The spirit and driving force behind whodeyrevolution.com is that the Bengals need to intelligently build a team through the draft that can sustain long-term success and win Super Bowls. In my view, that means having plenty of depth on the offensive and defensive lines. That means doing whatever it takes to finally bring a pass rush to Cincinnati, so Bengals defensive backs aren't covering receivers for 10 seconds. That means selecting intelligent, late round talent that can support our starters and be instant contributors on special teams. Bengals fans cannot afford a repeat of Jeff Rowe, Nevada, 5th round.
With that in mind, check out this mock draft identifying players who can help achieve this goal:
Round 1, 9th pick, (9th overall) - Sedrick Ellis, Defensive Tackle, USC
Simply...if the Ellis is here at #9, the Bengals have to take him. Bengals fans have to hope that the Falcons or Ravens think Matt Ryan is franchise QB material, because the Saints (among other teams) are good candidates to trade up to grab Ellis if the Ravens trade down from the #8 slot. While short at 6' 0", and hampered by some nagging injuries, all good teams have a penetrating, disruptive defensive tackle up front, and Ellis is the kind of talent you take with a top 10 pick.
Plus, the guy is clearly an intelligent interview. Check him out during the 2008 Senior Bowl.
Round 2, 15th pick (46th overall) - Cliff Avirl, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Purdue
Avril would be a classic 'tweener' since he could be considered a smallish defensive end or he could play Outside backer (a la David Pollack), but the Bengals are desperate for pass rush help in any form they can get it. Scouts constantly talk about Avril playing with an intense mean streak and he shined at both the combine and the Senior Bowl. His top-end speed (4.509) and quick burst could mean scary things for AFC North QB's.
Gotta love this soundbite from Avirl: "Any chance to hit the quarterback, I'm all for it."
Round 3, Pick 14 (77th overall) - Eddie Royal, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech
The Chad Johnson saga won't go away, but regardless the Bengals do need to address their receiver position (just NOT in the first two rounds). Royal was electric at Virginia Tech and could have been even more spectactular with any kind of consistent quarterback play. Not only that, but Royal could step in immediately as a major threat returning punts. He's on the small side but has fantastic speed and could end up being what we hoped Peter Warrick would become.
Think he would like catching passes from Carson?
Nice tribute to Royal and shows off what he can do in the open field.
Round 3, 34th pick (97th overall) Compensatory Selection - Phillip Wheeler, Inside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
Look, I love the idea of Odell Thurman and Ahmad Brooks commanding our linebacking corps, but Odell hasn't played since 2005 and Ahmad Brooks can't stay healthy. If the past is a predictor of the future, you can't really count on those guys in 2008. So, who can play the middle? Wheeler is an aggressive MLB that can make plays and times blitzes extremely well. He played at MLB, OLB, and defensive end while at Georgia Tech.
Check out this montage, looks like Wheeler can make plays
Round 4, 13th pick (112th overall) - Tony Hills, Offensive Tackle, Texas
A Stacy Andrews type project, but Hills is huge at 6'5" 1/2 and could be a punishing run blocker for our "new committment to the running game". He does have injury and polish concerns, thus his availability in the 4th round.
Round 5, 10th pick (145th overall) - Lionel Dotson, Defensive Tackle, Arizona
Dotson adds to the rotation at defensive tackle, plus he plays with a mean streak and with plenty of emotion. Whenever I see the quote "relentless pass rusher", it's worth a look. If he can help out stopping the run and get an occasional sack, Dotson would be a steal in the 5th.
Round 6, 11th pick (177th overall) - Orlando Scandrick, Cornerback, Boise State
Intelligent football player with great speed (4.32) and has experience returning punts/kickoffs.
Round 6, 41st pick (207th overall) Compensatory Selection - Lamar Myles, Outside Linebacker, Louisville
We know Marvin Lewis loves guys who can also play special teams, and Myles is considered an underrated talent by the Bengals coaches.
Round 7, 37th pick (244th overall) Compensatory Selection - Jeremy Zuttah, Offensive Guard/Tackle, Rutgers
Zuttah played primarily at right tackle in his final two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, but he probably will find a home at guard in the NFL. The Bengals would love Zuttah's versitility on the line.
Round 7, 39th pick (246th overall) Compensatory Selection - Caleb Campbell, Safety, Army
The Bengals need to figure out a lot at safety this year (how much Kilmer plays, do you start Marvin White and Chinny Week 1, etc) but Campbell can contribute immediately on special teams and is a smart, disciplined player...something the Bengals need a whole lot of right now. Plus he has big play ability, can cover well, and is very effective in run support.
If you are ready for a draft that will help build a smart, fast defense and an offensive line that will run the football and protect Carson Palmer...then tell Bengals management how you feel by joining the Who Dey Revolution HERE!
After thinking long and hard about the draft... I'm going to go out on a limb and say:
Who Dey Burger Please!
Posted by: Robert Foreman | April 21, 2008 at 06:05 PM