Early Roster debates

What’s up Bengals Fans?  It’s June, and essentially getting deeper into the non-football days of summer.  Hang in there yall, there’s only 2 months left! 

Since most of the offseason activity is behind us, I felt the need to do something to spark up some conversation about roster fodder and throw out some needless, unwarranted utterly ridiculous speculation.  Feel free to agree or agree to disagree….anything please?!?!?!!

As many of you are probably aware, the Bengals roster currently consists of 89 players….nine over the Training Camp Limit.  Let’s take a look at the nine guys on the way out.  Also, let’s see if that number could be ten, and if we could a make a case for signing an additional Free Agent.

While I hate to write-off the bubble guys, I think many of you can agree with me on these.

First, it is very likely that Jason Shirley the mystery lineman is headed for IR.  Without getting deep into analysis,(and practically picking names out of a hat) here are my additional nine bubble guys likely staring down the axe:

LS Mike Windt, P Jake Richardson, OL Isaac Sowells, RB Cordera Eason, RB Walter Mendenhall, OL Gabriel Manns, S Bryan Evans, WR Chris Davis, DT Orien Harris

So that would bring the roster to 79 players.  And my surprise addition would be…..(wait for it):

Adalius Thomas.

Go ahead…ask me…..WHY THE !@#^%$(#$ WOULD WE SIGN THAT WASHUP?????

I’m a big Defense Fan, so this is me making a case for the 32-years-young Adalius Thomas, AT hereon. If you look at his stat line, you’ll notice AT racked up 8, 9 and 11 sacks his last three years with the Ravens.  His versatility was unquestioned as a dynamic pass rusher and his frequent exhibition of short zone coverage skills in Rex Ryan’s complex defense.

Like many that have had the opportunity, AT reached out and stacked cheddar in Free Agency.  Also like many, the relationship didn’t quite work out, which culminated in nothing more than 14.5 sacks and an early showing of the door after only three years.  Either the Belichikian model was not one for AT, or he was on the decline. 

Many of us are stuck in baseball mode right now, where stats rule, and the age old cliché rings loudly…”you are the back of your baseball card”.  If we can apply that “baseball card” line of thinking to Adalius Thomas, then I see a guy who excelled at getting after the QB (and raked in 4 picks along the way) during his tenure with a certain LB coach we’ve all come to love around here.  Thus the reason I think AT could work here in Cincy lies no further than his former position coach, Jeff FitzGerald.  AT excelled under Coach Fitz’s tutelage. The Adam Jones signing reaffirms Mike Zimmer’s belief in the scrap iron defense and just might approve of this opportunity.  If we are to be treated to some 3-4 defensive looks in 2010, an additional QB killa that can cover would be a definite bonus.  AT’s apparent ability to play all over the field make him a very compelling Free Agent…. (In my humble opinion)

So, Thomas decided to do it all, earning the nicknames "Slash" and "The Coordinator," for his ability to play multiple positions in Baltimore's defense. It's almost easier to name a position Thomas, who made his first Pro Bowl on special teams in 2003, hasn't played. He's lined up as a defensive end, a 3-4 nose tackle, a 4-3 defensive tackle, a 3-4 outside linebacker, a 3-4 inside linebacker, a 4-3 outside linebacker, a safety, and even at cornerback, all thanks to his startling athleticism.

Of course, if it doesn’t work out, we have five preseason games the team must survive, and he wouldn’t make the final cut.  End of story, thanks but no thanks. 

For the record, I'm really hoping we get AT here for a tryout…..