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.
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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.
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.
What if the Cincinnati Bengals are sitting at the No. 9 spot in the first round and the defensive stud they wanted is gone?
Many of us (fans) are hoping that USC DT Sedrick Ellis will be available, but what if a different team trades up to take him?
With the new draft format (less time to pick) it might be harder to trade down, so the Bengals might have to make a quick decision.
There is a very good chance that decision would result in the team selecting a running back.
So, let’s take a quick look at what might be the deepest position in the 2008 NFL Draft.
ROUND ONE With the No. 9 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Bengals select …
Arkansas RB Darren McFadden - There is a slim chance that McFadden will still be on the board here, however if Ellis is gone there is a chance he might slip. In this situation, DE Chris Long, DT Glenn Dorsey, OT Jake Long, DE Vernon Gholston, Ellis, CB Leodis McKelvin, OT Ryan Clady and QB Matt Ryan would all have to be selected before McFadden (this is very possible). If McFadden does slip to No. 9, it should be easy for the Bengals to trade down considering that their phone will be ringing off the hook with trade offers. Personally, I would love to have McFadden despite his character issues. I have followed his entire college career and he is the best running back that I have ever seen (better than last year’s rookie of the year Adrian Peterson). So passing on McFadden, if he falls to No. 9, could haunt the Bengals for a long time.
Arkansas RB Darren McFadden highlights
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall - It is a sensitive issue when it comes to the Bengals drafting a running back in the first round, especially when you consider the previous selections of Ki-Jana Carter and Chris Perry. However, if there is a running back that Cincinnati fans are excited about it is Mendenhall, who is receiving high praises on team message boards. Believe it or not, there are a lot of Bengal fans out there that would rather have Mendenhall than Ellis. Right now, he is being compared to LaDainian Tomlinson, which at first I disagreed with, but after thinking about it - the comparison actually fits. Mendenhall probably won’t be as good as “LT”, but he is going to be a solid every-down back for a long time. He would definitely be a safe pick.
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall highlights
OTHER ROUNDS Quick Overview
The Bengals have so many needs that it makes it hard to imagine that the team will select a running back until very late in the draft, that is if they don’t pick one in the first round.
One of the above RBs might slip to the third round and the with the team having two picks that round, selecting a running back might be a good idea when you consider the talent available. If the team passes on a RB in rounds one through four, it might be useless to pick one at all. If one of the above backs don’t slip, the Bengals might be looking at UCF Kevin Smith, Georgia Tech Tashard Choice or Tulane RB Matt Forte in rounds three and four.
CURRENT RBs
Rudi Johnson (Age: 28) - Johnson looked terrible last season. Biased sources will tell you the reason was because of a hamstring injury, but Johnson has been injured his entire NFL career (usually misses most of the team’s practices leading up to games) and it never hurt him before. In his defense, he needed better blocking from his offensive line, but it appeared as if Johnson was just walking up to the line of scrimmange and then falling down. He didn’t look like the Rudi of old and it showed as he rushed for only 497 yards on 170 carries (2.9 per carry!), had three touchdowns and three fumbles. Hopefully he can come back and continue his successful career, but if he can’t I would like to thank Rudi for his services - he was a great player and a great person (very nice and approachable).
Kenny Watson (Age: 30) - Watson is extremely underrated. Many NFL experts claim that he shouldn’t be a starter and can’t handle being an every-down back, but he had a solid season last year. The former collegiate wide receiver rushed for 763 yards on 178 carries (4.3 per carry) and had seven touchdowns. Watson continued to be a solid receiver out of the backfield, on the year he caught 52 passes for 374 yards. Like Rudi, Watson is not the long-term answer at RB. Despite his solid play, his age is getting up there (30 is old among NFL RBs).
