Chick Ludwig has a friend?

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/23/my_best_friends_cincinnati_ben.html"][color="#9c71ad"]My best football friend’s Cincinnati Bengals’ 2009 Mock Draft (first in a series of eight)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/23/my_best_friends_cincinnati_ben.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Monday, March 23, 2009, 09:18 AM

[b]ONE MAN’S OPINION:

BENGALS COULD USE

DE MICHAEL JOHNSON[/b]

Joe “VoHo” Von Holle of Beavercreek, Ohio, is a youth football coach and NFL Draftnik with extraordinary analytical talent. When it comes to the draft — and football knowledge in general — he’s one of the few folks I trust because he brings skill, enthusiasm and experience to the table.

With The Chickster tied up this week with coverage of the 87th annual Boys State Basketball Tournament at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, I’ve decided to satisfy loyal “Ludwig At Large” readers with “VoHo’s Bengals Mock Draft” — one round per day for seven days…plus a bonus eighth day with his college free agent picks.

Remember: This is one man’s opinion. VoHo admits that “some of my picks are a little over-the-top,” but you’ll find that a lot of them make sense.

Are you an NFL Draftnik like Smokin’ Joe Von Holle? If so, I’d like to see your Bengals Mock Draft. Simply respond in the comments portion of the “Ludwig At Large” blog.

One round per day for Seven Days. Today is Round One.

“Let’s make this a community event,” VoHo said.

“Ludwig At Large” agrees wholeheartedly.

So let’s pretend it’s Saturday, April 25, 2009.

The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock.

“WITH THE SIXTH PICK IN THE 2009 NFL DRAFT, THE BENGALS SELECT…”

[b]DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-7, 266)[/b]

[url="http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1593"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl[i]draft/profile[/i]display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1593 [/color][/url]

VoHo’s analysis: [i]“Yeah, I know I’m nuts. But this kid has rare top 10 physical talents. Maybe he just needs to mature a little more to improve his work ethic and desire. But his abilities are crazy. He’s got raw physical talents like few others (Kobe Bryant in pads?). He can play the DE spot better that Robert Geathers or Antwan Odom and he could line up on the goal line for passes like Mike Vrable. He was a star TE in high school.

What’s the worst he could be — Whine-hard Wilson? And the best? Maybe a little like Dwight Freeney or Jason Taylor. A guy who must be accounted for, who makes Geathers or Odom better, who makes Keith Rivers better when the TE has to “chip” Johnson before blocking Rivers; and that makes Rashad Jeanty better when the guard has to double Johnson, and Jeanty goes one-on-one with the back. It also improves the defensive backfield — the QB has less time, more hurries; the safeties don’t have to blitz 40 percent of the time so there is more coverage “over-the-top” and the CBs can take more interception risks. I think the possible payback is worth the risk compared to the quality available at OT.”[/i][/quote]




[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/23/my_best_friends_cincinnati_ben.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...innati_ben.html[/url]

[happyrid]

Wow, seriously? So chick just found some random guy he is friends with to write a terrible article about drafting a guy projected to be picked around 50th with the #6 pick? Good work Chick and VoHo.

[Jason]

If we took Michael Johnson at 6 I think I'd puke. Repeatedly.

[|Bengal Migration|]

[quote name='Jason' post='758052' date='Mar 24 2009, 04:42 AM']If we took Michael Johnson at 6 I think I'd puke. Repeatedly.[/quote]
I'd blame Brat

[Khatmandude]

[quote name='Bengal Migration' post='758062' date='Mar 23 2009, 06:18 PM']I'd blame Brat [/quote]


It would probably be his fault

[ChicagoBengal]

[quote name='IKOTA' post='758065' date='Mar 23 2009, 03:49 PM']It would probably be his fault[/quote]
You could call it the shuffle pick.

And I'm convinced that Chick is doing this as schtick at this point. There's no way that a writer for an accredited newspaper could seriously be this obtuse.

[sparky151]

[quote name='ChicagoBengal' post='758082' date='Mar 23 2009, 05:14 PM']You could call it the shuffle pick.

And I'm convinced that Chick is doing this as schtick at this point. There's no way that a writer for an accredited newspaper could seriously be this obtuse.[/quote]

Yeah, I'm surprised the DDN hasn't replaced him already. They could get someone younger, cheaper, and probably better to do the same stuff.

[|Bengal Migration|]

[quote name='sparky151' post='758104' date='Mar 24 2009, 06:46 AM']Yeah, I'm surprised the DDN hasn't replaced him already. They could get someone younger, cheaper, and [b]probably better[/b] to do the same stuff.[/quote]
Probably better? There are 20 posters here who could out-perform the chickster.

[Jamie_B]

"Chick has a friend"

Yes he and Lance are all "brokeback" for each other.

[fredtoast]

Is this the famous German porn star Joe Von Hole?

[oldschooler]

[quote][b][size=5]JOE VON HOLLE’S 2nd ROUND PICK[/size]

Center Max Unger, Oregon (6-5, 309) [/b]

VoHo’s analysis: “If not Unger, then Alex Mack of California. One of those two ought to still be on the board at No. 38. I’ve been an Eric Ghiaciuc apologist for too long. Here’s a chance for a change. I think these are two of the better centers to come into the league in a long time. The pundits have been talking about them for two seasons already. These guys may be able to be in the lineup regularly by mid-season.”[/quote]


[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/24/bengals_welcome_compensatory_p.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...ensatory_p.html[/url]




[quote][size=5][b]Cincinnati Bengals’ third-round draft picks[/b][/size]
By Chick Ludwig | Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 07:26 AM

[b]BENGALS BEEF UP O-LINE,

THEN HUNT FOR A MLB

===This is the third installment in an eight-part series, courtesy of Joe Von Holle.===

3a. Kraig Urbik, Guard/Tackle, Wisconsin (6-5 328) [/b]

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=33869&draftyear=2009&genpos=OG"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OG[/url]

[b]OR

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma (6-8, 332)[/b]

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=70689&draftyear=2009&genpos=OT"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OT[/url]

VoHo’s Analysis: “Urbik may not make it this far, but here is the next candidate for the right tackle position. I think one of these two would be at the Stacy Andrews level in half a season. Stacy was good, but not nearly as good as his “feel good” story made him seem. These are guys with football track records (as opposed to track records) at big-time programs.”

[b]3b. Jasper Brinkley, Middle linebacker, South Carolina (6-2, 252)

(Compensation for Justin Smith) [/b]

VoHo’s Analysis: “Brinkley is a monster specimen of a middle line backer out of South Carolina. He seems to be at the end of recovery from an ACL tear that hid him from the media over the past two seasons. He could be a bargain learning behind world-wide-traveler Dhani Jones.”


[/quote]



[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/25/cincinnati_bengals_thirdround.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...thirdround.html[/url]

[Bengals1181]

[quote]3a. Kraig Urbik, Guard/Tackle, Wisconsin (6-5 328)

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OG"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OG[/url]

OR

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma (6-8, 332)

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OT"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dspro...9&genpos=OT[/url]

VoHo’s Analysis: “[b]Urbik may not make it this far[/b], but here is the next candidate for the right tackle position. I think one of these two would be at the Stacy Andrews level in half a season. Stacy was good, but not nearly as good as his “feel good” story made him seem. These are guys with football track records (as opposed to track records) at big-time programs.”[/quote]

don't know a lot about Urbik, but from everything I've seen he'd actually be a reach at that point. Loadholt would be a great pickup in the 3rd though. Doubt he lasts that long.

[fredtoast]

[quote name='Bengals1181' post='758537' date='Mar 25 2009, 10:18 AM']don't know a lot about Urbik, but from everything I've seen he'd actually be a reach at that point.[/quote]

Urbik is a stud. He has started ever since his freshman year at either RT or RG.

In my opinion if we don't get an OT in the first round then we will look at moving Whit to tackle. If that happens then Urbik could start as a rookie at OG.

Another guard psssibility here ie Herman Johnson from LSU. He is more the jumbo size that the Bengals seem to like (6'7", 350).

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='fredtoast' post='758552' date='Mar 25 2009, 11:05 AM']Urbik is a stud. He has started ever since his freshman year at either RT or RG.

In my opinion if we don't get an OT in the first round then we will look at moving Whit to tackle. If that happens then Urbik could start as a rookie at OG.

Another guard psssibility here ie Herman Johnson from LSU. He is more the jumbo size that the Bengals seem to like (6'7", 350).[/quote]


hopefully you're right. Also, we coached Urbik at the Senior Bowl, so they know a fair bit about him.

[scharm]

So?

Michael Johnson
Unger or Mack
Urbik/Loadholt
Brinkley

A DE, C, T/G, MLB. I'd have to think you'd have alot of people actually happy with that collection of players.

[Jason]

[quote name='scharm' post='758578' date='Mar 25 2009, 11:09 AM']So?

Michael Johnson
Unger or Mack
Urbik/Loadholt
Brinkley

A DE, C, T/G, MLB. I'd have to think you'd have alot of people actually happy with that collection of players.[/quote]

Michael Johnson at 6 is just stupid. I don't have much problem with the rest of it.

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/26/bengals_4thround_pick_4th_in_a.html"][color="#9c71ad"]Bengals’ fourth-round pick (4th of 8 parts)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/26/bengals_4thround_pick_4th_in_a.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Thursday, March 26, 2009, 09:34 AM

[b]ANDRE BROWN WOULD FIT

BENGALS’ SYSTEM VERY WELL[/b]

[u][i][b]===LUDWIG AT LARGE loves Andre Brown because of his versatility. He can hammer it inside. He has the quickness to reach the perimeter. He has the speed to break away. Most of all, he makes defenders miss.===[/b][/i][/u]

[b]COURTESY OF JOE VON HOLLE

TB ANDRE BROWN, N.C. STATE (6-0, 224)[/b]

VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“Brown is a Bengals’ sized back with strength between the tackles and sneaky speed. He can catch the ball out of the backfield pretty well. He has “low mileage” — never more than 175 carries a season because of the N.C. State’s platoon system. Maybe he could be the Bengals’ version of Willie Parker — pro talent despite little college time.”[/i]

[b]For more on Andre Brown, go to:[/b]

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=11382&draftyear=2009&genpos=RB"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=11382&draftyear=2009&genpos=RB [/color][/url]







[/quote]



[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/26/bengals_4thround_pick_4th_in_a.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...k_4th_in_a.html[/url]

[Bengals1181]

Brown reminds me of Benson, but doesn't seem quite as fast

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/27/bengals_5thround_pick_5th_in_a.html"][color="#9c71ad"]Bengals’ 5th-round pick (5th in a series of 8)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/27/bengals_5thround_pick_5th_in_a.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Friday, March 27, 2009, 09:17 PM

[b]BENGALS NEED PLAY MAKER;

LEE ROBINSON’S THE MAN[/b]

[i][b]===NFLDraftScout.com has Robinson rated number 15 out of 194 outside linebackers.===[/b][/i]

[b]COURTESY OF JOE VON HOLLE

LB LEE ROBINSON, ALCORN STATE (6-2, 249)[/b]

VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“If not Robinson, then LB Mark Rivera of Kansas. Both of these guys are good size-speed ratio players who could line up outside or inside. Robinson had over-the-top numbers reflecting his talent being larger than his conference. Rivera plays with some smarts more than raw talent, but seems to be a big hitter.”[/i]

[url="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=9822&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=9822&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB[/color][/url][/quote]




[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/27/bengals_5thround_pick_5th_in_a.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...k_5th_in_a.html[/url]

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/28/bengals_6thround_picks_6th_of.html"][color="#9c71ad"]Bengals’ 6th-round picks (6th of 8 parts)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/28/bengals_6thround_picks_6th_of.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Saturday, March 28, 2009, 11:03 PM

[b]COURTESY OF JOE VON HOLLE

6a. OT JOEL BELL, FURMAN[/b]

VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“This kid sounds like a “diamond in the rough” development player (kind of like Stacy Andrews, but with more football experience). He has demonstrated size, speed and smarts. He’s 6-7, 315 and was the fifth-fastest tackle at the Combine and played soccer and basketball while living in Croatia and Egypt as a youth. Bell was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection and was the recipient of this year’s Jacobs Blocking Award as the league’s top blocker.”[/i]

[b]6b. TB KORY SHEETS, PURDUE[/b]

VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“A proven back based on his track record in the Big Ten. Sheets leaves Purdue tied for second on the career touchdowns list with 37. His other career numbers are pretty good as well. He’s a little smaller than most Bengals’ halfbacks (5 -11, 207), but is reported to have good balance, speed, power, hands and blocking skills. He may be a more complete third-down back than anyone on the roster except for Kenny Watson, and for Mike Brown’s sake, he’s cheaper.”[/i][/quote]


[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/28/bengals_6thround_picks_6th_of.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...cks_6th_of.html[/url]

[fredtoast]

[i]VoHo’s Analysis: “Brown is a Bengals’ sized back with strength between the tackles and sneaky speed. He can catch the ball out of the backfield pretty well. [b]He has “low mileage” — never more than 175 carries a season because of the N.C. State’s platoon system[/b]. Maybe he could be the Bengals’ version of Willie Parker — pro talent despite little college time.”[/i]


He has low mileage because of some injury concerns. He fractured his left foot in both 2007 and 2008.

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/30/long_live_the_afl_i_love_it_an.html"][color="#9c71ad"]Long live the AFL — I love it and miss it (plus Bengals 7th round draft picks)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/30/long_live_the_afl_i_love_it_an.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Monday, March 30, 2009, 05:05 PM

[b]AFL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

FEATURES ‘THROWBACK’ UNIFORMS[/b]

First of all, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear.

I love the American Football League.

That rip-roarin’, high-flyin’, wide-open AFL, the league that graced this planet from 1960-69.

[url="http://www.offworldvision.com/web/afl2root/pages/champs/champsindex.htm"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.offworldvision.com/web/afl2root/pages/champs/champsindex.htm [/color][/url]

Especially the “Original Eight” — the Eastern Division Houston Oilers, New York Titans, the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots; and the Western Division Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Texans (who later became the Kansas City Chiefs), Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.

Here’s some good news:

The NFL has granted permission to the Kansas City Chiefs to wear replicas of their original uniforms and helmets from the club’s 1962 AFL Championship season during three select games in 2009.

The Chiefs, originally founded as the Dallas Texans, will wear their “throwbacks” along with the seven original AFL members as the franchises join to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Chiefs Founder Lamar Hunt’s creation of the AFL.

[url="http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/03/24/chiefs_to_unveil_throwback_afl_uniforms_in_2009/"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/03/24/chiefs[i]to[/i]unveil[i]throwback[/i]afl[i]uniforms[/i]in_2009/ [/color][/url]

The NFL will also honor the AFL’s 50th birthday on its 2009 Kickoff Weekend with a Monday Night Football doubleheader featuring club’s from the AFL’s first season.

Buffalo will visit New England and the MNF nightcap will be Oakland hosting San Diego. The Chiefs are also scheduled to unveil a 50th anniversary logo and host a series of events throughout the year to commemorate the franchise’s 50th anniversary.

