Jump to content

Potential front-seven defenders who could fit with Bengals, Part 2


Recommended Posts

Potential front-seven defenders who could fit with Bengals, Part 2

3d

  • Coley Harvey, ESPN Cincinnati Bengals reporter

CINCINNATI -- Among the many positions the Cincinnati Bengals will be out to shore up in this year's draft are those that can aid in pass-rush and run-support efforts.

While it still seems likely that offensive tackle will be the direction the Bengals ultimately turn with their first-round pick, it isn't a foregone conclusion that they won't draft a defensive tackle or a pass-rusher.

Just like the offensive tackles, there are plenty of the latter who will be available at the top of the draft board.

 

Below, we take a look at a few of the defenders whose names could be called by commissioner Roger Goodell in two weeks when the Bengals make their selection at No. 21 overall. Specifically, we've broken them down by their individual skill set. These designations were inspired by this post earlier this week from ESPN draft insider Todd McShayin.gif, who explored the top front-seven options available in this year's draft. Each of these players have first- or second-round grades from McShay.

After Part 1 Saturday, we continue with Part 2:

 

 

3-4 Outside Linebackers

Randy Gregory, Nebraska: Yes, this says "3-4 outside linebackers," and yes, the Bengals run a 4-3 base scheme. Still, that shouldn't deter Cincinnati from taking a look at pass-rushers who may have come from a slightly different college system. As McShay pointed out, some of these 3-4 outside linebackers simply played that position because they lacked the size to be a 4-3 rusher. Some of them, like Gregory, have the body frame to pack on additional pounds to better suit a 4-3 NFL defense's needs. A positive test at the combine for marijuana use and other admissions of using the drug could cause Gregory to slide in the draft. If he does and is available at No. 21 overall, the Bengals could walk away with a steal. Some believe he could be the best pass-rusher in the class.

Bud Dupree, Kentucky: At 269 pounds Dupree is much thicker than the 238-pound Gregory, making it possible for him to either be a hand-in-ground defensive end, or a more upright edge-rushing outside linebacker. Although he's heavy, he has the athleticism and agility to still drop into coverage, if needed. One of the reasons he's coveted: his 7.5 sacks last season. After ranking dead-last in the league with 20 sacks last season, the Bengals are in dire need of pass-rush help. The addition of Michael Johnson through free agency diminished the importance of that need slightly, meaning that even if Dupree is available when they pick at No. 21, the Bengals could opt to draft another position instead.

 

 

Weakside Linebackers

Shaq Thompson, Washington: Rated the 67th overall draft hopeful by Scouts, Inc., Thompson has second-round talent although he could fall into the third round. The fact is, there are so many outside linebackers in this draft class, and he projects as more of a true 4-3 weakside 'backer instead of one of the 3-4 edge-rushers that are so prevalent this year. Because there are so many 3-4 teams, and because there are so many of the edge-rushers who could also go to 4-3 teams like the Bengals, it could force Thompson to get overlooked at the position early. At 6-foot, 228 pounds, he's also on the small side for his position. Still, Thompson's sideline-to-sideline range, coverage skills and tackling ability are among his most valued traits.

 

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/16699/bengals-nfl-draft-fit-front-seven-defenders-part-2

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...