Will the Bengals draft running back or offensive tackle?

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 21, 2008 8:46 AM EDT in Analysis

A staff writer of the Oxford Press gave his top-seven needs that the Bengals need to address this weekend -- yes, the NFL Draft is this weekend. YES, this weekend! We're not sure if this list is based on need, or simply brainstorming. The list goes, Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Defensive End, Center, Middle Linebacker and Running back.

Defensive Tackle I understand, we need run stopping power over the middle. Defensive End I understand, our two highest paid bookends are pass rushers -- we lack that do-it-all-on-every-down type of guy. Wide Receiver I understand, we lost our #3 receiver and, a raise of hands, how many believe that Chad will actually be in uniform? Center I understand, we bemoaned it when Eric Ghiaciuc struggled against intra-division nose tackles -- welcome Shaun Rodgers.

Middle Linebacker, I can understand, but think it's a stretch. Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman can handle the position without the need to stockpile the position. What we need is an outside linebacker to replace (actually, improve) after Landon Johnson moved his tackles to Carolina.

Offensive Tackle? Even if I tried really hard, I can't envision it. Not because of the money of one multiple Pro Bowl tackle nor an alternate. It's not because of the franchised offensive tackle that doubles as guard or a backup signed through 2009 with plenty of game experience. Nor do I believe that the team is having a problem "protecting Carson Palmer" after Palmer was sacked only 17 times.

Even if the argument is made that the team needs to think youth, they already have it -- Andrews and Andrew Whitworth will turn 27 this year. Now if we talk guard, I'm totally on board.

I don't believe that the team is under any urgency to draft a running back. It would be nice to have a game breaker, no doubt. And god knows that we're well acquainted with Chris Johnson (wouldn't he seem like a good third-down option that can return kicks?).

It wouldn't surprise me if the team shifts running back personnel. If history dictates analysis, then we know that Chris Perry won't stay healthy and Rudi Johnson's numbers will continue to slide. There's no telling if Kenny Irons will ever recover, especially for 2008 -- which I've heard/read isn't a sure-thing. It could be really bad.

But it also could benefit the team to take a sit and wait approach. Imagine if Rudi Johnson returns stronger than ever. Imagine if Chris Perry recycles his 2005 performance. Imagine Kenny Irons backing up both. Simply put, it's an optimists scenario.

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As Chris Johnson's representative...

in the Tri-State...Seriously, I don't feel bad about going into 2008 with Rudi as our feature back. I think our O-Line's failure to get any push at all in the middle was as responsible for him looking hesitant as any step he may have lost. Though I know it's not necessarily his fault, I'm tired of waiting for Perry to get healthy. I'm hearing Irons may not even be ready to play this year. Watson is serviceable as a backup but I keep seeing Chris Johnson going wide or split out to prey on a linebacker's coverage. I see screen passes and punt returns...

I don't, however, see RB as our direction at #9- despite several mocks suggesting Mendenhall as our pick.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 21, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions

RE:

I actually wouldn't mind the Bengals re-organizing their RB depth. I think hoping for the best is a far more dangerous prospect than drafting the best available at the time. And we all know that the draft is as certain as truth in politics (I hope that sounds right, I tried to use a simile, but I'm not sure if it worked). :)

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 21, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

It depends on what is available

In my opinion, the best case scenario is that the Bengals use a 3rd or 4th round pick on Mike McGlynn. He can play every position on the line and has a lot of potential. McGlynn would arguably make a better guard at the pro-level and could possibly play center. I concur that our offensive line is overloaded at tackle--which is a bigger problem than many people think. Aside from the irrationality of the payroll (paying three tackles starting money), if we had a truer guard (one with more pulling ability) we'd have a more versatile running game. I think Mcglynn could develop into that guy.

I could foresee the Bengals taking a RB as high as the second round (I like Johnson too), depending on whether we get Ellis in the first--but we may need that pick for DT.

Regardless, I think they will pick up a speedster late. Anthony Aldridge or Danny Woodhead might make interesting choices. Both are super fast and could make interesting return men/third down backs.

by goffchile on Apr 21, 2008 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

aldridge et al

Every time I looked at Houston, I overlooked Aldridge, concentrating on Donnie Avery. Hadn't heard of Woodhead either but both sound like fairly inexpensive pickups in the later rounds. Perhaps with a Pierre Garcon, a WR out of Mt. Union.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=72952

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 21, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions