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Five Go-Bengals members give their take about five external free agents that they would like to see the team target. The members weren’t given any restrictions in regards to salary or strategy. (Age listed reflects age at the start of the 2013 season.)
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Member: AKILIMVP
1. Dashon Goldson, S, 49ers 6-2 200 28
A solid safety against both the pass and the run. If we miss out on re-signing Smith I could see us using the extra money for a veteran safety like Goldson.
Statcheck: Goldson started each of the 62 games he played in the last four years with the 49ers. During that time the Niners defense has improved it’s ranking every season, 2009-18th, 2010-13th, 2011-4th, 2012-3rd.
2. Danelle Ellerbe, LB, Ravens 6-1 240 27
The Ravens likely "Flaccoed" themselves out of re-signing Ellerbe. Ellerbe is a quick linebacker and could be either a weakside or middle guy in a 4-3. He has played in the AFC North his entire career so he would be a good fit here.
Statcheck: Ellerbe played sparingly in his first three seasons but burst onto the scene in 2012 with 92 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
3. Eric Winston, RT, ex-Chiefs, 6-7 302 28
Winston is a great run blocker and a good replacement if we don't re-sign Andre.
Statcheck: As dependable as they come, Winston has started 103 games in his career including every game for the last 6 years.
4. Phil Loadholt, RT, Vikings 6-8 343 27
If we don't re-sign Andre Smith I think a free agent RT is the way to go. Loadholt isn't a huge drop off from Andre and should be a little more affordable.
Statcheck: Loadholt has started all 63 games he has played during his 4 year career paving the way for Adrian Peterson.
5. Daryl Smith, OLB, Jaguars 6-2 248 31
Great all around player for the Jags and would add a veteran presence at strong side linebacker.
Statcheck: Prior to his injury year in 2012 Smith had 3 straight seasons of at least 97 tackles.
JASON
1. LaRon Landry, S, Jets 6-0 220 28
Strong safety is a position of need. Landry is a good, but not elite player, which puts him in the Bengals range.
Statcheck: Landry might just be the playmaker the Bengals are looking for. In 2012 he had 4 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions to go with 99 tackles, a career high.
2. Philip Wheeler, SLB, Raiders 6-2 240 28
One of the better 4-3 SLBs on the market. He’s solid in every aspect of the game. Pair him with Burfict and Howard and the LB group just got a LOT better.
Statcheck: Wheeler had his best year last year, his first in Oakland, tallying 109 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and breaking up 6 passes.
3. Justin Durant, LB, Lions 6-1 240 27
Durant may be a more reasonable option at LB than Wheeler as he won’t command as much money. He’s good against the run but not in coverage, which is ok, because as a SLB he won’t be on the field on obvious passing downs anyway.
Statcheck: Durant played all 16 games for the first time in his six year career and had his best season totaling 103 tackles.
4. Jason Campbell, QB, Bears 6-5 230 31
I want a vet backup, not a rookie. Campbell showed a couple of years ago before he got hurt (leading to the CP trade) that he could win a few games with talent around him.
Statcheck: Campbell has 71 career starts and an 82.5 Career Passer rating.
5. Dashon Goldson, S, 49ers 6-2 200 28
Unlikely, but he did open the door. Would help take this defense to the next level. A very good safety against the run and in coverage.
Statcheck: Goldson started each of the 62 games he played in the last four years with the 49ers. During that time the Niners defense has improved it’s ranking every season, 2009-18th, 2010-13th, 2011-4th, 2012-3rd.
MICHAELWESTON
1. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers 5-11 198 29 years
Jennings gives the Bengals a versatile weapon to go with AJ Green in the passing game. He’s a veteran from a team used to winning and will bring leadership and playoff experience to a young team.
Statcheck: Jennings fought injuries last year but was healthy for the last 5 games (including the playoffs) when he totaled 29 catches for 330 yards and 4 scores. If he kept at those averages for a year he would be at 93 catches for 1056 yards and 13 scores.
