All week Bengals fans expected their team to select Andre Smith. However, UVA OT Eugene Monroe fell to No. 6 and the Bengals decided to stay with the big Alabama tackle.
BENGALSTRIPES – When the Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson, everyone that Cincinnati Bengals fans wanted all dropped a spot. Whether you wanted Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree Wafe Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe or whoever, they all dropped meaning Cincinnati should be able to avoid the question mark that is Alabama OT Andre Smith.
The Jackson pick, made Curry drop to Seattle, which was rumored to be interested in Monroe. The Browns, who don’t seem to be in the market for a offensive tackle, traded out to the New York Jets for their No. 1, No. 2 and three other players. Once that move was made it seemed that USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was going to New York.
Then he did.
Sanchez and Jackson going in the top-5 gave the Bengals a no-brainer, select the top player in the greatest position of need – left tackle – pick Monroe, who also happens to be the top player on Bengalstripes.com’s board.
Selecting Monroe would have been a huge addition to the line and would have given the Bengals a top-flight left tackle (I don’t care what Mel Kiper says). Here is a highlight film on Monroe.
All that was fine and good, but the Bengals decided to pick the troubled OT. Andre Smith, who was the best OT in college football last season and seemed to be the pick if Monroe or Jason Smith weren’t available. However, the Bengals must have been already sold on Andre and picked the big boy, so let’s all hope that it works out.
Now the debate will ensue. It is time to follow both Monroe’s and Andre Smith’s careers. Who will be better? Only time will tell.
