WhoDeyRevolution

Thinking Inside the Box (version 2.01)

A little while ago I posted an article stating who I thought would be the starting linebacking corps on opening day as follows:

• OLB - Odell Thurman
• MLB - Keith Rivers
• OLB - Dhani Jones or Rashad Jeantucky

Wow, I could not have been more wrong.  This picture has changed drastically since the time I posted that article, now that Odell has been peaced and that they made the decision to put Rivers at his "natural" spot on the outside. It looks now like the starting lineup is going to be this:

• OLB - Keith RIvers
• MLB - Dhani Jones
• OLB - Ahmad Brooks or Rashad Jeantucky

This could very well turn out to be one of the better LB corps in recent history.  But this hinges on a few things:

1. Rookie Keith Rivers learns quickly and can step his level of play up to the NFL before too long.  Every great player in college has the potential to be great in the NFL.  But does Rivers have the attitude and drive that it takes to do so? It seems like he does, but we will have to wait and see.
2. Ahmad Brooks is fully recovered from his "sore" hamstring. If this turns out to be a lingering injury that keeps him from any amount of playing time, this could be a repeat of last year.
3. Dhani Jones starts acting like a football player instead of a rich frat kid from UVA. No but seriously, Dhani has never really played the middle for an extended period of time, so WDR does not know what to expect from him.  What we do know is that he is consistent, and can tackle well. What more can you ask for?

Also in order for any of these players to have success, we need solid play from our interior defensive line.  If just one of the two rookies pans out (Sims or Shirley) we should do OK.  If both of them show up and play to their potential, then watch out.  This defense could actually turn some heads this year. 

Stay tuned to WDR for the latest news and analysis of the Bengals.  And please join the revolution if you dont want to settle for a 5-11 record this year.

The Superbowl Champion Cincinnati Bengals. Why Not?

Here's why the Bengals are going to win the Superbowl next season.  This is my story and I’m sticking to it at least until they lose week 1 to the Ravens.

-2008 is the year where everything is going to go right just once (yes i've now sunk to the "we are due" theory it's really all I have left so be nice).

-The offensive line will stay healthy (there is no doubt in my mind that the season hinges on the O-line being great which is why I’ve deluded myself into liking franchising Stacey Andrews) and provide stability for Carson so that he can throw for 4,000yds and 30tds. 

-The offense will be a top-5 offense that finishes games off behind a strong running game anchored by the reappearance of a healthy fresh Chris Perry (that we ever thought of signing the undead corpse of Shaun Alexander will be a distant afterthought). 

-Chad will be dancing in endzones across America while T.J. and Ben Utecht convert key third downs all season long. 

-The rookie receivers will replace most of Henry's production, and Rudi might even decide that he wants to break tackles again (Geoff Hobson tells me its going to happen so why not just pretend, it's easier trust me).

Thinking Inside the Box

Things going on over on the offensive side of the ball... We've got a franchised player who isn't even slated to start this year in "project" Stacy Andrews... We've got a star WR who doesn't want to be here in Chad Johnson... And we've got a mess in the backfield, where we don't even know who the starting RB is going to be. But enough about them already. I want to talk about defense.

When you look at our front 7, or the "box", not a lot is recognizable.  Justin Smith jumped on the first offer he received faster than Drew Carey can slam a 5 dollar foot-long. We lost Landon Johnson, the team's leading tackler, in free agency to Carolina. Caleb Miller decided that he wanted to pursue his other passion and left for the seminary. 

We've got some new faces in there including LB Keith Rivers, DE Antwan Odom, DT Pat Sims, DT Jason Shirley, in addition to some obscure RFAs.  These four new guys all have the potential to have a big impact on the performance of this defense.  But this will all hinge on the play of the interior D-Line.  For anything to work this year, we need BIG play from our bigmen.  It is time for Peko, Thornton, Myers, and the new kids to step it up and start wreaking havoc.  If they can do this it will allow the rest of the defense to do what they do, and that is play fast, hit hard, and make plays. 

Speaking of playing fast, lets take a look at the linebacking corps.  This was perhaps the most unsettled area of the Bengals team last year.  Plagued by injuries and shoddy play, and even playing one game with safety Chinedum Ndukwe in a linebacking spot, this position was the poster child of the Bengals reign of futility.  However things are looking up this year.  We've picked up Keith Rivers with the #9 pick in the draft as someone who can play all 3 positions very well.  Odell Thurman, a catalyst of the AFC North Championship team in 2005, has returned and is looking to make an big impact.  And several other younger players are going to look to make their mark, including Eric Henderson and Darryl Blackstock.

Here is how I see the starting lineup taking shape for the season opener:

DE- Geathers and Odom

DT- Peko and Thornton  (Sims, Shirley as backups)

OLB - Odell Thurman

MLB - Keith Rivers

OLB - Tough call, either Dhani Jones or Rashad Jeanty

It doesn't look like an all-star cast, but I do think if the chemistry is right this group could have a strong season.  But like I said, it ALL depends on the young DTs Sims and Shirley stepping in right away, and strong play from Peko and Thornton.  We will have to wait and see.  Let's hope that Mike Clown got it right, and this Sims kid is the real deal.

NFL Draft Live Blog

Coming at you live from Over-the-Rhine, Ohio and Washington, DC - welcome to the WhoDeyRevolution Live Blog.  Jason Buck and Andrew Simon will be reporting throughout today's NFL Draft.

Jason's comments will be in italics. Andrew's will be bolded.

7:58: The more I think about this pick, the more angry I get.  This guy likely would have been around in the 3rd round - where the Bengals have 2 picks!  Do the Bengals really think we have the DTs to compete?  Sims and Laws were still available - and were taken soon after the Bengals botched their pick.  John Thorton has never been dominant and Peko was a non-factor all year.  The Bengals got outmaneuvered in Round 1 with the Saints trading up to take Ellis and the Jags trading up to get Harvey - and then in Round 2 with the opportunity to get a guy who could help improve the defense - we blow it.

I can only imagine how they will botch tomrorrow.  My guess for the 3rd round pick: Tom Zbikowski.

7:55: I am still in absolute shock.  Jerome Simpson.  Coastal Carolina.  The Bengals did not improve their pass rush and did not get a run stuffing DT that can draw double teams. They passed up Limas Sweed and Early Doucet to take a guy who has racked up stats against subpar competition.  I guess you could argue that Jerry Rice did the same - but do you really have more confidence in the Bengals scouting department to see something special in this kid more than other teams?

7:47: As bad as I thought it could be, I did not expect it would be this bad.  Wow.  Viva la Revolution.

7:45: Who is this guy???????????????

7:44: FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

7:40: Prediction -  Quentin Groves.

7:39: Bengals on the clock....

7:32: Chicago should take a QB (Rex Grossman is our QB) and the Detroit could take a DT in front of the Bengals to make up for losing Shaun Rogers.

7:29: Tyrell Johnson taken.  Calais Campbell and Quentin Groves still available.  If anyone is sitting near Mike Brown, please pass along this information.

7:28: 2 picks to go - please Mike Brown, take defense.  Please.

7:27: Eddie Royal taken in the 2nd round!  I talked about him on Mo's show on Monday.  I am a budding Mel Kiper.

7:16: Jerry Jones interviewed on NFL Network - makes it as clear as possible (since he isn't allowed to talk about trading for players under contract with another team) that he is interested in trading for Chad.  What do they offer though? 

7:14:  I think Avril is off the board for the Bengals until the 3rd round at least.

7:12: Picks I would be happy with: Sims, Tyrell Johnson, Campbell, Groves.

7:06:  If I'm Malcom Kelly...I'm calling Mike Brown to say "You know I loved your work when you beat the IRS in tax court...think you can give me some pointers?"

7:03: Still on the board for the Bengals with 7 picks to go: DeSean Jackson (WR), Limas Sweed (WR), Marion Manningham (WR), Early Doucet (WR), James Hardy (WR), Malcom Kelly (WR), Calais Campbell (DE), Quentin Groves (DE), Cliff Avril (DE), Pat Sims (DT), Trevor Laws (DT), Tyrell Johnson (S).

6:57: I guess we now have to hope for bad WRs to get taken before the Bengals - Thanks Green Bay (Jordy Nelson).

6:51: Chiefs are having a fantastic draft. Has anyone EVER said that about the Bengals?

6:46: Buck, why would the Bengals ever trade up?  They will just take the best available (WR) in Round 2.

6:35:  TRADE UP AND GET MERLING!!  Or sit back and take Trevor Laws.  But with all the WR's falling...you know what that means.

6:24:  Kentwan Balmer taken - is the 3-4 dead for the Bengals?

6:22: Mayne pipes into say "The Bengals are fucking lame.  Simon, write that down."

