Thanks again for checking out my blog and I will do one more mock after the combine madness throws all of this out the window. Some players will test off the charts and jump into the early rounds. I trust the players stats and tape more but you have to take the combine results into consideration. I am not the type to get all excited about a 40 time. Except Taylor Mays last year…
ROUND 1: A.J. Green – WR – Georgia: AJ’s hands unquestionably are his best attribute. Long arms, big, soft hands and excellent body control to contort and make the highlight-reel catch, including seemingly impossible one-handed grabs. Rarely allows the ball into his pads, snatching the ball out of the air and securing it quickly when he is anticipating taking a bit hit. Has proven the ability to absorb a pop and maintain control. At 6-4 Ft and 212 Lbs he fits the mold of a dream target for Carson. Plus he runs a very quick 4.49 40 yard dash. It would be a major youth movement at the receiver position if they let TO and Chad hit the bricks. This pick does free up the front office to move Chad if they get good value on draft day for my main man 85. This could be another sign that the Bengals are trying to keep Carson in stripes.
ROUND 2: Benjamin Ijalana – OG – Villanova: Stands 6ft 4 in and weighs in at a solid 320. Ijalana is projected as a guard by most scouts because of his durability, athleticism and strong hands (his background as a high school wrestler is apparent). No matter where teams project him to play, Ijalana is likely to be among the top small school prospects selected in the 2011 draft. This might be a little early but I feel that he is better than Pouncey and he has the ability to pull as a LG. He shows excellent agility getting out of his stance, capable of moving behind the line and into the hole to negate linebackers. This has been a missing link for the Bengals since Steinbach signed with the Browns in 2007. Oddly enough Steinbach was taken by the Bengals in the second round in 03 at nearly the same spot I have mocked Ijalana.
ROUND 3: Ahmad Black - SS - Florida: Black is a little undersized 5-9 183 pounds and started his career as a Gator playing corner. I think with Nelson settling in at FS, Black cam come in and learn behind Crocker until he is ready. If Crocker can come back from a totally rebuilt knee. Black has 11 career interceptions and tied for the national lead with seven in 2008. He has a history of making big plays against top competition. He stripped the ball from Oklahoma wide out Juaquin Iglesias for a momentum-swinging interception of 2010 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford in the 2009 BCS Championship game. Earlier that season he intercepted a pass and returned it 64 yards against 2009 No. 1 overall pick Matt Stafford. In a tough season for Florida, Black's consistency and leadership stood out. His reliability as an open-field tackler and penchant for big plays won't be lost on NFL scouts. The instinctive defender might not be drafted in the first round, but his ability to step up his level of play against elite talent won't be overlooked.
ROUND 4: Owen Marecic - FB - Stanford: 2010 PAUL HORNUNG AWARD WINNER: Stanford fullback-linebacker Owen Marecic has won the inaugural Paul Horning Award. The award given out by the Louisville Sports Commission honors the most versatile player in college football. Marecic entered the season atop the depth chart at both fullback and middle linebacker for Stanford. He saw the majority of his reps during the spring at linebacker. He played strong enough in the middle to earn playing time at middle linebacker last season in goal line and short-yardage situations. Three-time Pac-10 honorable mention selection as a fullback Marecic has played a major role in the success of Stanford's running game over the last three seasons. In my opinion he is the best blocking fullbacks in the nation. Tough, hard-nosed competitor has gained ultimate respect from his teammates and coaches due to his unmatched work ethic and attitude. Sounds like my type of player! Special team ace in the making and a much need hammer at the full back spot.
ROUND 5: Chris Carter - OLB - Fresno State: A hybrid talent Chris Carter was named the Bulldogs' MVP in a vote of his teammates. Carter, a senior, had a team-high 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss this season. He also had four forced fumbles. Carter is a converted linebacker that has 19.5 career sacks and can play both positions at the next level. He is not an every down type of player but he is a play maker. Carter will likely have to play as outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. He has the instincts and enough speed to perform well in that role. I know we play a 4-3 but Zimmer has played around with some 3-4 packages. Carter has been adding weight and I feel he could be a solid pass rushing end in certain situations. With Rey moving to the middle the OLB spot might be a more glaring need but I like Carter’s ability to get to the QB and makes tackles for losses look easy.
ROUND 6: Allen Bradford - RB - Southern California: At 5-11 weighing in around 235 pounds Bradford runs a impressive 4.56 40 time. This time may improve at the combine if he focuses on increasing his speed. Allen’s feet are quick enough to escape defenders and is a beast between the tackles with a history of playing well when given the opportunity. If he can prove reliable as an outlet receiver, he could surprise as a late-round selection. I love Bernard Scott’s game but unless Benson is resigned or the Bengals pursue another RB in free agency the need for a power back should be addressed at sometime during the draft possibly even earlier than Round 6? I just do not see many power backs that have impressed me in rounds 3-7.
ROUND 7: Devon Torrence - CB - Ohio State: Skilled all-around athlete who has made great strides in the Ohio State secondary. Very comfortable in his role and ready to increase his contribution making a bid for the starter's role as a nickel corner in the NFL. Good size standing 6ft and 4.53 40 yard speed at the corner spot. Not barn burner speed but enough to make him an affective nickel in the NFL. He has great instincts but needs to work on his hands and technique. After seeing the corner backs drop off like flys last season I would like more depth at this spot on the roster rather than calling off the street free agents. Plus Adam Jones is trying to come back form another neck injury. If Pacman can’t make it back and Joseph takes a pay day elsewhere the depth at the corner spot is not good at all.
Thanks again and let me know what you think! Unleash the hounds!
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