Michael Johnson is another player heading into his 3rd NFL season. Last season the Bengals played around with Johnson at the OLB position. This will be interesting to see where he fits in this season. There is no doubt he fits in somewhere. This guy had the most solo tackles on the D-Line last year. He has not fully shown us the ability to collect sacks like he should. Late last season he really came on and forced some suspect throws from the DE position applying pressure but not getting the sacks.
Michael has the ability to be a problem for opponents if he could lock down the OLB spot and allow Rey to make the move to the middle. With his size and ability Johnson would cause problems with his wingspan in coverage. With that being said I do worry about his coverage skills. If used wisely at OLB and moved around to play on the D-Line he could develop into a big time playmaker for the Bengals.
When he gets it and this year I think he will look out! I would prefer the Bengals allow him to play DE and work on his pass rush moves. I feel he has more upside as a DE but if allowed to pay a hybrid position he would be a major asset for this defense for years to come.
NUMBER 4: WR - Jordan Shipley - Drafted 3rd Round 2010
When the Bengals selected Shipley in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. I was not blown away with his skill set or speed. I watched him play a number of times while at Texas. He did produce some incredible numbers while playing for the longhorns. I was not sold on his ability to shake NFL corners and thought he would have issues getting open at the next level. I could not have been more wrong. I totally underestimated his hands, quickness and toughness.
Shipley had a very productive rookie season and led AFC rookies with receiving yards with 600 and tied teammate Jermaine Gresham for AFC rookie lead in receptions with 52. With a nice breakout game in at Atlanta after coming back form a vicious hit by the Brown TJ Ward he had first 100-yard game, catching six-for-131 including a 64-yard TD.
With Jay Gruden the new offensive coordinator vowing to use all of the Bengals weapons in the new west coast system. I think Shipley will emerge as one of the leagues best slot receivers. He has 100 catch per season type of ability and he should excel with yards after the catch. Jordan Shipley will be a sure starter for this team in 3 wide sets and be one of it most productive players for many years.
NUMBER 3: WR - AJ Green - Drafted 1st Round 2011 (4th overall selection)
AJ Green was touted as the hands down best receiver heading into the combine. Jones from Bama had an incredible combine and that added some spice to the conversation. Needless to say AJ Green is the best pure WR prospect to come out since Megatron Calvin Johnson in my humble opinion.
I think Chad Ochocinco will be in stripes next season but there is no doubt the AJ Green choice is a true changing of the guard moment. The Bengals followed this choice up in round 2 by taking Palmer's successor in Dalton. This combo has Benglas fans ready to move on and cheer this young tandem on. With that being said AJ Green is 100% pro ready prospect. He has everything you would want out of your number 1.
The proof will be in the pudding and AJ will need to have a QB that can get his the rock. I think we can all agree that the Steelers and Ravens have suspect corners. He will have to show us he can get that separation he got in college. AJ will get plenty of looks and have an opportunity to have a huge rookie season. I think with the young nucleus of skill position players, he will have a supporting cast that will allow him to take advantage of favorable match ups.
NUMBER 2: DE - Carlos Dunlap - Drafted 2nd Round 2010
Carlos Dunlap was a pick that sounded scary at first. A ton of Draft gurus where toting his talent as top 10 but his off field issues scared away most and others questioned his motor and work ethic. The entire league avoided Carlos Dunlap in Round 1 due to a DUI violation that caused him to miss the SEC Championship his junior year. After seeing him flip the switch when given the playing time and display some serious pass rushing skills. I am confident in saying the sky in the limit for Carlos.
Dunlap was not a factor during the first half of the season. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator were not impressed with his work ethic. Both said he needed to practice better and understand what it means to be a pro. The thing that worries me is the Bengals coaches had the same opinion of Jerome Simpson. Then Simpson shows up and makes them look silly for not playing him. I am sorry but you got to dress and play your second round picks. Once Dunlap hit the filed they could not get him off of it. Dunlap's first career quarterback sack came against Peyton Manning in week 11.
The most impressive part of last year is that Carlos finished with 8.5 sacks on the year with limited playing time. I just hope the Bengals did not cost him Defensive Rookie of the year by shelving this talent until week 11. Sue had an amazing season for the Lions but from what I saw out of Dunlap. I believe he could have given Sue a run for his money for DROY honors.
NUMBER 1: TE - Germaine Gresham - Drafted 1st Round 2010
I must admit I did not want the Bengals to take Germaine in the 2010 draft. I wanted a pass rusher or a safety for Zimmer. Needless to say after watching him during his rookie season I quickly realized the Bengals made the right pick. I was not sold on Bratkowski and the Bengals ability to maximize his talents in this offense. I must admit again I was wrong. Gresham finished with 52 receptions for 471 yards and four touchdowns. His 52 receptions set a franchise record for catches by a rookie tight end. He ranked third on the team in receptions ties with Jordan Shipley.
Gresham showed great ability to get open and make touch catches. I was also impressed by the aggression he played with. I saw him dish out punishment on would be tacklers countless times. Showing a mean streak I didn’t think he possessed. I think former Sooner TE and legend Keith Jackson would be proud of what he was able to accomplish in his rookie season.
With a new system and possibly a rookie quarter back in Dalton leading this team. What better weapon for a young fellow than a promising tight end like Gresham. With the other impressive playmakers this offense will run out there. Germaine will get the middle of the field to play with. I am predicting an AFC Pro Bowl type season out of Gresham this season. This is not easy to do when Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates also make a living playing TE in the AFC.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my list of the top 10 Bengals prospects. Please let me know who you think I left off or totally underrated on my list. WHO DEY and lets hope this CBA gets resolved ASAP! My birthday is August 12th and I would love to watch some Bengals football.
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