Cincinnati not on B.J. Raji's itinerary

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 29, 2009 12:47 PM EDT in NFL Draft

When I did a google search on the term "NFL Mock Draft", I got 1.34 million results. Of those 1.34 million results, we took 50 mock drafts, trying to solidify the popular pick that the Bengals will select sixth during the 2009 NFL Draft. With the help of Walrus, we learned that 24% of the 50 mock drafts had the Bengals selecting defensive tackle, B.J. Raji.

Personally, he's not my first choice -- I still think the sixth pick should be an offensive tackle. However, if the Bengals select Raji, I won't complain (much).

Will the Bengals look at the defensive tackle? PFT writes, according to a league source, that Raji will visit five teams during an upcoming tour of NFL teams. They are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. No Cincinnati.

Now, this really doesn't mean anything. Cincinnati could have seen enough to draft him anyway, already having coached, interviewed and generally checked him out during the Senior Bowl. Also, we're a month away from the draft so a visit can happen anytime from now until then. So while there's really no overall point to this post, I thought you fellas (and fellow-ettes) would like to know.

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I think Marvin Lewis knows that with Sims playing better than expected, Peko earning a lot of money, with Jason Shirley and Orien Harris playing the back end as potental playmaking DT’s, I don’t see room for B.J. Raji, even if 3 tackles were off the board (Smith/Monroe/A.Smith) because spending pick 6 for a DT, just does not really go with the Marvin Lewis drafting scheme.

Personally if we address DL, I’d perfer Mitch King in round 3. I’ll take a Justin Smith like player, with heart, motor, a bull rush and a potential team leader for a lot less, than selecting Raji.

by "Mr. NC-17" on Mar 29, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

eeeek

im not completely sold on raji. i dont like the idea of drafting a DT with the 6th pick. if 3 tackles are off the board, i would like the bengals to consider a running back or a defensive end

by Braveslax1012 on Mar 29, 2009 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

Does anyone have faith in the bengals to trade down?

I know our front office is among the leagues worst but if three OT’s are taken in the top 5 picks that means that SOMEONE had to drop (Stafford, Crabtree, Curry). If its Curry we sprint to the podium faster than Usain Bolt and pick him but we all know that is unlikely. But if Crabtree and Stafford are there there HAS to be teams looking to trade up to land arguably the best player in the draft at #6. This lets us take Ray Maualuga or Michael Oher in the middle of the first round, save money, and get more picks. Sound like a no brainer right?

by CincyMike56 on Mar 29, 2009 8:46 PM EDT reply actions