[b]Interested in knowing more about the AFL? Go to:[/b]

[url="http://www.remembertheafl.com/AFLGuestBook.htm#TheBeatGoesOn"][color="#0d5e96"]http://www.remembertheafl.com/AFLGuestBook.htm#TheBeatGoesOn [/color][/url]

[b]BENGALS SEVENTH ROUND PICKS

BY JOE VON HOLLE[/b]

7a. Terrill Byrd (DT, Cincinnati). VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“Here’s a chance for a local kid out of Colerain to “live the dream” or maybe nightmare. T-Byrd is a little smaller than other Bengals DTs, which may work for a change of formations.”[/i]

7b. Brandan Gathof (CB, Eastern Kentucky). VoHo’s Analysis: [i]“He’s a big corner (6-2, 200) with decent speed and some good college numbers —10 picks in the last two seasons. He dominated on the small stage — three-time All-Conference and small college All America. He could play safety as well.”[/i][/quote]





[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/30/long_live_the_afl_i_love_it_an.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...love_it_an.html[/url]

[oldschooler]

[quote][size=5][b][url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/31/cincinnati_bengals_college_fre.html"][color="#9c71ad"]Cincinnati Bengals’ college free-agent hopefuls (last in a series of 8)[/color][/url][/b][/size]
By [url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/31/cincinnati_bengals_college_fre.html#postcomment"][color="#0d5e96"]Chick Ludwig [/color][/url]| Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 02:14 PM

[b]DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

(NON-DRAFTED VARIETY)

WHO ARE WORTH A LOOK[/b]

[i]By JOE VON HOLLE[/i]

• OT Sean Sester (6-7, 325) Purdue — A decent tackle from a Big Ten program that features a passing offense (12th in the nation). Played both tackle positions including 13 starts at LT. A local kid from Fort Thomas, Ky.

• OT Paul Fanaika (6-5, 327) Arizona State — A right tackle in training but has played guard as well. A 3-year starter with multiple Pac-10 honors. Called a “mauler.” Former walk-on who — are ready for this? — received the “Levi Jones” scholarship!

• LB Bobby Abare (6-2, 220) Yale — Small-school, big-brain linebacker. Hey, it worked with Reggie Williams! 2008 AFCA, FCS and Walter Camp FCS First-team All-America. First-team All-Ivy and All-New England selection. Yale Football Captain. Buck Buchanan Award Finalist (Top Defensive Player in FCS). Maybe he could bulk up 10 pounds or switch to safety.

• WR Jaison Williams (6-5, 231) Oregon — That big WR they keep looking for. Started 13 straight games and led the Ducks in nearly every receiving category. Three-time Honorable Mention All Pac-10. Smart football player and very coachable. Excells at using his body to shield him from defenders. Experienced, tough, and durable.

• CB Jamar Love (6-0, 191) Arkansas — Good size corner with sub 4.4 speed (as clocked at his “Pro Day.”) Part of the DB rotation at Arkansas for last three years and played on special teams. Played in the shadow of Chris Houston last year. Numerous pass break-ups, but INTs were scarce. But, hey, all you need is Love!

• TE Robbie Agnone (6-6, 260) Delaware — Former TE for Ravens QB Joe Flacco. Another former teammate, now AZ Cardinal TE Ben Patrick, caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLlll. He is a talented tight end, a very athletic player and a former QB Has excellent size for the position.

• RB Javarris Williams (5-10, 220) Tennessee State — Good size and speed numbers, and has a great burst of speed. The 2008 Black College, SN, and AFCA FCS Coaches All-America teams; All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team and Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Rushed for 4,329 yards and 42 TD while averaging almost 15 catches for 222 yards per season as a four-year starter.[/quote]



[url="http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/chickludwig/entries/2009/03/31/cincinnati_bengals_college_fre.html"]http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/s...ollege_fre.html[/url]

[Bengals1181]

I like the Jaison Williams and Javarris Williams (for awhile he was being called the next chris johnson) pickups, but think both will end up being drafted.

[Squirrlnutz]

[quote name='scharm' post='758578' date='Mar 25 2009, 12:09 PM']So?

Michael Johnson
Unger or Mack
Urbik/Loadholt
Brinkley

A DE, C, T/G, MLB. I'd have to think you'd have alot of people actually happy with that collection of players.[/quote]

Switch out Johnson with Orakpo or Cushing or Maybin or of course Curry and that would pretty much make me jizz my pants.

Getting the best available pass rusher who can stand up, one of the top Cs in the class, and a massive body that can play RT or G (in the event Whit moves to RT) IMO is the best strategy for the Bengals.