Bengals Draft 2008 - Other Players to Watch and Potential CFA's
DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College 
A North College Hill graduate, Tribble had an extremely productive career for the Eagles, displaying big play ability in coverage and also returning punts/kicks. He has had a few brushes with the law, but insiders at BC stand firmly behind the fact that Tribble is a stand up guy. Plus, Bengals "scouts" won't have to go far to learn more about Tribble from his high school coaches here in Cincinnati. If the character and size issues cause him to fall to the fifth round, Tribble could be a Bengal.
Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville
Urrutia isn't exactly the big play, deep threat that Chris Henry was, but he is tall (over 6'5") and would be a perfect developmental/late round draft pick. The Bengals worked him out and could potentially take him with their compensatory selection in the 6th round.
Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
Always good to keep an eye on schools where Marvin Lewis has ties, and Lewis has had Hampton coaches in to PBS to speak to area youth football coaches on more than one occasion. Langford would help a defensive line that desperately needs to force more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
Out of the Eddie Royal mode, Jackson would be another shifty, small, and explosive receiver who can
also pay big dividends returning punts. His two touchdowns against Michigan proved he can play with the big boys.
Jason Shirley, DT, Fresno State
The guy is massive: 6'5", 320 lbs. Why is he not ranked higher than the 7th round? Multiple off the field problems including DUI and conduct detrimental to the team. Plus he was driving around with expired tags (a fan favorite among Hamilton County Sheriffs). If he's still available as a CFA, and with the Bengals history for giving people second (aka twelfth) chances, Shirley is literally too big to pass up.
Other Players to Consider...
Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest
Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati
Jo-Lonn Dunbar, OLB, Boston College
Kenny Moore, WR, Wake Forest (Led ACC in receptions last season with 98)
Letroy Guion, DT, Florida State
Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
Chad Rinehart, OG, Northern Iowa
Barry Booker, DT, Virginia Tech
Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt
Joe Jon Finley, TE, Oklahoma (Also goes by J.J. Finley)
Jesse Nading, DE, Colorado State (This guy looks like Justin Smith's twin...right in the Bengals wheelhouse)
If you missed WDR's 10-pick Bengals mock draft, check it out right here.
For the record, my new prediction for the Bengals first round pick is Vernon Gholston. Too many negative vibes on him the last few weeks...and we know the Bengals love taking Buckeyes high in the draft.
Shockingly high number of Wake players on this list...
Posted by: Andrew Simon | April 25, 2008 at 01:30 PM
If we get our hands on Gholston, I will be happier than Mike Brown at the Golden Corral.
Posted by: Egon Spangler | April 25, 2008 at 01:33 PM