Air Knowshon in Cincy?

by IFChris on Feb 24, 2009 5:17 PM EST in NFL Draft

The NFL Combine is full of news, although a lot of it doesn't necessarily concern the Bengals. The general consensus is the Bengals are going to draft an offensive line to build around Carson Palmer. The stats show it to be necessary and the fans want it that way.

However, there may be another name on the horizon, and if the rumor has any truth to it, I can't wait to see how Bengal fans react.

The one name that has surfaced over the weekend in association with the Bengals draft pick is Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno. According to one NFL scout, Moreno would not only bolster the Bengals running game but also the passing game should they lose one or two of their receivers. He called the running back electrifying and a game-breaker.

Being a fan of the Kentucky Wildcats, I'm well aware of Moreno's effectiveness while he was at Georgia, but, much like my Beanie Wells post, I'm not sure if this is the right move for a franchise that needs just about everything except a quarterback. Moreno was an awesome college running back, that much is true. However, his less-than-stellar NFL Combine performance -- especially in the 40 -- is troubling.

If the Bengals do go the Moreno route, this means in the past four seasons, the organization has gone through players like Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry, Kenny Irons and Cedric Benson with absolutely no solid starter to show for it.

Not since Rudi's day came and went, anyway.

So here we are, a month and some change away from the upcoming NFL Draft and the hubbub from the Combine has the Bengals eyeing yet another running back. Is Knowshon Moreno the answer for a team that might potentially lose the bulk of its starting skill players? Or is this more of a "back to the drawing board" approach?

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I really don’t get this. Moreno isn’t even the best back available- or that would be available to us anyway. It’s kind of like saying, “Well, we really don’t need a QB, we’re gonna draft one anyway, and, you know what, to hell with Sanchez or Stafford, we’re taking Rhett Bomar.” Okay, that’s an exaggeration, Beanie isn’t as far ahead of Knowshon as my example would imply but he’s certainly bigger, stronger, and faster. Still, much wiser to sign Benson even if his price is a little high and draft a Shonn Greene or a Donald Brown later.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Feb 24, 2009 6:56 PM EST reply actions

I just threw up in my mouth

There’s mock drafts I’ve seen, though not linked, in which has the Bengals taking Moreno. Is there any chance of him being around in the third round?

This says it all, Chris.

If the Bengals do go the Moreno route, this means in the past four seasons, the organization has gone through players like Rudi Johnson, Chris Perry, Kenny Irons and Cedric Benson with absolutely no solid starter to show for it.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 24, 2009 7:36 PM EST reply actions

Yeah

That was kinda surprising to see that in writing. Ugh.

by IFChris on Feb 24, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope this dosn't happen

I could see the bengals taking Beanie Wells simply because he would be effective selling tickets and jerseys to the Ohio State contingent of bengals fans. We all know Mike Brown cares more about running a profitable business than winning football games.

However Moreno at #6 doesn’t really make sense from any standpoint…. Lets hope we have the good sense to steer clear and pick either an OT or an impact front 7 player.

by CincyMike56 on Feb 24, 2009 8:17 PM EST reply actions

Whats the problem?

Am I the only person who doesn’t have a problem with this? I mean if they can get a center and a tackle in the 2nd and 3rd rounds then whats wrong with getting Moreno? I mean he is a very good elusive back that can separate from defenders. He can run up the middle and get around the edge. I think he would look great in stripes. Also like i was saying before they could also get a linebacker in round 4. They have many options with the 6th pick so let them get what they feel would be good for the team. You can’t let Perry stop you from drafting a rb in the first round. Perry was a Big Ten bitch and beanie wells is ALWAYS hurt. He doesn’t have a history of being injured and he played in the greatest conference in the SEC.

by Diesel2405 on Feb 24, 2009 11:31 PM EST reply actions

Moreno

Is he worth top 10 money? He was great in college and his 40-time is surprising considering how he ran away from SEC defenses. I still say protecting Carson is the priority, but, considering the potential losses Cincy is getting ready to take at the skill positions, drafting the best offensive player available in the first round and then concentrating on the offensive line in the other rounds is looking more and more attractive.

Is Knowshon the best we can get at 6? Why not Crabtree if that’s the thinking?

by IFChris on Feb 24, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

Well, in truth, nothing has changed since the off-season started. We didn’t expected Houshmandzadeh to re-sign and it was apparent early that they wouldn’t franchise him. I still think the need to draft a foundation-type offensive tackle, if his name isn’t Andre Smith and one of the other three are available, is the safest course.

Perhaps the team will replenish the skill ranks in free agency?

Also something to consider, there’s far more top-tier running backs and wide receivers in the draft than tackles. So that might be the ultimate reasoning.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 24, 2009 11:45 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

For one, as Chris points out, our ability to judge and draft running backs is historically terrible. It’s an awfully high price to pay considering that last year’s sixth round draft pick Vernon Gholston scored a five-year deal worth $32.5 million contract which includes $21 million guaranteed.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 24, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions