At #54 overall, the Bengals selected Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap. Taylor Mays went a few picks sooner, and the fourth wide receiver in the draft, Golden Tate, didn't go until 60. The Ravens added solid defenders in Sergio Kindle (if healthy) and Terrance Cody. With the addition of Dunlap, the Bengals may have their defensive ends of the future. There are motivational and motor questions with Dunlap, as there were last year with Michael Johnson when the Bengals drafted him in the 3rd round. But if both guys overcome motivational issues (hi, Coach Zimmer), they could be pass rushing forces to reckon with.
This thread will serve as an open discussion thread for the rest of Friday night's draft, which is essentially the third round starting in roughly 15 minutes.
Welcome to Cincinnati, Mr. Dunlap!
SI's Ross Tucker has some analysis:
The Bengals continue their trend of drafting the most talented player available by taking Carlos Dunlap, a defensive end from Florida with rare physical ability. Dunlap had off-field issues and his passion for the game has been questioned. The Bengals needed a defensive end, however, and head coach Marvin Lewis is betting he can bring the best out of Dunlap.
More!
National Football Post: A boom or bust guy. Has as much talent as any defensive lineman in the draft. However, he has an inconsistent motor and takes far to many plays off.
Reedy: Zimmer said people at UF and investigations they did consider Dunlap's DUI a one-time shot #bengals
Dunlap will start out at LDE but could eventually become a DT on third downs. #bengals #nfldraft
Zimmer likes Dunlap's versatility. Sees him as an inside or outside rusher #bengals #nfldraft
Dunlap will help them pressure the quarterback, I just think he went a round too high to the #bengals
C. Trent: Dunlap: 'that was my 1st and last incident. if you're going to have an incident, you better learn from it'
Dunlap is at 280, #Bengals think he can play at 300-305
Zimmer: 'we need a better pass rush and hopefully we can get him worked into the pass rush situations'