If you don't think that the Bengals will draft Michael Crabtree, let me tell you something

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 22, 2009 1:32 PM EDT

We often realize this time of year that teams and coaches will say and release anything that personally benefits them and their team. If the Bengals know another team is looking at Michael Crabtree behind them, then the Bengals will either talk about how great Crabtree fits into their system, or have a source leak to the press of their intentions. I'm using Crabtree specifically for a reason. Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes that the Browns "have all but crossed off Michael Crabtree as a candidate for the No. 5 overall pick, said a source."

The Texas Tech receiver brought a diva attitude on his visit to the club facility last week and did not impress coach Eric Mangini and others, the source said. In fact, Crabtree was described by some in the building as "not nice." After Crabtree left, Mangini secured last-minute workouts with borderline first-round receivers Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia.

Fantastic. Taking this at face value, without the Browns picking up Crabtree, that only means he'll be there with the sixth pick and the Bengals run the risk of picking up a diva wide receiver in a year in which wide receiver isn't even on the radar of critical needs.

I know what you're saying. I can feel it. Your laser-like eyes are penetrating through the servers and back to my screen. If they keep Chad Johnson, there's no reason that the Bengals draft Crabtree. That scenario only exists if they trade Chad Johnson. Right? Hello? To which I counter; they traded down (or up... well, back) their first pick in 2004 to position themselves for Chris Perry. They turned down the Saints offer of six draft picks in 1999. To draft Akili Smith.

"It was hard to turn down, but we did," Mike Brown said at the time. "We have gone a long time here trying to solve our quarterback problem. I am convinced that is our principle problem. We've got to get it resolved at some point on a satisfactory basis."

So yea. You don't think that the Bengals won't draft Crabtree? Let me tell you something.

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That is who I have in my Mock and everyone has laughed at me!

I told everyone, don’t be surprised. The Bengals are always full of draft day “what the heck” moments. I would not be surprised with or without Ocho Cinco being traded that they make that move. I am telling you if he is there look for the Bengals to take him or Beanie Wells. I just have a hunch!

Check out my Mock: http://www.cincysportsfanatix.com/2009/04/with-first-pick-of-2009-nfl-draft-lions.html

the CSF
www.cincysportsfanatix.com

cincysportsfanatix.com

by cincysportsfanatix.com on Apr 22, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

If Mike Brown drafts Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin with the 6th pick in this draft, I will overindulge in White Castle hamburgers, find Mike Brown’s house, and take a big Nixon on his front porch. The only exception would be if Chad were moved for a late first or early second…nah, no exceptions.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 22, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

"Well, our philosophy is to go after the best player available in the draft, regardless of position."

…Just had to throw that one out there again.

by TheWalrus1971 on Apr 22, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

6th Pick

Any WR is a big NO. Any of the top OT’s will be great. If Curry falls, that will work too. Hell, I know I’m going against the grain on this one but I wouldn’t be overly pissed if we took Knowshon Moreno. NO WR’s NO QB’s and NO BENNIE WELLS

by smoormandiddy on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

I'm With You...

I love Knowshon Moreno, but I still don’t know about using the #6. Frankly I’d rather see us draft Crabtree over Bennie.

by laibach on Apr 22, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

What's to say

That what the Browns said about Crabtree is not misinformation too?

Using the term “not nice” to describe him has to be one of the single worst alleged quotes I’ve ever seen.

by Squizza on Apr 22, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

RE:

Maybe it’s the Browns way of saying…

“He’s a jerk, don’t trade ahead of us to draft him” while secretly writing up a contract. Though I think that’s a big stretch — who would trade inside the top-five for a WR?

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

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 22, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Your analysis is logical…and horrifying if it comes to pass.

by Mike Boyd on Apr 22, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

Horrifying?

It will be for Mike when he steps in it!

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 22, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe...

You’d better stock up on some Benefiber…LOL

by laibach on Apr 22, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I am with Ignatius – after finishing 32nd in offense last season if we draft a WR at #6 instead of bolstering the line, I will be sick. You can’t win in AFC North without being able to run the ball inside. The Bengals can’t run the ball inside without a stronger RT.

by Mike Boyd on Apr 22, 2009 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

Here's something odd.

According to PFFFFFT:

“Eyebrows were raised earlier today when 49ers G.M. Scot McCloughan suggested that teams might try to trade up to get either USC quarterback Mark Sanchez or Alabama tackle Andre Smith.

Sanchez was no surprise; the shocker was Smith.

Per a league source, the current thinking is that Smith will go to the Bengals at No. 6 or to the Packers at No. 9. Thus, if someone below spot No. 9 thinks that Smith is the real deal (notwithstanding his Pro Day burlesque show), then they need to get to No. 5 to get him, or to No. 7 or 8 if the Bengals pass."

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 22, 2009 8:47 PM EDT reply actions