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The Bengals Fifth Pick (6th Rd.): Matt Toeaina, DT, Oregon

Pick Player Position School NOTES
1 Leon Hall CB Michigan The Bengals fulfill a need at cornerback drafting, perhaps, the second piece of a shutdown tandem of cornerbacks.
2 Kenny Irons RB Auburn The Bengals find a need to, possibly, replace the injury-prone, Chris Perry. Overthinking: Kenny Watson is let go and Irons is a good backup to Rudi while Chris Perry takes care of passing/third down duties.
3 Marvin White S TCU Has the appearance of being the guy to replace the departed Kevin Kaesviharn. Probably a good special teams guy with the project of replacing an aging Dexter Jackson in the future.
4 Jeff Rowe QB Nevada Addressing a need for a long-term backup quarterback to Carson Palmer.
5 Matt Toeaina DT Oregon The Bengals have one player with less than nine NFL seasons of experience. With Peko, a young defensive tackle was needed.
6        
7        

This will continue our Bengals-centric draft analysis for the weekend. Once they are picked, we'll discuss 'em. Well have more in-depth discussions during the week.

The Bengals select, at #187, in the sixth round, Matt Toeaina, DT, Oregon

Attributes:

Height: 6-2
Weight: 307
40-time: 5.07 (5.11 Pro Day)

College stats

2003: 13 games, 10 tackles
2004
: 10 games, 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks
2005: 12 games, 36 tackles, 3 sacks
2006: 13 games, 36 tackles

From ESPN:

Strengths: Has adequate initial quickness and flashes the ability to beat blockers to the point of attack when anticipates snap well. Shows good lower body strength and is big enough to hold ground when teams run at him. Keeps head up and flashes the ability to locate ball carriers quickly. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well. Keeps driving legs once in position, takes the shortest path to the quarterback and can collapse the pocket. Has experience lining up at defensive end and is versatile.

Weaknesses: Doesn't use hands all that well, doesn't show a powerful punch and takes too long to shed blocks. Doesn't play with a wide base, lacks ideal balance and ends up on the ground too much. Plays too high at times and doesn't consistently split double teams. Can turns shoulders too quickly and gets caught out of position at times. Appears to give up on plays and doesn't give the same effort on every snap. Doesn't have great range, struggles to slip blocks in space and doesn't make many plays in pursuit. Lacks ideal explosiveness, doesn't get great penetration and he was frequently asked to stay at home to play draws in pass rush situations. Lacks great top-end speed and doesn't close well when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Takes too long to change directions and doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves.

Overall: Toeaina was redshirted upon his arrival at Oregon for the 2002 season. In 2003, he appeared in all 13 contests and recorded 10 total tackles including two for loss. Toeaina then saw action in every game, including two starts (Oklahoma and Idaho), during the 2004 season and posting 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. In 2005, he became a fulltime starter for all 12 games including two at end, and registered 30 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks. Toeaini then started 11 of 13 contests in 2006 collecting 36 total tackles including three for loss, and one fumble recovery.

Toeaina doesn't have great potential because he lacks ideal speed and athletic ability but he has the size, power and quickness to develop into an effective situational run stuffer if he can improve his technique. He projects as a late-round pick.

OTCDraft ranks Toeaina as the 27th best defensive tackle. (ouch)

From Wright's Draft Countdown.

Strengths:
Very strong...Intense and competitive...Tough and physical...Good tackler...Gets a great push...Versatile with experience at multiple positions...Pretty quick...Stout at the point and plays the run well...Very hard worker...Team leader and captain.

Weaknesses:
Is not overly athletic...Doesn't always play with good leverage...Has some trouble shedding blocks...Instincts and awareness are sub par...Not real mobile...Limited pass rusher...Was not very productive...A questionable motor...Not much upside.

Notes:
Native of American Samoa...Also played defensive end for the Ducks...Might be a nice fit outside in a 3-4 scheme...The type who doesn't have all the physical tools you look for but gets by on his top-notch intangibles...Backup who can contribute