It's never too early to discuss the 2012 draft...

by B-MORE BENGAL on Dec 23, 2011 3:51 AM EST

Every Sunday when watching the Bengals (DirecTV) no matter how the game is going I typically end up focusing on all the things they do poorly/below average. This usually sends my mind off on a tangent about the upcoming draft. The truth about our beloved Bengals is that they lack talent in several key areas but make up for it with great effort and very good coaching. For example, look at the Steelers starting 22 and compare them to the 22 starters for the Bengals. If you're honest with yourself there is no way you can rationalize the Steelers only being 2 wins better than the Bengals. Sure we have a few players that I believe have the talent to be top 5 at their position in the league. But it's only a few (Green, Dunlap, Gresham, Atkins,and maybe Dalton) and most of them are only puppies in a league ruled by junkyard dogs. So the question is, who in this draft is a Green, a Miller, or a Newton? A gamechager that significantly upgrades your talent while simultaneously closing the gap on the best teams in the league? I honestly don't see one in a position of need. But here is what I do see and what we need to focus on in the upcoming draft. (1) We desperately need a new RB, someone with great balance and vision, a real gamebreaker who's also a major threat in the passing game. I like Bernard Scott and Benson but they're not what this offense needs. (2) We MUST get new guards, I love Bobbie Williams but it's time to move on, we need size AND athleticism from our interior O-Line. Nate Livings was never the answer, the only thing I can surmise is that he played with Whit at LSU and so they keep giving him chances. He's constantly falling off blocks and he's always on the ground. A good Coach that I know (he used to play for the Bengals) always says "bad football players are always on the ground". I believe that saying to be true. And lastly (3) We need the best cover corner we can get. There's no telling if Leon Hall comes back from injury the same player, I can't remember the last time a CB tore his achilles, can you? Just some food for thought guys and gals, let me know what you think. GO BENGLAS!!!!

Poll

Who's the least productive starter on the 2011 Bengals?

1. Michael Johnson

7 votes

2. Chris Crocker

28 votes

3. Nate Livings

55 votes

4. Andre Smith

8 votes

5. Cedric Benson

20 votes

118 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

If the Raiders lose out

The Bengals could draft as high as 7th.

"Pawtucket Patriot Beer. If you drink it, hot women will have sex in your backyard."

by Evil Monkey on Dec 23, 2011 8:52 AM EST reply actions

Sweet. Pulling for the Chiefs this week.

by redrifle14 on Dec 24, 2011 12:26 AM EST up reply actions

I completely agree

The talent level needs to be improved and I think marvin & co will look for impact players in our first three picks in the draft and then provide depth in the later rounds. The question is is that does this coaching staff go bpa in the first three picks or just fill a need. I think we have the oppurtunity to draft some impact players but it determines if they go bpa or need. Talent such as barron, miller, glenn, brown ans etc can make immediate impacts on our team. I guess fa will have to set the tone. Another scenario i like is to trade for ben tate but i dont know his trade value.

A change needs to happen to this organization. Mike Brown please step down.

by Mr.Blanket on Dec 23, 2011 10:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I think that Crocker is worse then Livings.

Livings sucks at pass protection, but is ok in run blocking. Crocker has been bad in coverage, tackling, and just about everything. I don’t think Taylor Mays will amount to anything.

by redrifle14 on Dec 24, 2011 12:32 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Crocker has his moments

and is a very good blitzer

by indesignkat on Dec 24, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

Zimmer's amazing. He could teach a hedgehog to blitz effectively.

But he can’t get a bad coverage safety to cover. It just won’t happen.

Andy Dalton: An American Hero

by Pardon_My_French on Dec 24, 2011 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

I Michael Johnson really in this poll?

He is 3rd on the team in Sacks, 10th in tackles, and has 10% of our interceptions.

It must be inordinately taxing to be such a boob. ~ The Brain

by jim0ijk on Dec 24, 2011 10:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I guess our expectations were too high

but he’s been quietly putting together a pretty decent year for a rotational DE.

From Bengals.com:
2011 GAME-BY-GAME: On Sept. 11 at Cleveland, had team’s first INT of season in fourth quarter, when he grabbed a floating Colt McCoy pass that had been disrupted by pressure from DE Carlos Dunlap … Johnson tied for team lead at Cleveland in total passes defensed (three), and he had one tackle … Had seven tackles Sept. 18 at Denver, including a sack and forced fumble against Kyle Orton … Had four tackles Sept. 25 vs. San Francisco … Seven tackles and a shared sack Oct. 2 vs. Buffalo … Two tackles Oct. 16 vs. Indianapolis, including a nine-yard sack of Curtis Painter … Also vs. Indianapolis, recovered a first-quarter fumble from Colts TE Dallas Clark (forced by CB Nate Clements) at the Colts 44, setting up Bengals first TD drive … One QB pressure Oct. 30 at Seattle … One tackle and a pass defensed Nov. 6 at Tennessee … … On Nov. 13 vs. Pittsburgh, logged two tackles, including a shared sack, a pass defensed and a QB pressure … Four tackles Nov. 27 vs Cleveland … Seven tackles (second on line) Dec. 4 at Pittsburgh, including an eight-yard sack and two tackles for loss … Four tackles Dec. 11 vs. Houston, including three for losses, along with five-yard sack and a pass defensed … Four tackles Dec. 18 at St. Louis, along with three QB pressures (tied for team lead).

by indesignkat on Dec 25, 2011 11:46 AM EST up reply actions