I've said this before and I'll say it again. Grading drafts less than one full day after Mr. Irrelevant is the most pointless act in all of professional sports. It's like grading dinner even before getting your appetizer. It's like buying a suit before trying it on and finding out you look god-awful in it -- especially because of those fun-bags (make your own conclusion what I mean). There's absolutely no structure to it while most blow smoke out of their wind pipes as a simple man's way of pointing out their impression of the draft. I get that. But can't you just say they drafted well, good, great, poorly, awful, excellent, perfect, fantastic, (bloody) marvelous, dreamy, pleasant, sinful, unpleasant, nifty, out of this world, displeasing, neat, swell, tremendous, deleterious (trust me, it applies) or more offensive than Gollum. Adjectives, nouns, verbs and colorful metaphors always work better than single letters, in my opinion.

The ironic part is the reminder that it generally takes a few years to accurately grade a draft. So why do it? I don't mind people's draft perspectives. Tell us why we did well, didn't do well. Giving us a grouping of letters doesn't tell us a thing. Furthermore, some people grade tough and some with a curve. Which one are you?

Even so, the Bengals addressed their needs. In that respect, they should get a solid A. Now, we know nothing of Jerome Simpson other than his monster hands, sloppy routes and high character. Oh, and he dominated small schools with 44 receiving touchdowns -- 27 in his final two seasons. Do you think this pick deserves a lower grade simply because he doesn't have the name recognition the others had even though with similar attributes and tremendous touchdown stats? Or perhaps that wacky and almost flawless projection chart on where a player should land, wasn't totally satisfied. BS. Who determines that? What's the penalty? What would the team have to do to get an A? Pick up immediate impact starters? We didn't need a lot of them. Couldn't use them that way anyway. Not with some of these contracts.

John Czarnecki gave the Bengals a "B" and said nothing of why they didn't get an "A".

Jason Cole wasn't so nice. He gave the Bengals a "D-" and gave Simpson a negative mark because, well, we're not sure. He managed to fumble the following:

Calling Simpson a “negative” is a little strong, but he’s just a reminder of how bad the situation is there between the dismissal of Chris Henry and the mouthing off by Chad Johnson

Let me paraphrase. Simpson is a negative because of Chad Johnson and Chris Henry. Yeap. Ultimately Cole, who has his fair share of retractions, jumped on the Bengals for drafting Jason Shirley. OK, I can submit. I'll give him that. But one pick isn't 90% of a team's draft. In fact, using my third grade math, the Bengals had 10 picks and specifically pointed out Shirley as a bad pick. That's 10%. That's a high B, is it not?

MSN makes the same folly. Calling the Simpson pick a "project" assuming that he was taken while "seasoned wide receivers were on the board." Note to everyone at Coastal Carolina. No matter how many games that you play, you will never be seasoned. Even if you start as a true freshman and score 44 career touchdowns -- or play in a division that most commentators compare to junior high school football. MSN says nothing of Shirley and grades the Bengals with a "C+". Even so, the fans that are most affected by this are coming around and accepting it. Well, it's not there's much we can do, is there?

I suppose everyone's grading system is really really different from the next guy -- which is my general argument.

Pete Prisco gave the Bengals a "C" because they drafted three guys with "character concerns". Oh boy. Here we go again. Shirley's deal is well documented (we're giving everyone that) and Lewis admits it's a risk. Fine. The other two, we're not so sure about. The biggest folly in all the pre-draft hype is this added dimension -- sadly, it's one man's perspective of what constitutes as "character concerns". Some point out it's simply because a player might lie in an interview.

Show of hands, how many of you have lied during your job interview? Hey, good seeing you again George O'Leary. Sorry, that was out of character for me -- that should give the Bengals an "F" using Cole's logic. Perhaps the resume was a little overdone. Maybe you really don't know how a computer beyond Microsoft Word and surfing the 'net. But that shouldn't stop you from applying for programming positions. Hey, you got the high paying job. Way to go. It's a nasty world out there and sometimes you have to do, what you have to do, to make it work.

So we're guessing that character flags for Anthony Collins and Pat Sims is well, sadly orchestrated by over-reactionists in response to Chancellor Goodell's Reign of Fire. Even more sadly, these players get little to no chance to redeeming their name or promoting their quality. We're not saying to give Cincinnati a free pass, but this general character crap is getting way out of hand. It's attached to nearly every player now.

Larry Weisman questioned the Bengals draft by asking: "But who's going to rush the passer?" Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers. Idiot.

I like Chick Ludwig a lot. But when he and Mark Curnutte grade the team, I wondered what their standard was? It's not like they're grading anyone else establishing a base of grading scales. Perhaps it's where previous drafts fall in line with this one.

And here, I saved the best for last. Our best friend and exception Bengals promoter Peter King writes:

2. Cincinnati. For one reason: The Bengals stubbornly turned down Washington's offer of first- and third-round picks for Chad Johnson (and the ransom could have gone higher, to a second-rounder with decent production by Johnson and a first-rounder if he starred in Washington). I am in full agreement that what Johnson is doing is selfish and the team should not stand for it. But I guess this would be my question -- if Johnson were a decent, quiet, all-team guy at age 30, wouldn't you think it wise to deal him for first- and second-round picks. I sure would.

No doubt. But direct your problem with the player. Not the justified argument that Chad should either give back his bonus money, or earn his keep. It's apologists like King that makes the NFL so frustrating to love. The player is always right and the owners are more evil than South Park Satan.

Then again, perhaps I'm just making something out of nothing. I do that a lot.

This site questions when the Bengals will learn after the team drafted defensive tackle Jason Shirley in the fifth round.

Matt Sherry will join Brian Westbrook (RB, Eagles), Raymond Ventrone (S, Patriots), Christian Gladdis (C, Bills) and Brian Finneran (WR, Falcons) as players currently in the NFL drafted out of Villanova.

Newest Bengals safety Corey Lynch recorded 111 tackles and picked off six passes leading App State to their third straight Division 1-AA National Championship. Lynch was named the Southern Conference Defensive player of the year.

This site doesn't care for the Jerome Simpson draft pick rather fond of more known players as told to us by ESPN. It's awkward when people conclude that a player must produce on the field until fans approve. Isn't that always the case?

Mark Curnutte makes a similar case, without using words that could actually make people think that he has an opinion. But at least Mark didn't explain to us that fans won't accept the pick until he actually produces on the field. Curnutte gave the Bengals a B-minus/C-plus.

At least it isn't worse than this.

Jerome Simpson is the second player drafted out of Coastal Carolina. The other was Tyler Thigpen who was drafted by the Vikings and now plays for the Chiefs. Quinton Teal also plays in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers.

Jason Shirley still has a May 21 court appearance in Fresno County from an October 8 incident that earned him three misdemeanor charges.

Note, if you're pissed off about the draft, then I understand. I put a more positive spin on the post-draft wrap-up that I think, and believe, can help this team. If you want to prove differently, go for it.

If you were to ask me "how the Bengals did in this draft" with only one word, I'll go with "solid". Nothing here blows your mind. Nothing will really pump you up like a Carson Palmer pick, or the string of productive cornerbacks the past two seasons. If you were to let me use two words, I'd use "long run" -- drafting a bunch of guys that will likely not make an impression this year, but could be contributors in 2009 and beyond. Perhaps the word should be, contributors. Or role players.

Cris Carter. I love Cris Carter. I grew up watching him in Minnesota. I enjoyed him on HBO's Inside the NFL. And I thought he did a tremendous job on ESPN's Draft Show. Oh, and he said that the Bengals had the best draft.

Keith Rivers. The Bengals selected their man at linebacker for a long time and Lewis wasn't afraid to call Rivers an All-Pro for many seasons. The role of "foundation development" was supposed to take place during the 2005 NFL Draft with Odell Thurman and David Pollack. Three years later, Pollack is retired and Thurman is just now returning after a two-year suspension. Guys like Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson are gone. Rivers offers the team quality leadership, sustaining defensive stability and (I hate this phrase) high character.

Linebackers shaping up. Rivers was the guy Marvin Lewis and company targeted if defensive tackle mega-god Sedrick Ellis was picked. As it happens, the Saints swapped their first round pick with the Patriots and offered their third for Ellis. While we begged for mega-god defensive tackle, I believe the Bengals acquired additional intangibles with Rivers.

At this point, the Bengals first eight linebackers could look like this.

1. Keith Rivers
2. Ahmad Brooks
3. Dhani Jones
4. Rashad Jeanty
5. Odell Thurman
6. Corey Mays
7. Eric Henderson
8. Darryl Blackstock

Of course, 6-8, you could probably mix and match players like Angelo Craig, Roy Manning, Jim Maxwell or Anthony Schlegel. Even so, that list is far more encouraging than how it appeared last season. We have a good pool of linebackers to pick from during training camp. Don't you agree?

No Chad Trade... but acting like Chad is gone anyway. If the Bengals were to make a trade for Chad Johnson, it would have been on Saturday, if at all. It didn't happen. The Bengals did a good job stocking the position with two quality receivers that will likely compete for a spot anywhere between #2 and #5. We're assuming that Chad is a man of his word and never plays for the Bengals again. While it might seem that the position will be weak in 2008 with youth, the Bengals quietly created a youth movement with Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell to go along with Glenn Holt and Marcus Maxwell and Louisville wide receiver, Mario Urrutia. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals still have Antonio Chatman and Doug Gabriel for experience. And as long as Chad and T.J. get the bulk of the practice and playing time, we won't see how good these kids are. Perhaps it's about that time. Let's not lie to ourselves. We are, after all, entering a rebuilding season.

Also, you have to consider that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is entering the final year under contract.

What we missed. I thought for sure the Bengals would address defensive end. Now the Angelo Craig pick could mean that the Bengals will use him as an end (doubtful though). Or it could mean that the team is giving Frostee Rucker a shot and think that Jonathan Fanene can handle that role. If that were the case, the Bengals would have a decent four player rotation at end if Rucker shows up and Fanene sustains production. Not mind blowing, but serviceable with Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom as guys with productive sack seasons.

Setting up a future of new tackles -- but trouble could be brewing. The Bengals could be in serious trouble with their offensive linemen this time next year. Willie Anderson is simply getting older and we can't imagine he'll be able to work through many more seasons. Levi Jones has expressed an interest -- though far less demanding than Chad -- for a trade. Stacy Andrews is locked up for one season. And after playing with a franchise contract, we can't imagine he'll come cheap. Though how many tackles are?

I liked the Anthony Collins pick up. Most reports say he's not ready and will likely be the team's newest project like Andrews -- with great results, I might add. If that's the case, and it takes a good two years to develop the tackle from Kansas, then Collins could easily slid into right tackle once Anderson retires.

As for the left tackle, we can only guess that Levi Jones will settle disputes with his coaches and get back on board. Otherwise, Jones could find himself playing with the Bengals for the final season while the Bengals feverishly knock out a long-term deal with Andrews. Otherwise, look for the team to address offensive line in next year's draft -- it was a need this year, it could be a must next.

Circumstances prevented the Bengals from stock-piling talented tackles. Too many tackles were taken too quickly in this draft -- seven in the first round. And it wouldn't have made sense to that this year. Anything can happen from this point until next year where Jones is back on board and Andrews signs a long-term deal. So the Bengals did the right thing and pick up a guy with big upswing that will need to be mentored for some time.

The Bengals would be wise using patience with the offensive line until more questions are answered. So stock other positions.

Defensive tackles. I'm not going to lie. I can't envision Pat Sims bringing that much more than Domata Peko. Some of you might be fine with that, but I've never thought highly of Peko as an every down defensive tackle. Cincinnati also took a huge risk in Fresno State defensive tackle Jason Shirley coming into the draft with character concerns.

I do think that the Bengals filled a talent gap at defensive tackle at a whole -- but didn't cover the ground I would have liked. Once Ellis went early, the Bengals had to go with Rivers at linebacker. After that, they lost their opportunity with Kentwan Balmer. Many will, and perhaps should, cry out that the Bengals went after a small school receiver while Trevor Laws -- the fourth defensive tackle drafted -- went one spot later. Though one could argue that there will be minimal gaines between Laws and Sims so waiting until the third round might have been the right move. In the end, we just won't know for several seasons.

A potential sleeper tight end? The Bengals were scouting Fred Davis and Dustin Keller in detail assuming that the team would go after a tight end. While none of us thought that the team would pick one early, we knew they'd hit the position eventually. Matt Sherry brings more dynamics with the team than just a simple third tight end. Consider for a moment that Reggie Kelly would likely play more H-Back than before -- where his talents are best utilized. With Ben Utecht and Sherry lining up in double tight end sets, it gives the Bengals a good look with fast pass-catching tight ends. For example, the team could line up big with two tight ends and pass the ball rather than run like the defense might expect -- we are, after all, a team of trends.

Why I liked the Corey Lynch pick up. With Lynch the Bengals solidify a special teams unit that's incredibly frustrating. He's an in-your-face tackler that can lead a group of talented special teams players for us. He won't win games on defense. He won't scored touchdowns on defense. But he'll be the guy that makes sure the other team doesn't do well on special teams. Admit it, we need that!

Conclusion. From the comments, I can tell many of you are upset with the draft. I still think this team did well stocking positions, addressing their biggest needs early and immensely improved their special teams.

They didn't impress with improving talent on the defensive line, but once the first two rounds had gone by, it wasn't going to be a significant talent increase anyway.

Anyway, that's my opinion. What's yours.

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the pick here.

Hey, a University of Cincinnati guy. I love in-state pick ups. Keep it in the family, right? Yea, I know. Whatever. Craig brings the linebackers up to two for the draft. Craig played defensive end as a freshman and converted to outside linebacker then went back to end. This is the team's "tweener" pick. Obviously searching for a diamond in the rough.

He comes with character flags. But all we can determine is that he violated team rules. For some of the things they throw the character flag, we're not always sure if they're deserved. So unless he's been arrested, plows through an apartment building, charged with hurting a lady, or pulled over for a DUI, we'll just ignore the character flag for now until we know for sure what that means.

Strengths: Plays with a mean streak, shows adequate upper body strength and fights off blocks. Times the snap well, adequate initial quickness and flashes the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Keeps head up, reads keys and locates the ball carrier quickly. Takes sound pursuit angles and works from the snap until the whistle. Moves well enough laterally and should be able to scrape down the line of scrimmage when lined up at linebacker. Gets good inside lean coming off the edge and is a relentless pass rusher. Has special teams' experience and can contribute in that facet.

Weaknesses: While has ample experience lining up at outside linebacker, primarily used to rush the passer, top-end speed marginal at best and is going to struggle to match up in man coverage. Doesn't change directions particularly well and lacks the second gear to recover once caught out of position in coverage. Has added some bulk to frame and is tall enough to continue to do so but lacks elite size for an end at this point and is going to get engulfed by offensive tackles. Doesn't have explosive upper body strength and takes too long to shed blocks once engaged. Misses some open field tackles and isn't going to deliver many big hits. Quicker than fast, lacks closing speed and step slow getting to the ball far too much. Doesn't have great lower body strength, isn't a powerful bull rusher that can consistently collapse the pocket and isn't going to run over many blockers in the backfield when asked to blitz. Disciplined for violating team rules in 2007 and character needs to be investigated.

Overall: Craig arrived at Cincinnati as a defensive end in 2003 and redshirted the year. After being moved to outside linebacker, he appeared in 13 games in his first two seasons (2004-'06), collecting 20 tackles, including 1.5 for losses. In 2006, he moved back to end and played all 13 games, turning in 16 tackles (7.5 for losses), four sacks and two pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, he played all 13 games and had 43 tackles (eight for losses), three sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Craig is a high-motor player quick, big, athletic and tenacious enough to develop into a reserve outside linebacker but he doesn't have any outstanding physical attributes and teams will have to protect him in coverage so he projects as a seventh round pick.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the pick here.

The Bengals addressed one of their needs in the secondary drafting a safety to compliment the two safeties drafted last season. We still expect the Bengals to pick up another cornerback and that should satisfy the secondary unit for the draft.

ESPN documented him and talked well of him. He had 24 interceptions and over 50 pass break ups. He's the guy that blocked the Michigan kick to win the game.

Check out this lengthy Lynch high light film

The Draftguys TV profile Lynch.

Scouts Inc. says he doesn't have "great natural ability" and projects to be a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent. He does have a "knack for blocking kicks on special teams".

Strengths: Physical, shows adequate upper body strength and can reroute receivers. Gets good knee bend in backpedal and shows adequate burst getting out of it. Appears to read routes well and shows good awareness in zone coverage. Aggressive and jumps routes. Has excellent ball skills and is a playmaker. Plays with a mean streak and fills hard when reads run. Has active hands and flashes the ability to shed blocks. Plays with a good motor and is a sideline-to-sideline run defender. Wraps up and is a reliable open field tackler. Blocked three kicks last year, blocked three kicks in 2006 and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Stiff in the hips when forced to turn and run, doesn't have the second gear or long arms to recover when gets caught in a trail position and can get beat deep when left on an island. Adequate but not great quickness and is going to have some problems matching up with slot receivers in man coverage. Tall enough to bulk up frame a bit but lacks prototypical size and can get engulfed when lines up in the box. Fractured left elbow in during the second game of the 2004-season, had two screws inserted during surgery to repair the elbow and took a medical red-shirt that year. Fractured right arm during the 2006-season and missed two games. Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to adjust to the speed of the game at the NFL level.

Overall: Lynch arrived at Appalachian State in 2003 and was named a started by the second game of his freshman year. In his first three full seasons (2003, '05-06), he appeared in 39 games (38 starts) and compiled 234 tackles (7.5 for losses), 17 interceptions, 17 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, three blocked kicks and two touchdowns (one returned block, one returned fumble). In 2004, he started the first two games (13 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble) before suffering a season-ending elbow injury that led to surgery and a medical redshirt year. As a senior in 2007, Lynch started all 15 games at free safety and was selected as the Southern Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. He finished the season with 111 tackles (three for losses), one forced fumble, 11 pass breakups, six interceptions (including one he returned for a touchdown) and three blocked kicks. Lynch also missed two games in 2006 because of a right ulnar fracture. Lynch is a small-school prospect who has some durability concerns and doesn't have great natural ability so he projects as a seventh round pick or rookie free agent. However, Lynch could prove to be a great value there because he's a tough run defender, he's a playmaker in coverage and he's shown a knack for blocking kicks on special teams.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the Collins pick here.

This is a good pick. We knew that the team needed to address the offensive line with Stacy Andrews under contract for only one year, Levi Jones being disgruntled and Willie Anderson closer to retirement. The team needs to think future and Scouts Inc calls Collins a good project -- though not an immediate starter. When the Bengals drafted Stacy Andrews a few years back, it was to develop him. Collins can now take that roll while the chips of the players starting and backing up will fall somewhere.

Interesting quote by Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander : "(Collins) is pretty well on his way," Alexander said. "When you watch the film, his guy doesn't hit the quarterback. ... There are five guys picked ahead of him, their guys hit the quarterback a lot more than this guy's has."

Scouts, Inc.

Strengths: Possesses an outstanding frame and has added bulk. Is tall with long arms (35 inches) and big hands (10.2 inches). Can get set quickly in pass pro. Has long arms to ride pass rushers wide. When set properly, he will do a good job of anchoring versus the bull rush. Displays adequate initial quickness. Stays under control in space and will do a good job of hitting the moving target so long as he's in position in time. Struggles to reach second-level in time and winds up lunging too frequently. Has some upside if he's willing to work at getting stronger and more technically sound at the next level.

Weaknesses: Not a natural knee bender. Comes out of his stance too high. Does not show the lateral agility to consistently mirror-and-slide versus double move in pass pro. Plays too high and needs to learn to use more consistent leverage. His footwork is sloppy. Not aggressive enough in pass pro and absorbs too much. Very inconsistent.

Overall: Collins redshirted in 2004 before playing eight games and making one start as a freshman in 2005. He started 12 games at right tackle as a sophomore, before moving to left tackle as a junior. In 2007, he made 11 starts, missing one game (and coming off the bench in another) because of a minor ankle injury. Collins was selected as an Associated Press first-team All-American and Outland Trophy finalist in his final season. Collins will likely need at least a year of polishing before he's ready to contribute in the NFL. His footwork is spotty, he must improve his explosive power and  most importantly  he needs to play with more consistent leverage. However, Collins is still worth considering in the late-second to third round range simply because his combination of frame and feet cannot be taught. If developed properly, Collins can emerge as a solid starting tackle (probably better suited at ROT in the NFL) a year or two from now.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the Sims pick here.

Here's the defensive tackle pick after selecting a wide receiver and linebacker in the first two rounds. This addresses the teams three biggest needs heading into the NFL draft. Sims isn't Ellis, but circumstances made that all for naught.

A quick Mock Draft note, I took Pat Sims in the second round we take him in the third round. To be honest, this is the first time, though all the mock drafts I've participated in, that I actually selected the same players -- though it was in separate rounds, so I suppose it's not perfect. But I did pick Rivers in the first and Sims in the second. So, go me.

Here's a few highlights.

Sims' combine page gives a few notes.

Positives: Thick, powerful build. ... Impressive quickness off the snap. ... Penetrates through the gaps and can blow up the play before the quarterback even has time to set-up. ... Good explosive use of hands to pop the offensive guard and disengage from blocks. ... Stout run defender with the lower body strength and natural leverage to hold up at the point of attack. ... Developed into a team leader as he matured.

Negatives: Consistency is the biggest concern with Sims. ... Developed into a dominant performer in 2007, but had posted only 16 career tackles before his breakout junior season. ... Can be a bit undisciplined in his play, breaking through the line with such quickness that he loses his gap responsibility.

Sims leaving Auburn as a Junior, would appear that he'd be a very high draft pick if he stayed his senior season. Some draft sites rate Sims as good as Dorsey or Ellis, but raw and young. Sims is 6'2", 310 pounds having run a 5.0 40.

Remember this goal-line stop against Florida in 2006?

Scouts, Inc.

Strengths: Has adequate height, good bulk and above-average quickness for his size. Has an explosive first step, does a good job of anticipating the snap and can shoot into the backfield. Has active hands, has and makes it difficult for blockers too lock onto frame. Takes adequate pursuit angles and is fluid scraping down the line of scrimmage. Plays with a good motor and is a relentless pass rusher. Squares up to ball carriers, wraps up upon contact and is an effective tackler that can deliver big hits. Plays with a mean streak, takes the shortest path to the quarterback and flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Runs line stunts well and flashes an effective rip move when works inside. Can redirect and shows an adequate spin move. Keeps head up, gets hands up when isn't going to get the quarterback and times jumps fairly well. Played with a cast on hand at times last year and is tough.

Weaknesses: Has a tendency to stand up when he gets tired, lacks elite lower body strength and has problems holding ground against double teams. Doesn't play with a wide base, doesn't protect legs well enough and occasionally gets knocked to the ground. Sat out 2005 season so only has two years of playing experience and is raw. Appears lost at times, has some problems locating the ball and gets caught out of position a little too much. Can be overaggressive and gets caught too far upfield at times. Doesn't have ideal instincts, has some problems adjusting to down blocks and doesn't do a great job of sniffing out screens.

