NFL: The Show | GM D.Geezy's Cincinnati Bengals Franchise

[Deegeezy]

2011 Bengals Draft Preview

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

BENGALS' IMMEDIATE NEEDS TOUGH TO PINPOINT
With the draft just one day away, Cincinnati's plans are not as clear as past drafts | Successful free agency periods each of the past two seasons has team in position to draft best available | Depth the key area of concern for the team

By Joe Reedy, Bengals beat reporter

The 2011 NFL Draft is set to begin tomorrow night at 7:00 eastern and the Bengals' brass believes that their starting lineup is as complete as ever. Coming off a disappointing 6-10 season which saw the team drop 7 of its last 8 games, Cincinnati went out and fulfilled the majority of their needs during the free agency signing period; Namely back-up quarterback, outside pass rusher, cornerback, and safety. With fewer than 24 hours to go before draft time, the team could go in any direction with their 8th overall draft choice.

"We have a good idea about which direction we're going to go tomorrow night but a lot of that is going to depend obviously on who is available when our turn comes up," said Bengals G.M. D.Geezy.

"Picking 8th, you have to have a list of about 5-6 guys you would want once you're on the clock. We have that list finalized and we'll see who will be the top man standing when we're up."

The draft can possibly be the difference between an ordinary season for the Bengals and a special season. If they can hit on 3 or 4 of the current 10 picks they have, it could be a fun season in Cincinnati. The team is certainly hoping for more hits than that considering that they still have 14 roster spots to fill, most of which will just be needed to fill their training camp roster.

The team will be moving to a true base 3-4 defense in 2011 so they may be in the market for more pass rushers as well as stout lineman up front, particularly at defensive end following the not-so-shocking trade of standout Robert Geathers (77). They could also desperately use some depth behind their starting four linebackers, especially after the release of standout special teams player John Digiorgio (67).

The team could also go with an offensive player in round 1.

The Bengals lack a premiere full-time running back and there are several good ones available in this draft. Unless the team is satisfied with their platoon of C.J. Spiller (77), Bernard Scott (75), and Jerome Harrison (74), the Bengals could have a new lead back in 2011.

Cincinnati may also choose to select an offensive lineman to help protect the fragile Carson Palmer, whose injury mid-season began the Bengals' downward spiral. It is almost a certainty that the team will select 2-3 offensive lineman in this draft considering their current lack of depth at the position.

Another area of possible need could be at receiver, where the team could use some youth at the position. Starting receivers Chad Ochocinco (89) and Kevin Curtis (76) are both 33 years of age and their #3 wide out, Shaun McDonald (70), is 30.

All of these questions will be answered beginning tomorrow night at 7.


Below is the current projected depth chart for the Bengals pre-draft:

QB Carson Palmer (91)/Shaun Hill (68)/Jordan Palmer (61)
RB C.J. Spiller (78)/Bernard Scott (75)/Jerome Harrison (74)
FB Jacob Hester (80)
WR1 Chad Ochocinco (89)/Shaun McDonald (70)
WR2 Kevin Curtis (76)/Jacoby Ford (60)
TE Chase Coffman (77)/Brandon Manumaeluna (67)/Ryan Moya (62)
LT Andre Smith (91)/Zach Strief (62)
LG Anthony Collins (82)
OC Jonathan Luigs (74)/Thomas Austin (50)
RG Kyle Cook (70)
RT Andrew Whitworth (71)

LE Dwan Edwards (71)/Ryon Bingham (70)
RE Michael Johnson (82)/Justin Bannan (68)
DT Domata Peko (84)/Boo Robinson (60)
OLB Vernon Gholston (77)
MLB Rey Maualuga (89)/Keith Rivers (87)
OLB Manny Lawson (78)/Pisa Tinoisamoa (75)
CB Joe Haden (86)/Leon Hall (83)/Zackary Bowman (75)/Javier Arenas (75)
FS Taylor Mays (84)
SS Craig Steltz (80)/Matt Giordano (65)

PK Shayne Graham (86)
P Kevin Huber (84)

Starters in BOLD

Bengals Current Picks*

Round 1 (8)
Round 2 (40)
Round 4 (97) via Tampa Bay
Round 4 (104)
Round 4 (109) via Philadelphia
Round 5 (129) via Tampa Bay
Round 5 (136)
Round 5 (141) via Philadelphia
Round 6 (168)
Round 7 (200)

* - The Bengals traded their 3rd round selection to Philadelphia in exchange for WR Kevin Curtis (76) and the Eagles' 4th and 5th round selections.

Cincinnati also traded DE Robert Geathers (77) to Tampa Bay in exchange for the Buccaneers' 4th and 5th round selections.