Chris Perry (Age: 26) - Like previous first-round pick Ki-Jana Carter, Perry has been injured for almost the entire duration of his Bengal career. He did show flashes of brilliance in 2005, when he rushed for 279 yards on 61 carries (4.6 yards per carry) and had 51 receptions. It will be interesting to see how Perry plays this preseason after sitting out the last two seasons (played a little in ‘06).
Kenny Irons (Age: 24) - No one is expecting Irons to even play this season. He is actually supposed to be placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) when the time comes at the end of the preseason.
DeDe Dorsey (Age: 23) - Dorsey, the new fan favorite, could have trouble making the roster this season. He finished the year with 183 yards on 21 carries (8.7 per carry) and had a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown. Dorsey is small and not an every-down RB, but he showed that he could be a playmaker. Like Perry and Irons, Dorsey has some injury concerns after suffering a high ankle sprain at the end of the season.
OVERVIEW
With five quality backs on the roster, it wouldn’t seem like the Bengals should draft a running back this week. However, Rudi might be on his way out, Watson can’t last forever and the other three backs are injured. If the team picks Mendenhall or McFadden, don’t be surprised if the Bengals trade Rudi, but like a teammate with the same last name it might be difficult because Rudi is owed a significant amount of signing bonus money. If Cincinnati picks up a RB in rounds two through four it could mean that Perry and Dorsey might be released. Don’t rule out the possibility that the Bengals could keep four RBs on the roster this regular season because Dorsey is a backup return man and a playmaker on special teams. If the Bengals don’t draft a RB in rounds one through four, I expect them to draft a RB in the seventh round or to sign an undrafted free agent to compete with Perry and Dorsey.
Please join us online at Bengalstripes.com for live draft discussion. I want to have a record amount of comments, so please sign up and give us your opinion. The NFL Draft begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 ET on ESPN and on the NFL Network. Rounds three through seven will be on Sunday starting at 10 a.m. ET.
With very little linebacker hype in this year’s draft, one would think this year’s class must be sub-par.
But looking at the players in detail, I think it is full of solid and potentially great players. Out of all the linebackers, I have targeted six that could step in and play right away, and just maybe become a cornerstone of a Bengals’ defense that was ravaged by injury at the position.
Dan Connor, Penn State 6-3/235 pounds Projected: Late 1st, early 2nd round
Four-year starter at Linebacker U, Connor was an impact player from the day he stepped in at Happy Valley, recording 85 tackles as a freshman. Connor is an outstanding overall athlete who can go sideline-to-sideline with ease. His speed won’t shock you, but his tenacity and smarts more than make up for it as he’s always around the ball. The kid seems to just have the “it” factor.
Keith Rivers, USC 6-3/225 pounds Projected: 1st Round
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. 2006 Highlights of Keith Rivers
Jerod Mayo, Tennessee 6-2 230 pounds Projected: Late 1st early 2nd round
Mayo is a stout, rangy linebacker who has a nose for the ball. He will most likely settle in as a middle linebacker where he can utilize his strengths against the run. His weakness is his cover skills against quick running backs or tight ends. Prior to the scouting combine and workouts, many had Mayo ticketed for the late second, early third round. Now, after impressive performances he has elevated his stock to late first, or early second. 2007 Highlights of Jerod Mayo
Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma 6-0 238 pounds Projected: 2nd Round
Lofton (pic - above right) is built like a fire hydrant, and consistently runs over players with his brute strength. If you were to describe him in one word it would be explosive. His numbers were gaudy (157 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 3 INT and 2 touchdowns) against top-level talent. He’s one of the best against the run, but like many young LB’s he will need to improve his coverage skills in the NFL. I hate to say it, but his play reminds me a lot of Odell Thurman, as he has the ability make big plays and consistently blows up ball carriers. I think he would look very nice in stripes. 2007 Highlights of Curtis Lofton
Beau Bell, UNLV 6-3 245 pounds Projected: 3rd or 4th round Beau Bell (left) is a manimal. The guy has the measurables, intangibles and raw potential to be a great linebacker in the NFL. He looks like the best overall athlete at the linebacker position in this year’s draft. The only knack on him is that he often over pursues on plays and puts himself out of position, which coincidentally has been a serious problem for the Bengals. And he’s known for slowly picking up the playbook, which will hurt his stock as well. He could be one of those guys who could slip, but end up being a big steal in the third round.
