Bengals top six areas to address in the draft

[oldschooler]

[b] [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/cin/cincinnati-bengals"]Cincinnati Bengals[/url][/b]


[b]Top needs:[/b]
[b]1. Cornerback: [/b]The starters in 2011 were [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10462/leon-hall"]Leon Hall[/url], who will be coming off an Achilles injury, and 36-year-old [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2569/nate-clements"]Nate Clements[/url]. When Hall went down, [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8421/adam-jones"]Adam Jones[/url] filled in, but none of these three make you comfortable in man coverage. Newly acquired free-agent [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9602/jason-allen"]Jason Allen[/url] will help, but there is a lot of work to be done here.


[b]2. Guard: [/b]They lost two guards in free agency, with [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10207/nate-livings"]Nate Livings[/url] going to Dallas and [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11343/mike-mcglynn"]Mike McGlynn[/url] off to Indianapolis, plus the aging [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2192/bobbie-williams"]Bobbie Williams[/url] won't likely be back. That only leaves last year's fourth-round draft pick, [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14178/clint-boling"]Clint Boling[/url], and unrestricted free agent [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5619/travelle-wharton"]Travelle Wharton[/url] from Carolina as guys they think they can count on.


[b]3. Safety:[/b] Re-signing [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10465/reggie-nelson"]Reggie Nelson[/url] was a necessary move, but the back end of this defense still has a lot of problems. Strong safety [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4542/chris-crocker"]Chris Crocker[/url] is getting old, with fading cover skills, and there is little depth to develop.


[b]4. Outside linebacker:[/b] Pass-rusher [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9608/manny-lawson"]Manny Lawson[/url] surprisingly re-signed with the Bengals, but they need to generate more pressure. They have decent depth and complementary players, but there isn't a difference-maker at OLB on this roster.


[b]5. Wide receiver: [/b]They have a terrific No. 1 in [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13983/aj-green"]A.J. Green[/url] and a good group to battle for the slot receiver job, but the Bengals need a quality No. 2 to take some coverage away from Green.


[b]6. Defensive end:[/b] Rucker has departed to Cleveland. The Bengals need a guy to bookend with situational pass-rusher [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13274/carlos-dunlap"]Carlos Dunlap[/url] and eventually replace aging [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5642/robert-geathers"]Robert Geathers[/url].


[b]Needs addressed in free agency:[/b]
Cincinnati's losses probably outweighed their gains in free agency, but it's not an overly dramatic situation for the Bengals. Their biggest move was signing RB [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11754/benjarvus-green-ellis"]BenJarvus Green-Ellis[/url] to fill a huge need in their run game and allow them to let the fading [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8419/cedric-benson"]Cedric Benson[/url] walk. That move gives them a lot more flexibility in the draft.






http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7770328/updated-offseason-needs-list-every-afc-north-team

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Remaining team needs in AFC North[/size][/b]

April, 6, 2012

By [url="http://search.espn.go.com/jamison-hensley/"]Jamison Hensley[/url] | ESPN.com

Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. broke down [url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7770328/updated-offseason-needs-list-every-afc-north-team"]the top six needs remaining[/url] for each of the AFC North teams. You'll need an Insider subscription to view the entire post, but here's a glimpse of the top three needs:

[b]CINCINNATI BENGALS[/b]

[b]Horton's top three needs[/b]: Cornerback, guard and safety.

[b]Horton on cornerback[/b]: The starters in 2011 were [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10462/leon-hall"]Leon Hall[/url], who will be coming off an Achilles injury, and 32-year-old [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2569/nate-clements"]Nate Clements[/url]. When Hall went down, [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8421/adam-jones"]Adam Jones[/url] filled in, but none of these three make you comfortable in man coverage. Newly acquired free agent [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9602/jason-allen"]Jason Allen[/url] will help, but there is a lot of work to be done here.

[b]Hensley's comment[/b]: I wouldn't put cornerback as the top need because the Bengals added Allen and re-signed Jones. Allen is an upgrade over [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9617/kelly-jennings"]Kelly Jennings[/url]. Guard is the bigger concern. If the season started today, the Bengals' starting right guard would either be [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13389/otis-hudson"]Otis Hudson[/url], [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14178/clint-boling"]Clint Boling[/url] or [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11346/anthony-collins"]Anthony Collins[/url] (who would shift over from tackle).


[b]CLEVELAND BROWNS[/b]

[b]Horton's top three needs[/b]: Quarterback, wide receiver and running back.

[b]Horton on quarterback[/b]: Right now, their options at QB are starter [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13199/colt-mccoy"]Colt McCoy[/url] and veteran backup [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4568/seneca-wallace"]Seneca Wallace[/url], but nobody expects it to stay that way. With two first-round draft picks, they will almost surely pick a QB with one of them.

[b]Hensley's comment[/b]: You could make a strong argument that quarterback, wide receiver or running back should rank as the No. 1 need. My top need for Cleveland is right tackle. The Browns can at least start McCoy, [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14024/greg-little"]Greg Little[/url], [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12581/mohamed-massaquoi"]Mohamed Massaquoi[/url] and [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13208/montario-hardesty"]Montario Hardesty[/url] at those other positions. Right tackle was a weak spot for the Browns last season with [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4631/tony-pashos"]Tony Pashos[/url] and [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/4325/artis-hicks"]Artis Hicks[/url], both of whom are now gone. The Browns' starting right tackle at this point is [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11333/oniel-cousins"]Oniel Cousins[/url], a third-round bust from Baltimore.


[b]BALTIMORE RAVENS[/b]

[b]Horton's three needs[/b]: Inside linebacker, left guard and safety.