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[goDawgs1433]

Can't wait to see what you do in the draft. I like the Geathers trade to clear up some space, and you got some good value out of that - Bengals definitely need more depth at certain spots.

Got a plan in mind? I'm thinking either a DL or a LB, possibly WR/RB if a great one is still on the board? Hmm.

[Tearz49ers]

Get yourself a back, although you have some decent runningbacks you need another premier back, someone who will carry the offense if there is no passing attack.

[Deegeezy]

Weekly Clips



Buccaneers | DT Austin the pick
Thu, 28 Apr 2011 06:28:49 -0700
ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and North Carolina DT Marvin Austin have agreed to terms on a contract and the 6-3 307 pound mammoth will be the #1 overall pick in tonight's draft. Austin is expected to immediately bolster the Bucs' interior defensive line and will play alongside DE Gaines Adams (83) and recently acquired DE Robert Geathers (77). The draft does not officially begin until 7:00pm tonight, however the Houston Texans are now on the clock.


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[cheese2121]

Can't wait to see what happens in the draft. I think Tampa Bay made the right pick. There front four could be nasty. It looks like with the amount of talent there you really can't make a bad selection. Good luck!

[DJ Rhude]

I like the Geathers trade, you'll be able to get some good value on those picks you got for him

The 3-4 has some really filthy defenses in there.....you'll have a blast running that defense when you get the right personnel in place

I think you missed my last question, I saw you signed Manny Lawson......that's a sweet pickup, how old is he now?

Can't wait for the draft, are you using NCAA classes or the Madden generated ones?

[Deegeezy]

Great off-season so far. If Anthony Davis is there at 8, I say draft him. Good luck in the draft, hopefully you can get some nice players to help out.

That would definitely be a major coup if a projected top 5 pick falls to 8. Davis and Andre Smith manning the tackle spots would give us a pretty nasty O-Line.

Can't wait to see what you do in the draft. I like the Geathers trade to clear up some space, and you got some good value out of that - Bengals definitely need more depth at certain spots.

Got a plan in mind? I'm thinking either a DL or a LB, possibly WR/RB if a great one is still on the board? Hmm.

Yes, we do have a plan. We're not targeting a specific position. Most of it is just going to be best player available. I think we're solid enough at most spots to where we can afford to do that.

Get yourself a back, although you have some decent runningbacks you need another premier back, someone who will carry the offense if there is no passing attack.

We may if the right opportunity presents itself. I don't think any are worthy of the 8th pick though.

Can't wait to see what happens in the draft. I think Tampa Bay made the right pick. There front four could be nasty. It looks like with the amount of talent there you really can't make a bad selection. Good luck!

Yeah this is a pretty good draft. I wish the safety class wasn't the strong suit though, especially in a year where I don't really need one.

I like the Geathers trade, you'll be able to get some good value on those picks you got for him

The 3-4 has some really filthy defenses in there.....you'll have a blast running that defense when you get the right personnel in place

I think you missed my last question, I saw you signed Manny Lawson......that's a sweet pickup, how old is he now?

Can't wait for the draft, are you using NCAA classes or the Madden generated ones?

I am pretty pumped about the move to the 3-4 and you're right, proper personnel is essential. It was amazing how much better the 3-4 works when you have a DE with a good Block Shedding and STR rating. I felt a noticeable difference between using my 300-pounders and my 4-3 speed ends in the 3-4 last year when I used the "Multiple D" playbook.

Lawson is 27 and entering his prime. I think I got a bargain. I could see him progressing into an elite linebacker in the next couple of years.

These are imported classes from NCAA.

[Tearz49ers]

If you have no major holes, step back and trade the pick. Pick up another pick along with a later first round pick. Draft your Halfback and you have another pick also.

[Deegeezy]

If you have no major holes, step back and trade the pick. Pick up another pick along with a later first round pick. Draft your Halfback and you have another pick also.

I have actually exhausted my self-allotted number of trades allowed for this season (2).

We're picking 10 players this year and at the spots we currently have.

[RyanLeaf16]

Building a Successful Franchise Requires Four Very Important Pieces

Ed Thompson | Sr. NFL Analyst for scout.com

During my time touring the NFL circuit, I have found that there really is more than one way to skin a cat. Every coach has their own strategic philosophy when it comes to offense, defense, blocking techniques, verbage, etc.

One of my dear friends, Jon Gruden, has a formula for building a football team. It requires four pieces and they are listed in order of importance: a franchise quarterback, dominant pass-rusher, anchor offensive tackle and a shutdown corner.

