More Bengals Free Agency and Draft Buzz

by Mike Boyd on Feb 25, 2009 4:27 PM EST

I think the Bengals' efforts to attract high quality free agents will be hampered by the organization's poor reputation among players and agents, however free agent wide receivers may be attracted to the idea of playing with Carson Palmer.

Along those lines, Nate Washington of the Steelers is younger and faster than TJ and knows how to win. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com writes that former NFL personnel man Michael Lombardi, who writes for the National Football Post, actually rates Washington ahead of TJ. I really like that idea. TJ is tough but we are not going to get a discount. The idea of paying 32 year-old slot receiver $9 million+ a year seems risky. If Washington didn't drop so many balls, it would be a no-brainer. Also, what about the Titans' Justin McCareins?

Like Kirkendall, I continue to believe that the Bengals should draft a OT in the first round. Mel Kiper says Andre Smith of Alabama may now be projecting as a right tackle if he is viewed as not being able to control his weight. He showed up at the combine out of shape and refused to work out which has really hurt his stock. Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc. and NFL Network's Charles Davis still have the Bengals drafting Andre Smith but Kiper has them taking Jason Smith of Baylor. With all the negative buzz about Andre Smith, maybe Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe are better options. On the other hand, the guy is absolutely huge and looked pretty dominent to me at Alabama.

Amusingly, Kiper also writes that this is the WORST group of senior QBs he has ever seen.

We in the Jungle love the University of Cincinnati's Connor Barwin. Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc. writes that Barwin was so impressive in the combine that he has moved into a likely top 50 pick. Barwin ran the fastest 40 for Defensive Ends (4.66) and also led all defensive linemen in vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and shuttle run. He also displayed "hip fluidity" which means he also projects as an outside LB in a 3-4 or even as a "Sam" LB in a 4-3.

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Please not Nate Washington, i would rather get Caldwell and Simpson playing time. Washington is going to get a decent deal (4yrs 20m) from a team that needs WR help (Titans)

And it would be the best case scenario if Jason Smith was there at 6 for us, He is the best OT in the draft. He is for sure the best pass protector and he has the nastiest streak out of any of the OTs. He just needs more expirience in the 3 point stance. But he would step in right away and knock off 10 sacks from our 50 something we allowed last season, but i think Carson will knock another 15 off by himself.

by Joe Goodberry on Feb 25, 2009 5:52 PM EST reply actions

Jason Smith

I like your scenario. He was huge in the Combine. Reading/hearing that he’s likely to be the first offensive tackle drafted. If the first three are gone, and Andre Smith sticks around (which he likely will), I say draft defense.

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 25, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

Rethinking Andre Smith

While i agree Andre Smith’s weight issues may prevent him from becoming an elite LT i think he could be a starting RT or, better yet, one helluva guard. If we drafted him and put him at LG and moved Whitworth to his natural position of RT our line would be (6’5" 317, 6’4" 340, center, 6’4" 345, 6’7" 330). If we then get a big center like Jason Brown (6’3" 320) or Alex Mack (6’4", 316) we would would have a massive line that could support the power running game that Marvin wants to install. While this might not be the best pass blocking line it could be argued that a consistent run game creating less passing attempts and keeping the defense on its toes would protect Carson just as much as a better pass blocking line but Carson having to throw 35+ times with a defensive pinning their ears back blitzing.

by CincyMike56 on Feb 26, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

I also think that with the above stated Oline C. Benson would rack up 1,500 yards, our defensive would benefit from being on the field for significantly less time, and the the play action would be WAY more effective getting DB’s to bite and opening up Chad and Chris Henry for some huge downfield plays.

What do you think Kirkendall?

by CincyMike56 on Feb 26, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

I like it too. Jason Smith may go as early as second pick though.

by Mike Boyd on Feb 25, 2009 6:08 PM EST reply actions

he could go #1

by Joe Goodberry on Feb 25, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

You are right. If Jason Smith and Monroe are off the board, draft Curry or Everette Brown.

Kirkendall, what about trading down and taking Michael Oher at 10 or so?

by Mike Boyd on Feb 25, 2009 6:41 PM EST reply actions

i agree...trade back

We will have Teams that want that #6 pick. The Packers and the Broncos have switched to 3-4 defenses and they will both be looking for thier Nose Tackle (BJ Raji) and an Outside Pass Rusher (Maybin, Orakpo). So if we can move back from 9-14. we can still get Oher, A. Smith, Mauluga, Laurinitis, B. Wells, Moreno. We will have our pick without reaching

by Joe Goodberry on Feb 25, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions