Nothing against Rivers, but I am pretty uninspired. This is the result of Ellis being taken by the Saints and the front office refusing to think outside the box. i wonder if we could have traded down, addressed our need at WR in the end of first/early second round, and gotten more picks to try and get more talent on defense. Rivers is NOT a difference maker – and with our pathetic middle D-line, will be forced to fend off blockers all day. If this is Odell insurance, I think we could have gotten that in the later rounds. I am sure Rivers will be an effective pro, but c’mon, this is a let down.

I do like Rivers, what’s not to like, you know? But, it’s a little bit like Christmas when you really craved that BB gun but settled for the GI Joe with the Kung Fu grip. I admit, my heart fell a bit when Berman announced that NE had traded #7 and it wasn’t to us. I don’t know, maybe it’s the most practical, economical move we could have made. It just doesn’t have that sparkle to it. Hell with it. Welcome to a great athlete with outstanding character.

But the key with any pick is “value.” Was Rivers really worth a top ten pick? I would argue no. I think he’ll be a good player – maybe he’ll be a great player and prove me wrong – but it just seems that we could have done more from this spot. Our hand was forced by the Saints trading up to get Ellis. I think we could have traded down and ultimately turned this into a WR and a LB. Oh well, what’s done is done.

But, I also concur that this is MUCH better than picking a RB.

Alright fellas, I’m not even going to try to figure whom the Bengals will draft in the second round. But with LB locked up, the Bengals (in my opinion) are still in desperate need with DT and WR though RB and S are clearly positions they’re looking at.

I do like the Rivers pick.

Not for any play-maker ability, but I do think it helps re-seal our linebacker corp with a stable foundation again. We still really don’t have that guy since Odell’s rookie season.

Brooks is hardly on the field—either through disappointing the coaches (2006) or injury (2007). Who knows how Odell Thurman will play after a two-year layoff. Signing Dhani Jones this offseason was a reaction because our depth was fragile at best. Jeanty is best summarized as “solid”, Henderson simply can’t get on the field and the rest are guys that you can sign in any off-season to help ST and depth.

I agree with most of you that he’s not play-maker guy that will instantly wreck havoc. I’m talking long-term stability which is something this team definitely needs at linebacker.

Redskins pick is up. Watcha guys think????

Added Rivers’ quote on his blog about becoming a Bengal and Jeff FitzGerald’s quote.

Cowboys take Felix Jones at 22. Is 28 and their next year’s first- given how good they are and will be- enough for Chad. Okay, anything’s enough for me but for a tightwad like Mike?

There’s still no WR taken off the board.

Let’s hope Mendenhall is a bust. I’m sick and tired of the Steelers having good running backs!

With five offensive tackles gone, and the best guard gone, should the Bengals look at a potential third-round center?

Kentwan Balmer, Marcus Harrison, Trevor Laws and Pat Sims are available. And since I picked Rivers in the SB Nation Mock Draft, I’ll bet the team goes Sims and you all will look on me with incredible wisdom. :-D

Officially in mourning, here. Sims is most likely to be available but Balmer would be my preference. I also thinkmaybe Iowa State’s Ahtyba Rubin might be a steal at NT later- or even Victor Filipe from Eastern Washington either in 7 or as a free agent.