2. Charles Woodson, S, Packers 6-1 202 36
Poochie finally comes home to close out his career. Woodson is another veteran from a winning team that will bring leadership and high expectations. I expect that he has another good year or two in him and if he comes cheap it will be well worth it.
Statcheck: Woodson is an injury plagued year removed from a seven interception 17 pass break up season. For a team looking for a playmaker he has the pedigree. 55 career interceptions and 182 pass break ups.
3. Anthony Fasano, TE, Dolphins 6-4 255 29
TE isn’t a huge need with Gresham on the squad and drafting Orson Charles last year, but Fasano brings consistent hands and leadership, something the first two lack. He is the type of guy that Dalton could turn to at the end of the game and be sure he can make the tough catch.
Statcheck: Fasano’s drop percentage is very low. In 2012 he had just one drop in 68 targets. In 2011 he had 0 drops in 54 targets and in 2010 he had 2 drops in 60 targets.
4. Brandon Johnson, LB, Steelers 6-5 245 30
The prodigal son returns to the Queen City. Johnson was virtually nonexistent in his one year in Pittsburgh after leaving Cincinnati. With the Bengals he was a versatile reserve who could back up more then one spot and play special teams. I expect the LB spot to be in flux for the early part of the year with a few changes and he can provide a steadying presence.
Statcheck: Johnson had just 10 total tackles last season with the Steelers. The lowest number he had during his four year career in Cincinnati was 31.
5. Josh Cribbs, WR, Browns 6-1 215 30
A big strong return man who can do a lot in the offense, Cribbs is a solid veteran that fits the theme—consistent-veteran-versatile. He would immediately upgrade the return game and provide versatility to the offense.
Statcheck: Cribbs was targeted just 11 times and had 6 carries in 2012. However, he had 38 punt returns for a 12.0 avg (6th in the NFL) and 43 krs for an avg of 27.4 (4th in the NFL).
SOIS
Ground Rules: I am anticipating the following draft picks: 1. LB, 2a. CB, 2b. WR, 3. RB, 4. QB, 5. G, 6a. T, 6b. TE. So with that in mind, I will target the remaining needs in FA.
1. Keepers, Cincinnati Bengals - I'm going to roll up the Bengals players that had expiring contracts here. There were some tough choices (Sorry Pat Sims), but I think the Bengals need to resign Andre, Gilberry, Pacman and one of the kickers along with the others who have already re-upped (MJ, Peerman, Huber and whoever else I missed). Andre is a no-brainer. DE is a little thin for the Bengals and I think Gilberry earned a chance to come back. Adam Jones was the best CB on the team for long stretches. He seems like he has his head on straight. This gives me 44 returning players + 8 draft picks + 5 free agents = 57 players. I have a worksheet for who I kept.
2. Philip Wheeler, SLB, Raiders 6-2 240 28
The Bengals need to add a dominant strong side LB in the draft. I think a front line of Howard, Burfict, and stud 2nd rounder will be enough for the first team. The backups would be Moch, Vincent Rey and Aaron Maybin. I don’t like that second unit at all. I’m also done with Lawson and Maualuga. So if the Bengals can sign Wheeler, he would ease the learning curve on a rookie and instantly bolster the LB corps. Howard, Burfict and Wheeler would be legendary.
Statcheck: Wheeler had his best year last year, his first in Oakland, tallying 109 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and breaking up 6 passes.
3. Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts 6-1 268 34
He's old but the Bengals could use him situationally. He's always provided a great edge rush. He was misused last season as the Colts switched him to a LB. That will probably allow him to be acquired at a bargain price. I think he's still got enough left in the tank to contribute to the DL. He would be a major weapon on 3rd downs. MJ, Dunlap, Gilberry and Freeney would be a nice lineup.
Statcheck: At a new position and fighting age and injuries Freeney had just 12 tackles in 2012, however 5 of them were sacks.
