2008 NFL Draft: Mock my words - Bengals style - Secondary

By Shane Bulcher

Solid, not great.

That’s the best way to describe this year’s secondary class, which is without a stand-out cover corner or a light’s out safety (thanks to Malcom Jenkins and others who returned for their senior year).

The majority of the DB’s are outstanding athletes with tons of potential; on draft day there will be several DB’s taken in the first round, but there’s not a single can’t miss prospect available.

Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy 5-11/190 pounds
Projected: Top 15 Pick
McKelvin is so fast that he doesn’t look fast. Like many other players gifted with elite speed, he seems effortless when hitting top gear. He’s very good in coverage (despite his lack of interceptions, four career picks), but seems to disappear against the run. His best position on the field may be as a returner (seven career return touchdowns), where he was a game changer. Although he played against small schools, McKelvin seems like he’ll step in and make an impact immediately.

Kenny Phillips S Miami (FLA) 6-2/202 pounds
Projected: Late 1st Round
Phillips came to Miami as an all-world recruit with all of the major High School accolades, and he didn’t disappoint. He was the leader/enforcer of the “U” defensive unit during his three year tenure. His coverage skills are above average, but his strength is his physical play in the box or over the middle. His major weakness is his knack for being out of position and it could be exploited at the next level. He reminds me a lot of Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner.
Miami S Kenny Phillips Highlights

Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida 6-0/197 pounds
Projected: 1st Round
Many consider Jenkins to be the top cover corner in the draft. He has the ideal size scouts look for in a corner, and the speed to match. He needs to improve his run defense as most corners do though he does have the foundation to become an effective run stopper. His downfall may be the feared “Character Red Flag” after his arrest last summer for disorderly conduct (a misdemeanor). In the post Chris Henry-era, the Bengals are among many other teams that will have to look long and hard at Jenkins’ character.

Brandon Flowers, CB/S Virginia Tech 5-11/200 pounds
Projected Late 1st Early 2nd Round
Flowers is a hard nosed safety who loves to hit. He has great size and seems to play even bigger. He played cornerback in college, but I see him making the switch to safety where he can utilize both his coverage skills and his physical play against the run. I would really like to see him fall to the Bengals in the 2nd round because he could help address the Bengals’ weak run defense.
VT DB Brandon Flowers Highlights

Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee St 6-2/185 pounds
Projected: Mid First Round
Every year there is a player whose intangibles are more intriguing than his actual play. Rogers Comartie is a classic example. He used his speed, size and freakish athleticism to become the talk of the combine, thus elevating his stock from 2nd or 3rd rounder to a possible top ten selection. Rogers-Cromartie looks like a boom versus bust pick, so teams will have to weigh risk versus reward.

Aqib Talib, CB Kansas 6-2/205 pounds
Projected: Late 1st Round
Talib has the perfect cornerback mentality that he’s the best corner and can’t be beat. But, he can and he often is beat by double moves and good route runners. His blend of size and strength are at a premium in the NFL, and he has the athletic ability to return punts and kickoffs. A major blemish on his resume is the Kansas/Kansas St game, where Jordy Nelson owned throughout, beating him early and often.

Sleeper
Jamie Silva, S Boston College 5-11/200 pounds
Projected 4th-5th Round
Many have Siva pegged as a career backup/special teams ace. I think he’ll continue to produce at a high level in the NFL. In many ways his style of play is comparable to Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu. Silva really didn’t break onto the scene until his senior year in which he was an All-American who led the Boston College defense. His numbers were very impressive; 125 total tackles, two forced fumbles, eight interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. The numbers don’t lie, the kid is a playmaker and he could be a steal in the 4th round.

Overview
The Bengals will need to draft a DB or two with the loss of Madieu Williams and a potential loss of Dexter Jackson looming post June 1st. There is a chance that they would draft the best available DB in the 1st round if they trade down, but it looks highly unlikely that it will happen. I would look for Cincy to grab one with one of their 3rd round picks or their 4th rounder.