This move will leave a hole at the strong side OLB spot on the roster. The Bengals have to decide if a player like Brandon Johnson is ready for a shot. He seems to make plays whenever he is on the field the past few seasons. Bengals might target this need via free agency. With the Bengals playing a 4-3 opposed to the more popular 3-4 defense. The type of linebacker the Bengals need is rare but not as desired by other NFL teams. I have listed three that would complement the USC tandem of River and Maualuga.
James Anderson (CAR) – The Panthers have watched strong side linebacker James Anderson explode onto the scene. He has been one of the bright spot for this struggling franchise. Anderson has done nothing but fill up his stat sheet last year by recording 101 solo tackles (130 total), 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Anderson is heading into his 6th year and if not resigned by the Panther he would be a great accusation for the Bengals. He has the nose for the ball and would be a productive addition for Zimmer and the Bengals.
He is a complete player who can do everything you would want your 4-3 strong side backer to take on. He is not going to cause a huge splash in the press but he is a good team player that will show up and contribute. No noise just production and I don’t know about you but that sounds pretty damn good to me.
Quincy Black (TB) – Black, 27, is heading into unrestricted free agency after playing his fourth season in Tampa Bay. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Black was a third-round pick of the Bucs in the 2007 Draft. Last year was a huge year for Black! He was in the process of having his best year as a pro but then a broken forearm ended his season in Week 14. He racked up 88 tackles with 4 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Black also missed two other games due to an ankle injury. If Black had stayed healthy he likely would have been the team’s second- or third leading tackler for the season. VALUE!!!
Quincy Black is an interesting player who seems to be ready to explode on the scene. With the Bengals needing a Strong side force who can rush the passer and do the job in coverage Black would be a nice fit. He is not the big flashy name but he is one of the best OLB prospects available as an unrestricted free agent. The Bucs will do their best to keep Black due to their head coach loving this up and coming talent.
Mike Peterson (ATL) – Peterson had a stellar 2009 season but took a bit of a step back last year. The Falcons are going young at the backer position and I could see them letting Peterson walk. In 13 games started Mike collected 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 39 solo tackles. Not the kind of stats that will blow you away but a change might be exactly what he needs. Peterson is a veteran who is not a good long term answer but is a player who can contribute without a doubt.
I think Mike is another value free agent that could be affective in Zimmer’s 4-3 scheme. I would not expect Peterson to have a pro bowl type season but I would expect him to be stout against the run and great in coverage. The question is would Peterson put up better numbers than Brandon Johnson if Johnson was given a shot at playing time this year. I do not know but I would love to find out. I did not include Brandon Johnson on my list but he deserves to be resigned and a shot at the OLB position.
RB – Let the games begin! With the Cedric Benson drama who knows what the Bengals are thinking. I do like Bernard Scott and Benson as a solid 1-2 combo but I was disappointed with Benson’s fumbles last year. Is it time to test the free agent market and find the next bell cow? If the Bengals are going to return as one of the top rushing attacks in the league they will need more than what we currently have on the roster.
Who is the answer if it is not Benson? I left Benson off my list because I think we are all aware of what he brings to the table. If Benson can return to his 09 form this is an easy decision. Resign the man if he is going to take another step back then its time to pass on the troubled vet. Please take a look at the running backs I think can come in and help this team win games. Bengals fans need to remember we are going to need a solid running game if Dalton is our guy heading into week 1.
Michael Bush (OAK) – Even with McFadden’s breakout season, his lingering injuries may concern the Raiders enough to keep Michael Bush as an insurance policy. Bush hasn’t been explosive enough to warrant consideration as a starter around the league, improving the odds he stays Oakland.
Ricky Williams (MIA) – Williams continues to defy the odds as he turned in another successful rushing season over the age of 30. The Dolphins would be wise to offer him an incentive-laden contract and continue to use him in a timeshare role in the offense, whether or not it’s with Ronnie Brown.
UDFA ROUTE – This is the wild card! This year there seems to be a ton of good RB prospects still available. I have included a list of the players the Bengals better be paying attention to during the feeding frenzy that is about to go down. The list of vet free agent running backs seems to be a mine field of risk. Players like Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams sound attractive but their injuries sound deflating.
I am thinking going young and scooping a few of these young cats to compete for the job. There I enough talent below to ad with Scott and I think we would have a productive back field for years to come.
Chad Spann | 5'8, 201 pounds | Northern Illinois: Super Sleeper, watch this youtube clip and enjoy.
Derrick Locke | 5'9, 182 pounds | Kentucky: If given a shot in the right NFL system look out!
Damien Berry | 5'11, 215 pounds | Miami: Berry is a downhill physical runner who is extremely motivated.
Donald Buckram | 5'9, 194 pounds | UTEP: If healthy Donald is a very physical back capable cranking out the tough yards. It’s his sneaky speed that makes him dangerous.
Noel Devine | 5'8, 176 pounds | West Virginia: Devine is shifty and has sprinter's speed. Big play possibility whenever he is on the field.
Darren Evans | 6'0, 220 pounds | Virginia Tech: At 6-0, 220 Evans has good size to take a pounding but has an injury history. Shot in the dark pick up.
Brandon Saine | 5'11, 220 pounds | Ohio State: He can be a weapon out of the backfield, as he is too athletic for linebackers and has reliable hands.
Thanks for reading and let me know who I might be over looking. Take care Bengals Nation! Sleep well football is back! WHO DEY!
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