The current personnel for the Cincinnati Bengals has three of the four. The only real thing missing is the dominant pass-rusher. The Bengals have attempted to remedy that with the recent signing of Manny Lawson and the trade, last year, for Vernon Gholston.

Now that the Bengals are switching, exclusively, to a 3-4 defense, the rush is going to have to come from the outside linebackers. Lawson and Gholston have to produce. However, it never hurts to have add depth and talent.

If I am inside the Bengals headquarters, I am the biggest advocate for two players: 1) Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward with a planned move to the SAM to compete with Gholston. Heyward's size (6-6 289) and strength should provide run support and a adequate ability to shed blocks. 2) George outside linebacker Darryl Gamble. Gamble is smaller (6-2 250), but, has played linebacker before and appears to have more speed. Working in concert with Manny Lawson may make for a devastating outside rush.

The pieces are starting to be put in place for the Bengals to make a run. However, with the addition of either Heyward or Gamble, the Bengals could have all the pieces needed to make a run.


special to DGZ and the "NFL The Show" 'chise

[Deegeezy]

Great piece of writing there as usual Leaf.

Heyward definitely looks like a stud. He is probably more of a traditional 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4. Based on the scouting reports, he is more of a strong, run-stuffing end rather than a speed rusher. With that said, he is someone I am looking at very hard because we could use some depth in that area however we can probably survive with the guys on hand.

As a side note...He is the son of Craig Ironhead Heyward, one of my favorite NFL players of all time.

Thanks for the article man!

[goDawgs1433]

I fully support either of those picks. Heyward played his high school ball about half an hour from me and Gamble is, well...a Georgia boy.

[Tearz49ers]

It is a shame you cant do a live draft, I know that sounds sad but I have always wanted to do something like that!

[Deegeezy]

Bengals.com Draft Recap - Day 1

Thursday, April 28, 2011

CINCY BOLSTERS O-LINE WITH SELECTION OF RUTGERS OT DAVIS
Mammoth lineman expected to start at right tackle | Geezy: Too much value to pass on

With their first pick in the draft, eighth overall, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Rutgers OT Anthony Davis during Thursday night's day one NFL draft action. The 6-6 325 pound road-grater is considered by many scouts to be the top offensive tackle in the draft. Davis immediately improves the Bengals' offensive line and will provide added protection for QB Carson Palmer, who missed the second half of last season with a back injury. Bengals G.M. D.Geezy says that Davis was overwhelmingly the best player available on the board at 8.

"We came into this draft with the thought that Anthony would not be available," said Geezy.

"We had both Anthony and (Bucs #1 overall pick) DT Marvin Austin rated 1a and 1b on our draft board with Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward ranked 3rd. We knew that if either Davis or Austin were there when we picked, it would not be a discussion.

"The plan is to start Anthony at right tackle and we'll likely slide last year's starting right tackle, Andrew Whitworth, inside to guard."

Davis and Bengals starting LT Andre Smith (91) will give Cincinnati possibly the league's best young offensive tackle tandem and will team to help improve the team's running game. In the end though, keeping Palmer upright was the team's main motive.

"There is no question that last year's injury to Carson really hurt our chances," said Geezy.

"I feel like we hit the jackpot today and this will go a long way to helping us protect our franchise quarterback while also giving us more meat up front in the run game department."




"I think the Bengals are getting a top notch player and I look forward to playing in this offense. We look great and I think this is a situation that will be enjoyable. I can't wait to knock off some heads this season; It can't come soon enough."

- Davis on being picked #8 overall by the Bengals










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[Deegeezy]

Bengals.com Draft Recap - Day 1

Thursday, April 28, 2011

BENGALS TAKE NOTRE DAME WR FLOYD IN ROUND 2
6-3 195 pound receiver brings size, speed, and youth to team's aging receiving corps

The Cincinnati Bengals drafted WR Michael Floyd with their 2nd round selection, 40th overall. Floyd, at 6-3 195 pounds and freakish 4.3 speed, will give Cincinnati a serious downfield threat as well as an outstanding redzone target. Floyd joins Bengals receivers Chad Ochocinco, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald, and Jacoby Ford, giving the team what may be the fastest group of receivers in team history.

"This was a pick we didn't have much debate on," said Bengals head coach Mike Martz.

"I think this kid's talent is amazing and we were shocked that he was not more highly regarded coming out. We had him with a mid-first round grade so to get him in round 2 was a major coup. I think he'll compliment our receiver group very well and will make us even more explosive offensively."



"I didn't think I would end up with the Bengals simply because I was expecting to go higher. You best believe that I will be making every team that passed on me regret it."

- Floyd on being picked #40 overall by the Bengals





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