John Clayton: The Bengals Were Winners On Day Two Of 2011 NFL Draft

ESPN Insider John Clayton reviewed winners and losers of Day Two in the 2011 NFL Draft. And much like Mel Kiper, Pete Prisco and Gil Brandt, Clayton says that the Bengals selections makes them a winner on Day Two.

Carson Palmer, take the year off. Chad Ochocinco, tweet your goodbye to Cincy. The Bengals are going with young guns on offense. They didn't have to trade up for quarterback Andy Dalton, standing pat and getting him with the 35th pick. Their new passing offense will feature A.J. Green, this year's No. 1 wideout, and Jordan Shipley, last year's slot receiving sensation, at wide receiver. Add tight end Jermaine Gresham and this has the makings of an exciting offense. At some point, Cincinnati must re-sign veteran running back Cedric Benson, but the Bengals definitely have new stripes on offense.

The exciting aspect about this draft, Clayton nailed. Along with a new quarterback, the Bengals now have a core of play makers that could make this offense extremely exciting. Jerome Simpson showed why the Bengals took such a risk in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft with his talent and athleticism. Andre Caldwell was explosive and Jordan Shipley showed to be an excellent slot receiver. Jermaine Gresham is the best receiving tight end this team has had in ages.

And then you include A.J. Green? Nice.