6:05:  Best defensive lineman still available:  Philip Merling, Kentwan Balmer, Pat Sims, Calais Campbell, Trevor Laws, Lawrence Jackson, Chris Ellis (Va Tech)

5:54: How many RBs do the Titans have now?  Also, more worryingly, no WRs have been taken.  Gonna be hard to pass up a WR in the 2nd round for the Bengals now.

5:50: Every good team in the NFL employs a 2-back system (except the Chargers who have LT).

5:43:  Steelers take Mendenhall?

5:42: Why has Mendenhall dropped so far?  You could argue he's a better all around back than McFadden.

5:36: The Bengals have so many linebackers...we really could have used a DT or DE.  Too bad Mike Brown couldn't have been bothered to make a trade.

5:24:  Bengals trade up to get Kentwan Balmer?  Maybe it makes too much sense.

5:21: One more pick for the Bengals to offload Chad...will it happen?

5:09: Nick Simon: New Chad interview on NFL.com 

Key quote:  I don't blame Marvin Lewis. I love him. You have never heard me say one bad thing about my coaches or teammates. I know it's not up to Coach Lewis. Whether I'm traded, or if we get better players, is not up to him. If it was up to Coach Lewis, then he would do it."

 

Sounds like WDR.  More on this later.

5:01: That's an insult to (FEMA) Mike Brown.

5:00: I still say the Bengals have to go defensive line in the second round...Trevor Laws, Pat Sims.   Or maybe Calaias Campbell out of the U...6'7" plus.

4:52: 5 more picks for the Bengals to trade Chad to the Skins.  The football knowledge between Mike Brown and Dan Snyder would rival the other Mike Brown's understanding of federal response to hurricanes.

4:50: The Chiefs have significantly improved today.

4:49:  Dorsey and Albert?  The Chiefs are having a hell of a draft.

Tune in Tomorrow for WDR NFL Draft Live Blog

Live Blog of the NFL Draft will begin right here at 2:00 on Saturday, April 26th.  Check back then....

No Need for WR in 1st Round

WhoDeyRevolution is not a dictatorship like the Brown Regime, and thus I must respectfully disagree with Comrade Miller in his post from yesterday that the Bengals should draft a WR at #9. Mr. Miller is correct in assuming that Mike Brown and the Bengals front office have no ability or desire to shop around the #9 pick to move up to guarantee they get either Dorsey or Ellis at DT, or move down if both are gone. Let’s not forget that the Bengals had their sights set on CB Revis from Pitt in the 2007 draft and Mike and Co sat on their hands and watched as the Jets traded up and snagged him. And we passed on trading our 3^rd overall pick in 1999 for ALL of the Saints’ picks – Akili really worked out.  

So, I will concede that the Bengals are stuck at #9. If Dorsey and Ellis are gone by then, do the Bengals then draft a WR? No.

First, WRs are historically the 2^nd hardest position to scout, after QB. Comrade Miller wants a WR who can “contribute immediately.” Take a look at my earlier post and see the numerous busts of WRs taken on the 1^st round – and many way after the #9 pick.  

Second, no WR is the consensus top WR available. Malcom Kelly is mentioned frequently, but his temper tantrum blaming his disappointing 40 time (4.68) on the University of Oklahoma having him run a different surface than he had agreed throw up some huge red flags. James Hardy from Indiana is largely unproven (do you want to take a flyer on a guy with the 9^th pick?) and DeSean Jackson could be a great kick returner but is likely never going to be a #1 receiver. There just isn’t a WR out there worthy of a #9 pick.

Third, there are ALWAYS top WRs available in later rounds. Look at Chad (2^nd round) and TJ (7^th round)
on the Bengals, or Steve Smith (3^rd round), T.O. (3^rd round) or Donald Driver (3^rd Round).

Lastly, and most importantly, the Bengals will never compete for the Super Bowl if they continue to throw out subpar defenses. We have huge holes at DT, OLB and Safety. Even without Henry, we have 2 Pro Bowlers at WR. The Efocus needs to be on defense, defense and defense.

I've Got An Itch On My Odom Sack

Odom definitely made a name for himself as a Tennessee Titan last year, ringing in 8 sacks and also getting 14 quarterback hits (third in the league.)  Does this mean that he is the next Lawrence Taylor???
Let's review...

Antwan is obviously a good talent and will hopefully contribute more than Justin Smith did in his years as a Bengal.  But there are couple things that should be pointed out: I know of at least 2 sacks that came in garbage time against the Colts when Jim Sorgi was at the helm. Another thing that must be pointed out is that he played right next to Albert Haynesworth, one of the best defensive tackles in the game right now.  What significance does this have?  Haynesworth's size and talent required the opposing linemen to double team him on almost every play, most often times leaving Odom with one blocker to beat. 