Jeremy “J” Leman, Illinois 6-3 243 pounds Projected: 3rd to 5th round
Many may be surprised to see his name here, but this guy can flat out play. He’s not a workout warrior, but once he straps his chinstrap, there are few that work harder and produce more than Mr. Leman. He was the defensive leader for the Illini in both his junior and senior campaigns, in which he helped engineer a Rose Bowl birth. In my opinion, he’s a poor man’s A.J. Hawk, he won’t blow you away at the combine but he will on the field.
In a perfect (my) world, the Bengals land Sedrick Ellis with the first pick, then snag Curtis Lofton with their second round pick. This would add two young and extremely talented players to attack a weakness that has been a chronic problem for the Marvin era and beyond.
Please join us online at Bengalstripes.com for live draft discussion. I want to have a record amount of comments, so please sign up and give us your opinion. The NFL Draft begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 ET on ESPN and on the NFL Network. Rounds three through seven will be on Sunday starting at 10 a.m. ET.
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and Cincinnati fans are eagerly awaiting to see what will happen on April 26 at 3 p.m.
No one even knows what the Miami Dolphins will do with the No. 1 overall pick.
However, one thing is certain, the Bengals will not pick a wide receiver with the No. 9 overall pick.
That doesn’t mean the team doesn’t need one.
As we all know, Chris Henry is gone, “the wide receiver” might be playing his last season in Cincinnati and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the last year of his contract.
Several names (OU’s Malcolm Kelly and IU’s James Hardy - left) from 2008 WR class have linked to the Bengals and the team is expected to draft at least one during that last weekend in April.
I believe that the Bengals will be hoping that its favorite WR prospect falls into their lap in the second or third rounds. If USC DT Sedrick Ellis is gone by the No. 9 pick, the team may trade down and draft a WR.
If the team doesn’t trade down, then it seems that the Bengals will be looking at wide receivers in rounds two through seven.
ROUND TWO - Bengals would love to have - Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly - It is obvious that the Bengals are interested in Kelly, who at one time was considered the top WR prospect in the entire draft. After a slow 40 time (4.68) at his pro day, Kelly’s stock may have slipped to the second round. 2007 HIGHLIGHTS OF MALCOLM KELLY
2006 HIGHLIGHTS OF MALCOLM KELLY
Indiana WR James Hardy - Like Kelly, Hardy is one of the few prospects that has come in for a visit with the Bengals. Hardy, also like Kelly, is a tall target. Hardy is 6-foot-6 and Kelly is 6-foot-4. OTHERS TO CONSIDER LSU WR Early Doucet - Not as tall or physically impressive as Hardy or Kelly, but is more versatile. Doucet could fill the need for a punt returner. However, he has injury concerns and I personally have a bad feeling about him (not a good fit in Cincy). Florida WR Andre Caldwell- Has durability issues, but is a playmaker. His biggest asset is his speed (4.37 40-yard dash). Michigan WR Mario Manningham - His stock is slipping. His 40 time was 4.6 at the combine and has some character issues, which is something the Bengals will be looking to avoid. That all being said, Cincinnati may draft Manningham because he has the potential to become a No. 1 WR and the team seems to like players from Michigan. PLAYERS THAT WILL BE LONG GONE
Honestly one of these prospects might fall in the draft, but I can’t imagine any of them being available by the time the Bengals are on the clock in the second round. MSU WR Devin Thomas, CAL WR DeSean Jackson and Texas WR Limas Sweed.
