The Bengals could already be set at D-Line and Linebacker

by Kirkendall on May 14, 2008 7:36 PM EDT in Analysis Comment 6 comments

It was pointed out by loyal reader IgnatiusJReilly, that Eric Henderson, a hybrid DE/LB (if that's even the case) worked mostly with the defensive ends during Tuesday's OTA. Geoff Hobson projects that the Bengals will keep seven linebackers and four defensive ends. In 2007, the Bengals kept seven linebackers. In 2006, they kept eight.

If they keep eight (the higher number), we can project the following will make the team:

Odell Thurman
Keith Rivers
Dhani Jones
Ahmad Brooks
Rashad Jeanty
Corey Mays
Brandon Johnson
Darryl Blackstock

Guys like Jim Maxwell, Anthony Hoke and Dan Howell, unless they blow our freaking mind (man) will be casualties when the Bengals need to bring the roster to 53.

Now, let's presume the eight defensive linemen (a constant number in 2006 and 2007):

Antwan Odom (DE)
Robert Geathers (DE)
John Thornton (DT)
Domata Peko (DT)
Michael Myers (DT)
Jonathan Fanene (DE/DT)
Pat Sims (DT)
Eric Henderson (DE)

Guys like Titus Adams, Michael Marquardt and Antwon Burton would be the defensive line's casualties. But, as you noticed, where does Pat Sims go? As it is, the Bengals have three true defensive tackles and Fanene that's played end and tackle. He just signed a three-year deal, so we'd assume that the Bengals will dump Rucker in favor of Sims. Then where does Jason Shirley go? Obviously the Bengals won't let Odom, Geathers, Peko or Fanene go. Myers could be cut, as could Thornton (salary cap). But that's putting a lot more faith on a character guy that I believed the Bengals wouldn't take. Anyway, I removed Myers and Rucker.

Antwan Odom (DE)
Robert Geathers (DE)
John Thornton (DT)
Domata Peko (DT)
Pat Sims (DT)
Jonathan Fanene (DE)
Eric Henderson (DE)
Jason Shirley (DT)

It would seem to me, with those two units, that the Bengals are already set. Unless, of course, the underdogs start blowing people's minds. Guys like Myers and Rucker could be the first to go and the linebackers, Johnson and Blackstock aren't guaranteed a spot at all.

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d-line

great list, but did you forget Pat Sims? Don’t you think he’ll make the rotation?

by njbengal on May 14, 2008 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're way too quick on the draw... :)

I had posted accidentally before finishing. LOL!

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on May 14, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Though he is working at DE at this OTA, I think Henderson’s size- 6-2, 263 compared to Ahmad Brooks’ 6-3, 270- makes him a hybrid at best. I wonder if we could keep sixteen LBs and linemen, with Eric as a wildcard?

I think I’d put Blackstock above Corey Mays because of his game experience, maybe even Johnson as well. On the line, I’ve got this weird feeling about Rucker, like he’s really gonna bring it this year. If I was allowed to toy with a defensive line-up, I’d put Geathers, Sims, Shirley, and Odom up front, with Brooks, Thurman, and Rivers backing them. I know, I know, but I’m just imagining almost 700 pound in the middle and ignoring both Ahmad’s looming legal situation and Odell being out of the game for two years.

by IgnatiusJReilly on May 15, 2008 1:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

IJReilly's got my Vote/Wish

With these exceptions. Jones or Jeanty will start for Brooks. The guy has physical talent, but just doesnt get it. Duh! And I can’t see Henderson hanging around.

LOVE THE SIMS – SHIRLEY CLOG in MIDDLE. I’ll take these young FAT boys vs Browns has-been Fat boys.

by emdrr on May 15, 2008 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE: Geathers, Sims, Shirley, and Odom up front, with Brooks, Thurman, and Rivers (at LB)

What’s neat about that lineup, which is very realistic, is that only two players of the seven players started last season with the Bengals. That’s turnover bro! Though I’m sure they’ll keep Thornton and Peko and use Sims and Shirley on rotation. Which, in itself, isn’t a bad thing… our talent level at DL and LB has definitely grown this off-season.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on May 16, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

TURNOVER Bro is a plus

Turnover (of defense) is what I’ve been wishing for since Lewis arrived. Never thought it would take this long to be done. The is nothing better than going to a game knowing your team will be DEFENSIVE MAULERS! If you cant win the game at least you put some serious HURT on teams in our division, especially the WorthlessBurger’s. Send ‘em home with crutches an ice packs!!!!

by emdrr on May 16, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs