We are currently ranking the best players based on the round that they were drafted during the Marvin Lewis era. #5 is Rey Maualuga. #4 is Carlos Dunlap.
| #3 Madieu Williams |
We figured that Madieu Williams could be a somewhat controversial pick, especially considering the season that Carlos Dunlap had in 2010. But one must remember the rookie season that Williams had in 2004. Starting 13 games and playing all 16, Williams recorded a team-high 86 solo tackles and his 103 total tackles ranked second, behind linebacker Brian Simmons who finished with 104. Additionally, Williams recorded an interception return for a touchdown, one of his three interceptions his rookie year, and led the secondary with two quarterback sacks.
Williams' four-year career in Cincinnati included four quarterback sacks, nine interceptions, a touchdown, two forced fumbles, 26 passes broken up and 288 tackles. Williams' sophomore year was cut short after four games with a shoulder injury. In 2006, Williams played more defensive snaps than any player on the team, recorded a career-high three interceptions and forced two turnovers against the New Orleans Saints in 2006, where the Bengals won 31-16 at the Super Dome.
We realize that Dunlap might be more favored at number three, but our point is simple. Williams had a good career with the Bengals in the four seasons he was with the team. But as we said in the Dunlap post, if the defensive end repeats his rookie season, there's no reason that Dunlap couldn't be in the top-two.