Mike Zimmer wants to build the defense's depth with situational players

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 7, 2010 1:35 PM EDT in Analysis

I know what you're thinking. The position that the Bengals will address in the first round of this year's NFL draft is a question that's lost on all of us. We could make points on several positions, including wide receiver, safety, tight end, defensive end, even linebacker or a cornerback. All of those are argument that can and -- at some point on this site -- have been made are convincing enough that could force you to briefly pause, thinking that the Bengals could go in that direction. As for the rest of the draft, many agree that positions that could be addressed will include a backup quarterback, safety, defensive lineman, tight end and maybe a wide receiver, fullback, a linebacker, among others.

But if you ask Mike Zimmer, who joined WBNS in Columbus, he'll point out that the Bengals defense is in good shape.

"The good thing is that we signed everybody back that we had last year. There is not one guy that we will lose off our defense so that makes me feel good. Now the question is, how can we improve our depth? How can we improve the pass rush a little more? We were solid for most of the year, but at the end of the year, we fell off a little bit."

If Zimmer has any influence during draft day -- and he does say that he as a little influence with Marvin Lewis -- then the Bengals would likely draft for situational defensive players.

"And I think we still need to find some more corners – a nickel back – all those areas that play into the situational part of the game. That’s always a key. When I worked for Parcells, he always talked about having pressure players and cover players. Those two positions are always really hard to find. We could use some more pass rushing from the inside of the line a little bit more so we could get some more push for the two ends."

No matter how you look at it, this year's draft is wide open.

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Comments

Best Player Available.

Hope that’s the direction the Bengals go, because they don’t have any glaring needs anymore. Safety is a moderate need. But Zim is right. Everything after the first round should be about depth and the future, including defense.

by Pardon_My_French on Apr 7, 2010 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

Tebow? McCoy? Backup for Palmer?

by bodacio zk on Apr 7, 2010 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Bengals first pick

More firepower on offense is always a good thing. If the Bengals do go offense with their first pick, then it should be Arrelious Benn, Demaryius Thomas, and THEN Dez Bryant. That is the order of receiving talent. Benn is the best of the three. Watch, he will end up getting drafted after the Bengals, become a superstar, and everyone will wonder why we didn’t take him when we had the chance. Plus, he is an added weapon because of his ability to return kicks and punts. His speed is downright scary, and his acceleration after catching the ball is even scarier. A good tight end will be available in the later rounds, and considering our underutilization of the TE position in this offense, we can easily afford to wait. I think that the Bengals should trade up and go DEFENSE with the first pick. This is my order: (1) Taylor Mays (a destructive presence on the field like Ronnie Lott), (2) Sergio Kindle (at SAM he could be another Lawrence Taylor), (3) Jason Pierre-Paul (he would complement Michael Johnson quite well.. we would have 2 very athletically gifted DEs who would get to the QB).

by justRick on Apr 7, 2010 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

No WR in 1st

If they are indeed going to go Offense in the first, get a guard or Tight End which is more of a need right now. Get the USC WR Damian Williams in the 2nd or 3rd. Solid slot guy and Kick Returner. I still think they should go Guard, Safety or D-Line with the first pick.

by Anthony Cosenza on Apr 7, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

situational players

Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jason Pierre-Paul are guys that could just come in on 3rd downs to provide that pass rush a spark.
Brian Price would be a nice inside pass rusher on 3rd downs.

www.fantasydaddy.com

by Joe Goodberry on Apr 7, 2010 3:53 PM EDT reply actions

Safety in the first

as I read Zimmer’s comments, I think the Bengals won’t take Mays in the 1st round. He mentions pressure guys and cover guys.

Thomas is a posiblity at safety because he can cover.

I could see Brian Price or another Tackle who can penetrate or collapse the pocket. I could see Graham or Kindle who can provide depth at LB and DE and rush the passer, but Mays does not appear to be in ZImmer’s comment.

by jim0ijk on Apr 7, 2010 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

smoke; meet mirrors. Mirrors; smoke.

by UpStateMike on Apr 7, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

better points

www.fantasydaddy.com

by Joe Goodberry on Apr 7, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't believe anything the coaches are saying right now.

up until the actual draft time, they are not going to tip their hat to who they are looking at. Not going to happen. What’s true? Who knows? But I do know that Marvin is one slippery spokesman so why would one think Zimm is gonna give real info?

by UpStateMike on Apr 7, 2010 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions