With the Bengals, why do all the analysts want Cincy to draft an unproven guard or go for Ben Grubbs (6'3" - 310lbs.) over Carl Nicks (6'5" - 343lbs.) on the OL to replace Bobbie Williams (6’4" – 340 lbs.)? Nicks is a proven monster that is good with pass and rush blocking. You can pair him up with the slowly improving Andre Smith (6'4" - 334lbs. - 25 years old) and have a young, punishing right side for the next 10 years. Or move him to left guard with Andrew Whitworth and no one ever blindsides Dalton again. It fits right in with the Bengals large, multi-position-capable philosophy for OL players, but at a whole new level. Of course it would cost more, winning consistently does, but then the Bengals have the cash and Nicks-Smith or Nicks-Whitworth could anchor the line for YEARS to come. And if A. Smith’s foot continues to plague him, your right side is still functional with the upcoming talent.

It's not that I don’t think Grubbs would be a good acquisition; he is a very respectable second choice. But the pairing Nicks with Smith, 677lbs. of proven offensive line pounding the stud AFCN defenses each and every offensive play, opening holes for Bush, Benson(or whoever), and blocking for Dalton as he roles right looking for AJ is something that is the difference between being very good and being elite! I am an in the trenches guy and someone like Nicks comes along very rarely. That said, if the bidding enters the stratosphere I'll gladly take Grubbs off the Ravens hands to stabilize the right side of the line.