LB depth chart

by bengaljohnboy on Jul 31, 2011 1:47 PM EDT

The loss of Roddrick Muckelroy is a bummer but the sky isn't falling yet. I also don't buy the reports that Dan Skuta is the favorite to start in Rey's old SLB position. Newcomer Thomas Howard would seem to be the logical fit there with Dontay Moch backing him up. At MLB, obviously Maualuga will start with Skuta and/or Vincent Rey as a backup. As for WLB, Rivers is the starter on paper but with his injury we'll need a replacement to start the season. Howard could shift to WLB forcing Skuta to start at SLB (Moch won't be ready) but that's a lot of changes for a team that could use stability and simplicity. The best solution would be to bring back Brandon Johnson and have him start at WLB for the first six games. He's filled in for Rivers before and is familiar with Zimmer's defense. Heck, he participated in 48% of the snaps last year which just barely trailed Rivers' 51%. Assuming Rivers can return healtht and stay health, Johnson can provide solid depth at both OLB positions and provide a boost to special teams. The team has the cap room to afford him ($2.5-3.0M/year probably based on the Tulluch, Howard and Ruud deals).

If Skuta is really moving outside for good, I'd suggest getting a "young" veteran to back up Rey. Kirk Morrision, the high-pitched Abdul Hodge or Ricky Brown are all good options here.

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.

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Correction / Update

Looks like Howard was signed specifically to replace Rivers at the start of the season and to compete with him once Rivers is healthy enough to play. Here’s the low down from Hobnob:

Zimmer said he plans to play the newly-signed Thomas Howard at WILL and in nickel, but the SAM spot is in play with Dan Skuta, rookie Dontay Moch, or that free agent the Bengals seek.

Brandon Johnson could be an option but since he’s a Howard clone (WLB and nickel linebacker) I don’t see him being the best fit. As for what’s left on the market: Scott Shanle, Brady Poppinga and Ben Leber are decent veteran options but none of these guys get me too excited if we are indeed looking for a full-time starter.

by bengaljohnboy on Aug 1, 2011 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

We definitely need more depth...

…with Howard expected to play weakside and nickel, we need a strong side backer and a backup MLB. I am all for re-signing Dhani Jones if he understands that he will play the role of super-sub and possible compete for the strong side spot. Other guys out there? I’d take a run at Keith Bullock. Yes he’s old, but he spent most of his career to MLB and could probably start at SLB on running downs.

by goffchile on Aug 1, 2011 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

There are a few good guys left

I’d like to see us go after Akin Ayodele, he has started and played well in Miami and Dallas. I think Tully Banta-Cain would be a good fit at SAM too, and he would bring some great experience with him from NE. Regardless of who it is, there is no way we don’t sign somebody. I mean, we can not have Dan Skuta starting.

by Barry_Badrinath on Aug 1, 2011 7:30 PM EDT reply actions