MIDDLE ROUNDERS The best prospects at WR might be found in the middle rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft, but you better be careful because it might be tricky picking the right one. Personally I like - Kansas St. WR Jordy Nelson - USA Today has Nelson being selected somewhere in the third or fourth rounds. I like his work ethic. It might be a season or two before he excels at the NFL level, but I don’t see why he couldn’t be another Housh-type WR. Oklahoma St. WR Adarius Bowman - Last year at this time, many draft followers were predicting that Bowman would be the next Calvin Johnson (top-ten pick at WR). However, after a few drops during the Senior Bowl, his stock has fallen and USA Today has him being selected in the fifth round. Personally, I think Bowman will be a superstar someday. Cincinnati will probably shy away since he has had character problems in the past. Louisville WR Mario Urrutia - I remember watching Urrutia as a freshman and thinking that this kid was going to be the next great receiver. At the time, I thought that having this giant (6-foot-6) at WR just wasn’t fair for the opposition. In his first three collegiate games, he caught 17 passes for 446 yards and scored three touchdowns. He does have durability issues, but I think he could be a star in the Bengals offense. Experts have Urrutia being selected somewhere between the fifth and seventh rounds.
CURRENT WRs
“The WR” (Age: 30) - Turn on the T.V.
T.J. Houshmanzadeh (Age: 30) - Housh is in the last year of his contract and will be 31 in late September. Common sense would have you believe that the Bengals will sign Housh to a multi-year deal very soon.
Antonio Chatman (Age: 29) - Chatman hasn’t been healthy since signing with Cincinnati in 2006. In 2005, he caught 49 passes for 549 yards and had five touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers. It is hard to imagine that he will be able to put up numbers like that ever again.
Glenn Holt (Age: 23) - Even though the team’s official Web site isn’t high on Holt, he is only 23 and showed at times (five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown a in a game against Cleveland) that he could be a solid third option at WR. Holt is currently the team’s best option at kick returner.
Doug Gabriel (Age: 27) - Gabriel didn’t play in the NFL at all last season, which has many believing that he will not make the team. If the season started today he would be on the team, but come preseason he will be battling a couple of rookies for a roster spot. Gabriel can be used as a kick returner.
Marcus Maxwell (Age: 24) - Like Gabriel, Maxwell will have to earn a spot on the roster. I remember his five-yard catch in the Buffalo game, but that didn’t show us much. Maxwell is 6-foot-4 and lanky.
OVERVIEW
The team has 10 picks in the NFL Draft and figure to have at least two open spots on its roster. To me it seems as though there is a deep pool of potentially solid WRs. The problem is, if you ask one person to list the top-five prospects at WR and then ask the next person, each list of prospects would be completely different. The best way to describe this year’s wide receiver class is that it is “hit or miss.” So, if Cincy lands Ellis with the No. 9 pick, I would like the Bengals to pick a WR or a linebacker with the second rounder. The team has two third-round picks. It would be ideal if the team would pick DT, LB and then use both third rounders on WRs that way the team should strike gold on one of them.
Malcolm Kelly rapping after the BIG 12 Championship in ‘06
Coming soon: New Bengalstripes writer Shane Bulcher will break down the linebacker position.
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.”
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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). 
Many of us (fans) are hoping that USC DT Sedrick Ellis will be available, but what if a different team trades up to take him?
But looking at the players in detail, I think it is full of solid and potentially great players. Out of all the linebackers, I have targeted six that could step in and play right away, and just maybe become a cornerstone of a Bengals’ defense that was ravaged by injury at the position. 
Beau Bell (left) is a manimal. The guy has the measurables, intangibles and raw potential to be a great linebacker in the NFL. He looks like the best overall athlete at the linebacker position in this year’s draft. The only knack on him is that he often over pursues on plays and puts himself out of position, which coincidentally has been a serious problem for the Bengals. And he’s known for slowly picking up the playbook, which will hurt his stock as well. He could be one of those guys who could slip, but end up being a big steal in the third round.
No one even knows what the Miami Dolphins will do with the No. 1 overall pick.