James Walker: Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley Could Be Key Contributors for the Bengals

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 17, 2010 10:01 AM EDT in Analysis

There really is a lot to look forward to this year. We each have our own lists. I'm looking forward to Carson Palmer returning to his passing glory days. No, not the statistics of those seasons. But the accuracy on the deep pass, having confidence in his receivers and tight ends underneath and increasing his overall efficiency. I'm looking forward to seeing Michael Johnson's development as a linebacker translated on the field. I'm looking forward to Adam Jones' overall contribution as a third or fourth string cornerback and, more importantly, his contribution in the kickoff and punt return games (if he wins those after the preseason.

But more interestingly, I'm looking forward to the help that Carson Palmer and the passing offense will have with the infusion of new talent at Wide Receiver and Tight End. James Walker observed Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley on Wednesday and wrote.

I've been really impressed with two rookie draft picks: first-round tight end Jermaine Gresham and third-round receiver Jordan Shipley. Both players are producing as advertised in minicamp with a lot of receptions. They also seem to have a knack for finding openings in the defense. It's early, but both rookies could turn out to be key contributors for the Bengals.

Though that doesn't mean these guys don't act and play like rookies sometimes. Per Geoff Hobson, Jermaine Gresham stopped in the end zone when the quarterback was flushed out of the pocket during red zone drills.

“The quarterback got flushed, he got frustrated, he stopped. You’ve got to keep playing. Stay alive,” Lewis said. “You have an opportunity to make a learning play out of something in practice. We’re losing a chance to practice something you don’t get an opportunity to practice very often. That’s staying alive. A big man like him making himself big for the quarterback and finish the play.” …

There's a lot of stories that we could latch onto and bury into the ground. One of them is our improved wide receivers and our golden nugget, Gresham. On a side note, haven't heard much about Chase Coffman.

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This appears to be a better draft than even last year

Odds are that Gresham and Shipley will contribute this year in positions that were among the weaker last year. Both quality and need. Adkins, Dunlap and Briscoe are just icing. I daoubt all draftees will make the team but all appear to be valid draft picks.

On a side note I must say it is refreshing to hear about all of the turmoil around the league and nothing but positives coming out of the Bengal’s camp. No discontent – no controversy – just hard work and progress. You noted this Kirk. I just wanted to second it.

"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Jun 17, 2010 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Totally agree.

Gresham, Dunlap, Shipley, Ghee, Atkins, Muckelroy and one of the lineman are locks to make the team. Briscoe and the other lineman SHOULD make the team. In order to keep these guys, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a guy like Muckelroy (who just broke his hand) and/or Briscoe end up on IR for the year in an effort to keep them even though they’re at crowded position groups. I’m of the opinion that if they put them on the Practice Squad without protecting them, they’ll be grabbed up in a second. I’m really high on Briscoe, I think he’s a future starter at WR in the NFL. I expect Gresham, Dunlap, Shipley and Atkins all to contribute a lot their rookie seasons. I don’t know if Ghee will play all that much, but he should contribute as a fourth CB and a special teamer.

by Anthony Cosenza on Jun 17, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

I would love to see them begin training Ghee for the FS position

He has all of the physical tools. We have the luxury of not needing him to play right away so we have time to give him a year to learn the position.

"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Jun 18, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Watch the Mini Camp Videos on Bengals.com

Gresham looks really really REALLY good by comparing hin to Chase

In Zim We Trust......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Jun 17, 2010 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

Him

damn

In Zim We Trust......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Jun 17, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

really?

I didn’t think Chase looked TOO bad in those videos. He is definitely all WR, no TE.. He reminds me of a thicker Matt Jones. I think by the time the season starts he’ll be a legit pass catching weapon on the opposite side of Gresham/Kelly.

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Jun 18, 2010 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions