ROUND 1 (4th overall selection) A.J. Green - WR – Georgia
With the first selection in the 2011 draft the Bengals snatched up arguably the best wide receiver in the entire draft in AJ Green. This was a pick that was mocked by every expert since Marvin has been taking shots at Chad through the media this off season. The early favorite for this pick was Fairley or Bowers by many Bengals fans. The knee issues attached to Bowers and questionable motor of Fairley caused both to slip big time heading into the draft.
After spending a majority of the draft last year on offensive weapons defense may have been the better choice to improve the team as a whole. The fact is if the Bengals are finally tired of Ochocinco’s song and dance this was the right pick. AJ is a new breed of wide receiver who I believe is ready to explode onto the scene. Not to mention many of the experts think AJ is bust proof due to his special skill set at the position. This pick locked up an impressive core of young targets for the future QB. I think this pick was a homerun.
ROUND 2 (35th overall selection) Andy Dalton – QB - TCU
Round two was another pick intended to replaces a former fan favorite in Carson Palmer. Andy Dalton seemed to be the Bengals guy heading into the draft. Andy is a high character winner who had to work for everything he accomplished in his career at TCU. He is the type of hard worker who will lead in the locker room and on the field. Palmer was a highly sought after QB prospect at the age of 10. Not saying Palmer is not a hard worker but I think there are clear differences between Dalton and the god gifted golden boy turned pre-Madonna.
The Titians smoke screen threats of taking Dalton with the 8th overall pick were deflating heading into round 1. We all found out that Locker was their guy. I still didn’t think Dalton would be there in round 2. We all watched Gabbert fall to the Jags and the Vikings jump all over Ponder. With a failed trade attempt trying to trade back into the first round. The Bengals sat and watched their guy fall right into their laps.
No doubt this was a huge need with the predicted departure of Carson due to the trade demands. This was not an upgrade to the overall roster but a building block for the future. Is Dalton ready to come in day 1 and start? I am not sure and would rather tap McNabb for a one year deal. This would ease some of the pressure and allow Dalton to ease into his role as the franchise QB. It seems like Gruden got his guys to rebuild this offensive attack. If Dalton is the perfect West Coast prospect if will still take some time but its going to be exciting.
ROUND 3 (66th overall selection) Dontay Moch – DL/OLB – Nevada
I love the third round choice of the super athletic freak Dontay Moch. I must be honest, I didn’t know much about this man when his name came up on the screen. After hearing both ESPN and NFL Network guys swoon over this guys pass rushing ability. Moch was the fearless leader for a Nevada program that won a ton of ball games in the WAC. He plays the game with a fire and passion that this team lacks. Another high character guy picked by the Bengals shows the commitment to improving the team on and off the field. If Moch can grasp coverage schemes playing OLB in Zimmer’s 4-3 defense this kid is going to contribute big time. This would also let us move Rey to his natural position MLB. For now it sounds like Zimmer and company will focus on what he all ready is great at witch is rushing the passer. Look for Moch to shine on special teams and contribute on passing downs next year.
ROUND 4 (101st overall selection) Clint Boling - OL – Georgia
The O-Line was a huge area of concern for me heading into the draft. New OC Jay Gruden said the Bengals want to pound the ball and play physical football. He is also installing a west coast flavored passing attack. This caused me to believe the O-Line needed to get more athletic to excel with run blocking and pass protection. This pick was another great value pick and a pick that fill a need. With Livings, B. Williams and Mathis contracts up it’s a good time to install a new scheme. Clint Boling had a great career at Georgia and is a versatile talent. Some scouts think he can play every position on the O-Line. This flexibility is huge if injuries come into play on the line. I think on day one of camp Boling will compete for a starting interior spot on this teams O-Line.
ROUND 5 (134th overall selection) Robert Sands - FS – WVU
I know a ton of Bengals fans where high on Sands heading into the draft. The need to get younger and more aggressive at safety was a glaring need. The trade last season that landed Reggie Nelson ended up being productive move. With Crocker under contract but coming off a knee injury depth is needed. I think Sands is a nice replacement in run support for Roy Williams. Putting this guy in the box to help with the run is like adding another LB to Zimmer’s defense. Passing on possible starter OG/OT Marcus Cannon might end up hurting us down the line. I thought O-Line needed more help but no denying the need at safety. This kid will fly up and smack you in the mouth. His biggest knock is in coverage due to tight hips and lack of range. I do not see this on tape at WVU but to be fair I have not seen a ton of tape on Sands. I love his size along with the 4.5 speed and I think Sands is an ace on special teams right now but he could develop into a major contributor in the coming seasons.
ROUND 6 (167th overall selection) Ryan Whalen – WR – Stanford
This is where I start to get a little confused. I think the WR depth after the AJ pick is pretty solid. Even if Chad and TO are let go. With running backs galore on the table the Bengals went with a possession receiver type in Whalen. He is another high character guy who I hope proves me wrong. After reading what new WR coach Urban had to say about Whalen I felt a little better about the pick. It seems like this team is trying to get better on special teams without putting to many important role players on that unit. Sounds like Ryan is polished route runner with great hands who is accustom to making big catches in pro style offense. He has good size and hopefully he turns into another late round productive WR for the Bengals.
ROUND 7 (207th overall selection) Korey Lindsey - CB – Southern Illinois
This is a small school player who some think was the best shut down corner Lindsey in the FCS. Korey was on the board and we all know the CB position could use the depth. Last year the Bengals found themselves reaching out to street free agents just to be able to field a complete unit. With some good talent in the secondary form previous drafts Lindsey will have to impress to stick on this roster. If the injured corners are all healthy this roster battle will be fun to watch. I see Lindsey becoming a possible practice squad player to start.
ROUND 7 (246th overall selection) Jay Finley – RB – Baylor
The Bengals finally step up and take a running back. I hope waiting until the 7th round does not come back to bite us in the ass. It also shows that the Bengals are confident they can resign Benson who has proven to be affective in the AFC North. Finley had some impressive number at Baylor last season gaining over 1,200 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. Time will tell if he breaks into the lineup I would be impressed. Practice squad player to start.
With experts saying this was not a fantastic or deep draft class as a whole. I feel like the Bengals did a great job landing 4 possible starters. I think the first 5 choices out of the 7 in this years draft class have a good opportunity to make the opening day roster.
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