Should the Bengals go after LeCharles Bentley?

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 11, 2008 7:18 PM EDT in Analysis

After passing his physical Tuesday, LeCharles Bentley had his agent request (and receive) his release because Bentley didn't want to be an "insurance policy". The Cleveland native suffered a torn patellar tendon, underwent four operations -- the final two were infections and a virus that had doctors thinking of amputating the leg -- missing all of 2006 and eventually all of 2007.

Bentley played with the Ohio State Buckeyes winning the 2001 Rimington Trophy (college's best center). He was drafted by the Saints (2nd round, 44th pick), moved to guard winning Sports Illustrated's Offensive Rookie of the Year (2002), making the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team. He went to the 2003 Pro Bowl, voted as an alternate in 2004 when he moved back to Center and voted back to the Pro Bowl in 2005.

Essentially, from 2002-2005, Bentley was a stud. No doubt. From 2006-2007, his body has simply degraded. Even though he cleared his physical, there's no telling how it will hold up against full contact.

Personally, we're not fans of Eric Ghiaciuc. Too many beastly men pushed the center into the backfield forcing Rudi Johnson to shift in the backfield (which has always been fatal). Dan Santucci could be well and good.

If money isn't a terrible factor (frankly we have no idea what he's looking for after two seasons off), do the Bengals go after him? One thing is for certain, he's ready and only signing if he starts: "I will be playing somewhere, starting, in '08 ."

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I know that I’m in the minority here, but I believe that we are going to be pleasantly surprised with Ghiaciuc’s play next season. Playing center well results from knowledge, not just physical ability, and in his 3rd season, I think Ghiaciuc will excel. Most of the Bengals position coaches have a weak track record, but Jones, Anderson, Steinbach, Braham have all been developed by Paul Alexander, and if he thinks Ghiaciuc is going to step up, I’m going to trust him. We don’t need another injury prone veteran getting our hopes up, and taking reps from young, promising players. Especially on the O-line where continuity is so important.

by R.F. Mehl on Jun 11, 2008 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

Plus...

Bentley reminds me of Ben Wilkerson. Though Wilkerson did little in the NFL, both were great college talents slowed badly by injury. And good point with Paul Anderson.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 11, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

I was thinking of writing this exact post when I saw the news!

Bentley has the following:

1. Past greatness in the NFL (pro bowl, etc.)
2. Ohio-roots (Go Bucks!)
3. Motivation (he wants to start)
4. Bitterness (He could show up the Browns twice a year – hey, it worked for Jamal “Over the Hill” Lewis)

The most any team can promise a player is that he will have an opportunity to start – I think Ghaiciuc’s performance last year gives him that chance. Further, his versatility (Guard and Center) may be an asset for the Bengals.

Assuming he passes the physical and doesn’t ask too much money, I say roll the dice.

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Jun 11, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions