if anyone is a fan of the Bengals other sixth-round pick Villanova TE Matt Sherry.
I don’t know anything about Sherry, except for the fact he majored in finance and had 3.84 GPA.
Everyone was under the impression that the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t afford another bad character guy, but Fresno State DT Jason Shirley was to phyically dominating that the team had to take a risk.
Shirley is one of the biggest DTs in this draft at 6-foot-5 338 pounds and he uses that size to dominate offensive linemen.
In 2007, Shirley was suspended three times.
This pick is obviously a risk, but has the opportunity to have a huge reward.
Overall, since this pick is risky, hopefully the Bengals have another DT they might target with their last four picks (two sixth rounders and two seventh rounders).
With current injury-prone offensive tackles Willie Anderson and Levi Jones, the Bengals were smart to add some depth in the fourth round with the selection of Kansas OT Anthony Collins
Many people might be unfamiliar with Collins (#78), but this pick could be another steal.
Pro Football Weekly had Collins rated as the No. 7 best OT in the entire draft class and USA Today Sports Weekly had Collins ranked No. 6 (ahead of eventual first-round pick USC OT Sam Baker). PFW projected Collins as a second-to-third rounder, as USA Today had Collins projected as a second rounder.
USA Today writes, “took advantage of the Jayhawks’ breakout 2007 seaon and his big first year on the left side to jump early to the NFL. Has the an outstanding frame with protoypical size but is inexperienced after only one season of high school football. Plays more with power than with quickness or agility. Not afraid to mix it up with bull rushers and has no problem moving forward and creating a push. Playing left tackle last year helped his stock. But without great footwork or quickness, he probably goes back to the right side.”
At first when I saw Collins’ name pop up on the draft ticker, I was disappointed because I wanted another DT and Maryland DT Dre Moore and Texas A&M DT Red Bryant were still on the board.
However, after taking a deep breath, I realized that this was a better pick. Levi Jones wants out of Cincinnati and his knees have actually already left. If Anderson doesn’t hold up this season, he might have to retire. And Stacey Andrews is signed only for one season with the franchise tag.
All that being said, Collins should have at least a season or two to develop before becoming a solid starter for a long time. Personally, I feel really good about this pick.
If you missed it Collins was a first-team All-American last year (the other OT on the team was No. 1 overall pick - Michigan’s Jake Long) and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy.
Say what you want, but I believe that the Cincinnati Bengals made their first steal in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Florida WR Andre Caldwell is lighting quick was predicted to be a second-round pick after running a 4.37 40 at the NFL combine.
USA Today Sports Weekly describes Caldwell as, “a versatile playmaker who has all the tools to become a reliable threat if he overcomes durability concerns that have plagued him since 2005. Accelerates smoothly and is not afraid to use his hands to create separation. Understands how to find openings in zones and has reliable hands to come up with regular and spectacular catches. Lacks great agility but has great speed and is a threat on end-arounds and the option pass. Comes from a pass-happy offense but has to find somebody willing to take a chance on his health.”
Last season, Caldwell caught 56 passes for 761 yards and had seven touchdowns in 11 games.
Overall, his health is a concern, but the pick isn’t that risky if you factor in that the Bengals used a extremely-late third rounder to acquire him. Just think about the bombs Carson Palmer can toss up there for Caldwell, who should be able to blow by past cornerbacks.
Like the Bengals first-round pick, you can’t be upset with the team drafting a major need.
USA Today Sports Weekly describes Sims as a, “classic boom-or-bust prospect who played like one of the best tackles in the country at times last year - but struggled early in his career and left the team in 2005 after a death in his family. He has a big frame and can play like an elite defender with explosiveness, burst and strength. Played most of last season with a cast on his hand to protect broken bones. Still lacks experience and maturity and sometimes wears down. If a team gets the most out of him, he could be a great find.”
The publication had the Auburn DT Pat Sims projected to be selected somewhere in the second-to-third rounds.
Last season, Sims had 37 tackles, 11.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Overall, Sims is pretty raw and has only started one year at Auburn. However, he showed that he is a playmaker and during games he appeared to be extremely quick for his size.
Again I like this pick, but I would like Cincinnati to select another DT with one of team’s remaining seven picks.
I would have liked the Bengals to pick Notre Dame Trevor Laws or Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly with this pick.
Simpson did have the top play on Sportscenter once, however the sports anchor mispronounced his name and called him “Sampson.”
Simpson moved up the draft board and is a great athlete, but again Laws and Kelly seem to have better value here. Let’s wait and see how Simpson performs.
Bengals need a linebacker and they get the best one in the draft in USC LB Keith Rivers
Shane Bulcher of Bengalstripes.com wrote in his in-depth look at the linebacker position as it pretains to the 2008 NFL Draft.
“Another four-year starter, Rivers came into USC with great expectations as he inherited the famous number fifty-five jersey. The same number worn by USC greats Junior Seau, Willie McGinest and Chris Claiborne. Rivers doesn’t seem to do anything exceptionally well, but he gets the job done and was a leader on a star-studded defense where he had to share tackles with a cast of All-Americans (only 78 tackles as a senior). Personally, the more I see, the less I like the idea of the Bengals drafting him at the nine spot, because he looks like a player who will be solid, but not great at the next level. One positive is that the Bengals are in dire need of leadership and strong character, and both are strengths of Rivers.”
The floor is now open, please comment your thoughts and opinions as the draft unfolds.
If you are someone who hasn’t commented before on Bengalstripes.com, you will have to wait until I moderate your first comment. After that initial comment, you will be able to fire comments on the site uninterrupted.
As the draft approaches and also during the draft I will be watching the site very carefully. I will try to update the site with new posts as the new players arrive.
Hopefully this “man child” will be the team’s first pick.
I spent the majority of draft weekend on the couch with my laptop on my, lack for a better word, lap and a remote in my hand frantically flipping back and forth from ESPN and the NFL Network.
Andre Caldwell or LB Beau Bell. I also wouldn’t have minded the Bengals taking N.C. State safety DaJuan Morgan.
What the Bengals did - With the first pick in the round, Cincinnati selected Appalachian St. S Corey Lynch (right). The second pick, the team selected Villanova TE Matt Sherry.
Everyone was under the impression that the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t afford another bad character guy, but 
Many people might be unfamiliar with Collins (#78), but this pick could be another steal.
USA Today Sports Weekly describes Sims as a, “classic boom-or-bust prospect who played like one of the best tackles in the country at times last year - but struggled early in his career and left the team in 2005 after a death in his family. He has a big frame and can play like an elite defender with explosiveness, burst and strength. Played most of last season with a cast on his hand to protect broken bones. Still lacks experience and maturity and sometimes wears down. If a team gets the most out of him, he could be a great find.”