Overall: Auburn red-shirted Sims in 2004 and he didn't play in 2005. Sims appeared in all 13 games of the 2006 season finishing with 16 total tackles including five tackles-for-loss and three sacks. He started 12 of the 13 games he appeared in during the 2007 season finishing with 37 total tackles including 29 unassisted tackles and 11.5 tackles-for-loss. Sims also recorded 4.5 sacks, 12 quarterback-hurries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three pass breakups last year. Sims needs to play with more consistent leverage and he will never be great at taking on blocks in a two-gap scheme. However, he is a quick and powerful DT/NT who displays the ability to disengage and disrupt plays in the backfield  both versus the run and as an inside pass rusher. Sims only starred for one season at Auburn but from what we saw he's an underrated prospect with enough talent to warrant second-round consideration.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.

Most people are confident that Keith Rivers is a good solid draft. No one really knows how to take the Jerome Simpson selection -- though we're all trying to put some positive spin on it. The morning starts with selection #3. Talk the next selection, the first day or what other teams are doing.

I'll be honest, I know little of Simpson (actually nothing), but we knew that the Bengals would look at wide receiver in the first three rounds. Scouts, Inc. listed Simpson as the 11th best wide receiver in the draft -- but the sixth selected.

Simpson's college career:

I like the touchdown numbers. He averaged 16.89 yards-per-reception for his career even though Sports Illustrated lists his negative as: "Loping runner with marginal speed and poor route-running skills. Ineffective picking up yardage after the reception." They projected him somewhere in the middle of the third round while ESPN says middle of the third-round to fourth-round. Reach?

Mort says that the Coast Carolina head coach called him about Simpson and described him with "great character". Mel Kiper Jr. raved about his athleticism

At the NFL Combine, Simpson ran a 4.47 40 -- 8th among wide receivers -- a 37.5 vertical jump (t-2nd among wide receivers) and an 11'4" broad jump that SMOKED all wide receivers.

Here's is what Scouts, Inc. says of Simpson.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.

As much as Curnutte's word in his blog post wanted us to believe that the Bengals didn't think highly of Keith Rivers, with their first-round pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select... Keith Rivers.

PERSONALY, like I said in the comments, I like this pick. Like many, I don't believe that Rivers seems like a godly play-blowin' up defensive player. What I do believe is that the team drafted a character guy (I hate that term), with leadership qualities and a stabilizing force for the linebackers group as a whole -- if not, the entire defense. We haven't had that guy at linebacker since Odell Thurman's rookie season nor do we have leadership qualities on the defense as a whole.

Again, it might not be sexy, but this pick will give the Bengals stability and leadership on defense for a long time. And we've desperately needed that. Worth it.

For the Team. I think through many discussions, most people believe this to be a safe pick. The Bengals lost several linebackers through free agency -- while Landon Johnson was the only real "loss" -- but signed very middle-of-the-road talent to one-year deals. With two fast bookends, the Bengals have a potential Odell Thurman, Ahmad Brooks and Keith Rivers look on opening day. And if the team goes after a big defensive tackle in the second round, the potential 3-4 make-up seems somewhat possible -- though still highly unlikely.

Marvin Lewis press conference with assistant coaches on drafting Keith Rivers. Main things to point out is that the coaches believe he's a first-year starter that will play at any of the three linebacker spots and be an All-Pro for many seasons in this league.

Here's YouTube video of Rivers.

What does this mean? Rivers will be the team's 12th linebacker -- seven of whom will be free agents after this season. The Bengals would likely play Rivers on weak-side, keep Brooks over the middle while Jeanty is the leading man at strong-side. Thurman is definitely expected to force himself somewhere while Eric Henderson becomes a questionable project. Would they take Henderson back to defensive end and add to the Antwan Odom, Robert Geathers rotation?

Keith Rivers reacts on his blog.

Linebackers coach, Jeff FitzGerald: "He's a face of the franchise."

Here's Keith's reaction.

Reaction:

• Matt at Bengals GAB says of Rivers: "He should and will fit in the Bengals system nicely."
• Who Dey Revolution jests.
• Bengals Stripes says "Can’t hate this pick."
• Mocking the Draft says, "They need more d-line help, but the bottom line is they also need LBers who can tackle (and not get arrested)." Nice. Totally unrelated, Keith Kenton plead not guilty last week.

Scouts, Inc. gives the following analysis of Rivers.

This page will continuously be updated with Rivers analysis.