4. Ted Ginn, WR, 49ers 5-11 180 28
I like the Bengals WRs. I think with a 2nd round pickup, this core can be great for years to come. However, one thing they don't have is a home run return threat. Ginn has always been that. I would sign him to return and stretch the field once or twice a game. I don't think WR is a major need. Green, Jones, Sanu, Baby Hawk are good and Whalen has some potential. Ginn just needs to come in and be the special teams threat everyone knows he can be.
Statcheck: Ginn was targeted just twice from scrimmage in 2012 but you can’t ignore his impact in the return game. He took back 32 punts for an average of 10.1 yards and 11 kickoffs for a 23.0 average.
5. Darius Butler, CB, Colts 5-10 185, 27
Like the LB corps, I think this unit needs an overhaul. Allen needs to be gone. Clements is old and gone. I’m tired of the picks who never did anything (Ghee, Prater). Dre needs to step it up and get on the field. I would keep Leon, Dre, Miles (for special teams) and Pacman. That leaves a gigantic hole. The Bengals MUST use one of their top three picks on a CB. That would give them four options. That’s why I want to sign a dude like Darius Butler. He’s young, he was a 2nd round choice originally and most curiously, he is Geno Atkins’ cousin. He played pretty well in limited playing time last season and I think he could contribute in the same fashion for the Bengals. I would feel a lot better about the CB core with a high pick and Butler.
Statcheck: Butler certainly has playmaking ability. He returned two of his four interceptions in 2012 for scores.
BONUS: Since Carson might get cut, it would be nice to bring him back. Andy looks pretty good on the sidelines with his hands in his shoulder pads.
VBURFICT55
1. Jason Campbell 6-5 230 31
With Grad being a free agent behind Dalton, maybe it’s time to bring some fresh blood in other than a rookie. Campbell had his best season when playing under Hue in Oakland before getting injured and I believe he would be an upgrade over Bruce. If Dalton were to ever get hurt, I would feel confident in Campbell to get the job done.
Statcheck: Campbell has 71 career starts and an 82.5 Career Passer rating.
2. Danny Woodhead 5-8 200 28
Coming over from the Pats like BJGE, as well as being the type of RB we need, makes Woodhead the perfect fit for our offense. He is a do it all back that can run inside and out, catch out of the backfield, block, and is also a great team player. He’s the type of game changer we need, even though I still also feel it would be good to add a rookie RB to the mix.
Statcheck: Woodheads 446 pass catching yards in 2012 are more then any Bengal RB in the last 20 years and only Eric Bienemy (1995) comes close.
3. Danario Alexander 6-5 217 24
I am very pleased with Jones as a number 2 and Sanu filling the slot position, but a game changer like Alexander could really help this WR corps. Once he signed with the Chargers, he made a declining Rivers look good. At 6'5, 215 he has the body type of a receiver to give us the deep threat we need opposite Green to help open the field for players like Gresham.
Statcheck: Yardage wise Danario was the 53rd ranked WR last year if you look at the entire year. However, he didn’t have a catch until week nine. If you look at his stats starting week nine he shoots all the way up to number 13 and is 3rd in touchdowns over the same period.
4. Justin Durant 6-1 240 27
Coming out of Hampton, Durant was someone that I wish we would have drafted. As we move Burfict to the middle and hope to add a promising rookie to the mix, Durant would be a great add at the LB spot. He covers all over the field against the run and also is a decent cover guy. This is the type of free agent we seem to go after and should not be very expensive to help add to this powerful defense.
Statcheck: In 2012 Durant played all 16 games for the first time in his six year career and had his best season totaling 103 tackles.
5. Dashon Goldson 6-2 200 28
I would love to be able to add a guy like William Moore, but with the story coming out with Goldson being interested about the Bengals, it made it an easy choice. Goldson would instantly start next to Nelson and be an upgrade of anyone we have or could even get in the draft. I think it would be smart to sign a veteran like this and draft a young safety for the future, but Goldson seems like the type of guy Zimmer would love to have on his defense.
Statcheck: Goldson started each of the 62 games he played in the last four years with the 49ers. During that time the Niners defense has improved it’s ranking every season, 2012-3rd, 2011-4th, 2010-13th, 2009-18th.
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