This only means one thing.  Odom's numbers will take a big hit if the Bengals don't spring for a serious upgrade at defensive tackle.  Two botched attempt at picking up a DT earlier this off-season show that Mikey Brown is at least aware of this gaping hole, and that he wants to fix it.  With Shaun "Porkchop" Rogers in Cleveland, and Dewayne Robertson being labeled as damaged goods, we only have one place left to turn... the 2008 NFL Draft.

If you have been religiously reading Who Dey Revolution for the past couple weeks (which is like every person in Cincinnati) you are not a stranger to the name Glenn Dorsey.  There is a good chance that this guy will fall to the #9 pick given the injury concerns surrounding him.  If he does, it is a no brainer for the Bengals to pick him up.  This guy has the size and the talent (a la Albert Haynesworth) to demand attention in the middle, which would give Geathers and Odom more opportunities to get to the QB.  And as evidenced by all when the Giants won the Superbowl, getting to the QB can do wonders for any defense.

So you basically only have 1 choice: click here and post a comment to JOIN THE WHO DEY REVOLUTION to show Mikey and company that you want a SUPERBOWL.

(Mike's reaction when a reporter told him how many Bengals fans signed the Who Dey Revolution Manifesto.)

Post-Chris Henry WR Corps

With Chris Henry finally an afterthought for the Bengals, smart thinking would be to be planning for the future.  The Bengals clearly have a hole at WR with Henry's departure and with Chad's psychotic temper able to flare up at any moment. 

There are three options: promote from within, free agency and the draft.  Each are discussed in detail below:

Promote from Within

Antonio Chatman has been a disappointment after signing as a Free Agent from Green Bay before the 2006 season, posting only 22 catches for 171 yards and a TD in his 2 seasons on the Bengals.  Repeated drops nullify his kick return speed. Not a true #3 WR threat.

Glen Holt shined on special teams in 2007, showcasing a 24.3 yard/return kickoff average and catching 16 balls for 143 yards and a TD in limited appearances.  Unclear if he can translate his 2007 success into a more permanent offensive role.  Questionable as a #3 WR.

Free Agency

The Bengals missed the bus on a weak WR class of free agents, with Donte' Stallworth going to Cleveland and Javon Walker to Oakland in only big moves.  Everyone else out there is ancient, but I wouldn't doubt Brown taking a flyer on one to try and convince us that Eddie Kennison, Keenan McCardell or Troy Brown can actually still challenge defenses.  Unless Mike Brown and the Bengals scouting department know something that that the rest of the league knows about these free agents (trust me, they don't), this is not a viable option.

Draft

This leaves the upcoming NFL Draft as the best option to secure a solid #3 WR.  According to the venerable NFL Draft Countrown, the top WR prospects in this years draft are, in descending order, Limus Sweed (Texas), DeShawn Jackson (Cal), Malcom Kelly (Okla), Devin Thomas (Mich St.), James Hardy (Indiana), Mario Manningham (The School Up North), and Early Doucet (LSU). 

Sweed, Jackson, Kelly and Thomas are rumored to go in the 1st round, which (hopefully) puts them out of contention for the Bengals as they need to draft defense first, no matter what.

Hardy, Manningham and Doucet are projected 2nd rounders.  The Bengals have been burned by Michigan draft picks of late (Perry is a bust and Leon Hall has so far not lived up to his potential) but Michigan apologists point to Braylon Edwards as proof that Manningham is the real deal. Oh yeah?  Manningham ran a slower 40 time than Vernon Gholston, and with his character issues, he will likely be off the table for the Bengals.

Hardy has similar character issues and is largely unproven - most scouts are taken with his size (6'5", 217lbs) but seem to overlook his speed and technique.  A proven defensive player is a better choice than Hardy.

That leaves Doucet - a speedster who has fallen down the draft boards after posting an unimpressive 4.59 in the 40.  But anyone who saw him play at LSU knows differently - he is projected to be gone by the time the Bengals at #46 in the 2nd round, but I hope that the Bengals give Doucet a long look if he still on the board.

In summary, I tend to lean towards still taking a defensive player in the 2nd round.  The Bengals defense needs a LOT of work if they are ever going to be a true playoff threat.  And don't forget that early-round WRs are notorious busts.  In the last 3 drafts, out of the 22 WRs drafted in the first two rounds, only 1 (Braylon Edwards) has made it to the Pro Bowl. 

Just take this list of first and second round WRs from the 2005 and 2006 drafts and tell me the Bengals would rather have a WR of this caliber than a defensive lineman?

In 2006, Santonio Holmes (Pit) and Greg Jennings (GB) have produced, while Sincore Moss (NYG) and Chad Jackson (NE) have not.

In 2005, Braylon Edwards (Cle), Mark Clayton (Bal) and Vincent Jackson (SD) have been successful.  Not so for Troy Williamson (Minn), Mike Williams (Det), Matt Jones (Jax), Roddy White (Atl), Reggie Brown (Phi), Mark Bradley (Chi) and Roscoe Parrish (Buf).

As the draft approaches, Who Dey Revolution, and we hope the Bengals scouting department, will be taking a closer look at the WR options available in rounds 3 or later.  With the Bengals acute needs for defense, and with Mike Brown content with the Bengals positioning on draft day precluding any trades for picks or players, it seems to make the most sense to draft defense on in the first two rounds and focus on a WR on later rounds.

Tell Mike Brown and the Bengals what you really think by signing your name in the comments of the Who Dey Revolution Manifesto here.

Rudi, Rudi, Rudi? A Treatise on NFL Running Backs

Over the past few seasons, the emergence of the platoon running back system has come to dominate the NFL backfield, at least for successful franchises. Out of the 12 playoff teams from 2007, only one team (San Diego) had their featured back gain more than 65% of the teams total rushing yards for the season. And out of the 2007 playoff teams, only San Diego (LT) and Jacksonville (Fred Taylor) had a running back who one of the top 10 highest paid running backs in 2007.

NFL teams have to decide: is it advantageous to invest significant salary cap space in a player who is likely not going to lead their team to the NFL playoffs?
 

In 2007, Rudi Johnson was the 8^th highest paid running back in the NFL, but due to some injury troubles and the emergence of Kenny Watson, finished the season as the 39^th leading rusher in the NFL with 497 yards on 170 carries for 3 touchdowns. The Bengals as a team finished as the 24^th best rushing team in the NFL, based on average yards from scrimmage per game
 

Who were the backs who made more than Rudi? Most were either busts (Lamont Jordan), had significant injuries (Deuce McAllister, Shaun Alexander) or simply have not been worth the money (Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James).

It is clear that in today’s NFL, unless you have a superstar running back (LT, Adrian Peterson), they are simply not worth the money. The platoon system has shown that offensive coordinators can rotate backs to showcase their strengths (and ensure fresh legs all game), and recent injuries have shown that teams must invest in a depth at the position. 

All told, the Bengals spent $8,989,169 in total cap value in 2007 in their backfield, to finish 24^th in total rushing yards from scrimmage. Out of the top 10 rushing teams in 2007, 7 spent less overall in their backfield than the Bengals.

How? They sign young RBs and give them cheap money and invest the difference instead in offensive line. You might call this the Shanahan effect, with Bronco’s coach Mike Shanahan rotating running backs more often than most Bronco’s fans rotate their John Elway underwear. Running backs are expendable – put a premier offensive line in front of them and you will get yards. 

You want some examples? How about Minnesota (put their money in Steve Hutchison, drafted Adrian Peterson), Pittsburgh (Willie Parker makes $1M less per year than Rudi and the Steelers rushed for 40 more yards per game) and New York Giants (who pay their backfield less than half than the Bengals), not to mention the Patriots, Titans, Cowboys, Bucs and Seahawks, who all employed 2 back systems and made the playoffs.

The Bengals, on the other hand, have invested $4.75 million in Rudi, $1.326 in Chris Perry and $1.3 million in Jeremi Johnson – and for what? Give me two more Kenny Watson at $816,666 per year and invest the rest in the offensive line. 

For this year, give Rudi his shot at proving he is a superstar back, but if he can’t impress, send him packing and take the cap money to invest in some offensive line depth for the future.

Join the WhoDeyRevolution today by clicking here, visiting our inaugural post and signing your name in the comments section.

Bengals Mock Draft: v 2.0

   

A lot has changed since my first mock draft--unfortunately, none of that change occurred in the Bengals' scouting department.  For those who appreciate brevity and don't want to read about all the picks, I'll sum up my thoughts here: the Bengals are in a tough position at #9, given that the top 3 or 4 defenders they would most want are likely to be off the board (DE Chris Long, DE/OLB Vernon Gholston, DT Glenn Dorsey, and DT Sedrick Ellis).  What this should mean is that the Bengals should consider trading out of the #9 spot--either up or down--to get one of the players they want, or to secure more draft picks on Day 1 (but only on Day 1).  You'll have to read on to find out how I think things will shake out and who the Bengals are likely to pick up (NOTE: I'm only going to #9 since that's where we pick).

#1 Miami Dolphins: Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Most people by now have the son of NFL Hall-of-Famer Howie Long going to the Dolphins.  I hesitated here because I think that not only does Matt Ryan (QB, Boston College) have a shot, but I also think that Vernon Gholston may have shot up high enough that he would be a tempting guy for the Tuna to consider (can he be molded into a Lawrence Taylor-type OLB?).  But, for now, I'll go with general consensus.

#2 St. Louis Rams: Vernon Gholston, DE, The Ohio State

He's soaring up draft boards, just had a huge Pro Day to follow a huge Combine.  He would pair nicely with their 1st pick from last year, DT Adam Carriker.

#3 Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

They need to replace Michael Vick with the polar opposite--squeaky clean kid with the ability to become a pure pocket passer.  Getting a new QB is usually a good way to sell a few tickets, too, which Falcons' owner Arthur Blank needs to do.

#4 Oakland Raiders: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

Here's where the DT's starting getting swiped.  There are rumors floating that Dorsey has a stress fracture which could affect his career; whether or not that's true, we probably won't know for another year or two, but he's too talented to pass up and I think the Raiders are itching for the next Warren Sapp (Dorsey could be even better than Sapp).

#5 Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT, Michigan

If the draft shapes up this way, it may be a good thing for the Bengals.  If either Dorsey or Elllis slide past KC, I don't see the Jets, Pats, or Ravens jumping after a DT.  Jake Long makes a ton of sense for the Chiefs, whose once-great offensive line has been miserable the last few years.

#6 New York Jets: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

The Jets would love to have Vernon Gholston here, but since he's gone, they turn their attention to improving their sluggish offense (ranked 26th in the NFL last year).  McFadden is one of the better homerun backs to come out in a while, but scouts think his game might not translate to the NFL a la Reggie Bush.  Mangini has his own ideas and certainly doesn't want McFadden falling to the Pats, who can be very unpredicatable.

#7 New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB, USC

A lot of people see the Pats going DB here given the number of defensive backs they lost in free agency.  But Belichick has proven he can win with guys like Ashley Ambrose and Hank Poteat in the defensive backfield, so I don't think he's overly concerned.  Their aging LB core, which has long been the strength of this unit, is cause for concern though, so I think Rivers would fit nicely.

#8 Denver Broncos (via trade from Baltimore Ravens): Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

That's right people, here's where we get punched in the fun bags.  With QB Matt Ryan off the board, the Ravens are in a position to trade down and potentially get their choice of a second-tier QB (like Brian Brohm) or one of several excellent DB's in this Draft.  Trading with the Broncos also gets them at least one extra pick, which they could use after sacrificing a 3rd Round pick to get Willis McGahee last year.  Furthermore, they get to send a huge middle finger to the Bengals, whom they know covet the services of Sed Ellis.  Such is life.

#9 Cincinnati Bengals: Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC

I shudder to think about the draft looking like this, but I could definitely see us over-paying for the services of a DT like Balmer since we missed out on several in free agency.  Other options--all of whom would be a reach at this point--include DE Phillip Merling, DE Derrick Harvey, S Kenny Phillips, and OT Jeff Otah or Ryan Clady.

Again, this is the point where the Bengals should trade down and target the best available LB's and DT's with low 1st and high 2nd round picks.  There are several DT's who could offer help inside that will fall to the low 1st or 2nd round, including Pat Sims (Auburn), Frank Okam (Texas), Dre Moore (Maryland).  In addition, there are a lot of DE/OLB "tweeners" who could drastically improve the pass rush, including Purdue's Cliff Avril (4.51 40-yard dash) and Auburn's Quentin Groves (4.57).

Simply put, my greatest fear is that the Bengals sit tight at #9 and draft a guy that doesn't match the value at that spot.  They would be far better off either trading up to get Dorsey or Ellis (if they don't fall to us), or trading down and maximizing value.  You've been on the clock for 17 years, Mike Brown, so it's high time you did something right.

Join the WhoDeyRevolution today by clicking here, visiting our inaugural post and signing your name in the comments section.