Marvin Lewis impressed Roy Williams -- two signings expected before the NFL Draft

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 19, 2009 4:48 PM EDT in Analysis

I know the opinion on the site is split, but I'm in favor of bringing Roy Williams in for a look. I know his best days are behind him, that coverage has been an issue. As are coverage issues with the other safeties on the team -- hence Mike Zimmer's call for a cornerback that can play cover safety, which we think is close to the description that we're hearing of Malcolm Jenkins.

Furthermore, there's little reason to expect that Williams would come into Cincinnati and start based on any reputation. His cost is a weighty factor. But our Bengals are surely to keep that down -- because that's what they do, they keep cost down. Tim MacMahon believes that Cincinnati would actually get Williams' career back on track. He's clearly of a position with limited, if any, expectations. Keep it that way, have a look. If he is what we've heard of him, then don't worry about it. No harm, no foul.

My point is this. The Bengals are notorious for not even taking a look at players, some of whom are severely over-priced, and cheapness becomes an asset rather than a liability. However, the Bengals should at least take looks. With Chinedum Ndukwe, Marvin White, Chris Crocker and Corey Lynch, the Bengals could use an experienced veteran who could play a backup/special teams role. Will Williams want something like that? Unlikely. Still, it's always worth the look.

However, there is an impression.

Lewis also said that the Bengals will "probably," sign two players before the April 25-26 NFL Draft that will compete for starting jobs. Five-time Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams would obviously do more than that as the Bengals planned to talk to his agent after what defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer called a good workout at Paul Brown Stadium Thursday morning.

"He looked athletic and strong," Zimmer said.

Lewis spent much of the past two days with Williams and came away impressed.

"He's a great football player and he's a wonderful guy," Lewis said. "I'm glad we got to know him and he got to know us. He'd be a good asset for us. You can never have too many players and this guy has been an outstanding players. He makes plays that win games."

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Comments

Am I missing something?

Of all the positions that could use an upgrade, I do not see why we would spend big money on a safety that lacks in pass coverage. Do they really think that he shows more upside than Nduke? That money would be better spent at almost any other position.

by smoormandiddy on Mar 19, 2009 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

roy williams

I say sign him if possible and get a fa fullback before the draft

2009 will be fine !

by bengalwdey1 on Mar 19, 2009 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

I like the move if it's cheap

Seems pointless if it’s for big money. The defense could certainly use someone with presence and someone that can hit.

On the downside would be cost, inability to cover, penalty issues.

Perhaps we’re aiming to spend as much time as possible in the two Steelers games hunting Heinz Ward :D

by Squizza on Mar 19, 2009 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

useless it’s the WR Roy Williams of the Cowboys, I don’t see the point.

He’s another Dexter Jackson, who was, but no longer is, good.

by R.F. Mehl on Mar 19, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

Coverage Issue

I don’t see his lack of coverage as an issue. It was never an issue in Dallas. The guy made 5 Pro-Bowls without being a coverage DB so what makes it any different in Cincy

and to give credit where credit is due I think we have two fast enough corners as is to use Roy Williams in a different package then Cover 2. Why not bring in a run-stopping Safety to compliment Crocker and Ndukwe. Heck Ndukwe was injured most of last year so I don’t see the harm in loading up on DB’s, especially specialists and probably the best run-stopping safety in the game, its a win win

Then again you could argue we already have a hard-hittin safety in Crocker, who is pretty strong in the run game, but signing Williams to a 1 or 2 year deal doesn’t hurt anyone, worse comes to worse cut him

"yeah so basically you got a qb with a bum elbow and ocho who is half spanish half retarded and thats it on offense eh"

- Wally, Best Friend/Giants Fan

by Ocho85 on Mar 19, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

My initial reaction was one of horror but I also remember hearing, while he was in Dallas, that Roy was better suited to play safety in a 4-3- as opposed to Dallas’ 3-4. Also, perhaps the only member of the Bengals’ staff I have any faith in is Mike Zimmer and he’s obviously way more familiar with Roy’s strengths and weaknesses than any of us. Maybe Zimmer thinks he can make Williams a hybrid OLB/SS or has some other role envisioned for him. I seem to remember a brief period in which, due to injury, Ndukwe played a combination role like that. Long story short, if Zimmer wants him, I’ll trust that he fills a need that I may not see. If this were Marvin, Mikey, Bresnahan, or Leslie Frazier, I wouldn’t be so trusting. Plus, there is that ~~Heinz 57~~Hines Ward factor. ;-)

by IgnatiusJReilly on Mar 19, 2009 10:56 PM EDT reply actions