[b]Horton on inside linebacker[/b]: The [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/964/ray-lewis"]Ray Lewis[/url] era will be ending soon, and the Ravens need to find his replacement. [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11841/jameel-mcclain"]Jameel McClain[/url] was re-signed, and he can play inside or outside, but a three-down linebacker who can play solid pass defense is sorely needed.

[b]Hensley's comment[/b]: Left guard is the biggest need on the team, and it's not even close. The Ravens couldn't keep [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10473/ben-grubbs"]Ben Grubbs[/url] and failed to sign [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8493/evan-mathis"]Evan Mathis[/url]. The fallback option is [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13999/jah-reid"]Jah Reid[/url], a backup offensive tackle last season. Going from a Pro Bowl guard (Grubbs) to a converted tackle (Reid) is a major step down.


[b]PITTSBURGH STEELERS[/b]

[b]Horton's top three needs[/b]: Offensive tackle/guard, nose tackle and running back.

[b]Horton on offensive tackle/guard[/b]: Center [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13250/maurkice-pouncey"]Maurkice Pouncey[/url] is the only stable starter on this unit. Veteran tackle [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/5600/max-starks"]Max Starks[/url] is coming off an ACL injury and T [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9717/willie-colon"]Willie Colon[/url] can't stay healthy, though the coaches hope he can get through a full season at RT with young [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13998/marcus-gilbert"]Marcus Gilbert[/url] moving from RT to LT. There is also a big hole at left guard. The Steelers need to get at least one, and maybe two, starters up front.

[b]Hensley's comment[/b]: You can't really disagree with this assessment. Left guard [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/11556/doug-legursky"]Doug Legursky[/url] is a backup who performed admirably when [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8618/chris-kemoeatu"]Chris Kemoeatu[/url] was benched. Gilbert has a good chance of succeeding on the left side, but it's hard to depend on Colon at right tackle with his injury history. The Steelers' options are limited because there is no depth. [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9727/jonathan-scott"]Jonathan Scott[/url], who has struggled mightily, is the top backup at tackle, and there's no reserves at guard with [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8507/trai-essex"]Trai Essex[/url] (free agent) and [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/12696/jamon-meredith"]Jamon Meredith[/url] (not tendered as a restricted free agent) off on the roster.







http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/45455/remaining-team-needs-in-afc-north

[texbengal]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1333798311' post='1116483'][b] [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/cin/cincinnati-bengals"]Cincinnati Bengals[/url][/b]


[b]Top needs:[/b]
[b]1. Cornerback: [/b]The starters in 2011 were [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10462/leon-hall"]Leon Hall[/url], who will be coming off an Achilles injury, and 36-year-old [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/2569/nate-clements"]Nate Clements[/url]. When Hall went down, [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8421/adam-jones"]Adam Jones[/url] filled in, but none of these three make you comfortable in man coverage. Newly acquired free-agent [url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9602/jason-allen"]Jason Allen[/url] will help, but there is a lot of work to be done here.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7770328/updated-offseason-needs-list-every-afc-north-team[/quote]

Clements is 36? Since when?!?

[Bengals1181]

after the bell signing, I think a corner in the first round is a virtual certainty. Not to say they won't go oline in the first still, but its becoming much less of a necessity.

[texbengal]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1333802470' post='1116497']after the bell signing, I think a corner in the first round is a virtual certainty. Not to say they won't go oline in the first still, but its becoming much less of a necessity.[/quote]

Agree - Kirkpatrick, Gilmore or Jenkins, but depending on who's available, could see OL, too.

[happyrid]

[quote name='texbengal' timestamp='1333802089' post='1116496'] Clements is 36? Since when?!?[/quote]

Ha, I noticed that also since I always remember that Clements and I are the same age.

I also thought OLB ahead of WR was pretty crazy, especially with the explanation given. Not enough pressure? Our LBs rarely blitz and we were amongst the league leaders in sacks last year as a team.

[EnglishBengal]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1333802470' post='1116497']
after the bell signing, I think a corner in the first round is a virtual certainty. Not to say they won't go oline in the first still, but its becoming much less of a necessity.
[/quote]
I hope they do go guard in the first. Jacob Bell is overrated and is camp fodder/backup at best.

[Oldcat]

[quote name='texbengal' timestamp='1333802089' post='1116496']
Clements is 36? Since when?!?
[/quote]

If we knew he aged 4 years every 12 months, we never would have signed him.

[|High School Harry|]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1333802470' post='1116497']
after the bell signing, I think a corner in the first round is a virtual certainty. Not to say they won't go oline in the first still, but its becoming much less of a necessity.
[/quote]

I'm still thinking McNally is here for his knack of taking quality linemen, good tools and developing their talent, in lower rounds.
Frees them up a bit with the earlier rounds.

[texbengal]

[quote name='High School Harry' timestamp='1333810155' post='1116527']

I'm still thinking McNally is here for his knack of taking quality linemen, good tools and developing their talent, in lower rounds.
Frees them up a bit with the earlier rounds.[/quote]

You're right, he has that knack. I think he can help Boling and Hudson, in addition to any other young guys they pick up. Heck, maybe he can help Collins play G

[bengaled]

[quote name='EnglishBengal' timestamp='1333809303' post='1116524']
I hope they do go guard in the first. Jacob Bell is overrated and is camp fodder/backup at best.
[/quote]


agree.

[quote name='High School Harry' timestamp='1333810155' post='1116527']

I'm still thinking McNally is here for his knack of taking quality linemen, good tools and developing their talent, in lower rounds.
Frees them up a bit with the earlier rounds.
[/quote]


mcnally's impact on this team will probably be minimal.

[sparky151]

[quote name='High School Harry' timestamp='1333810155' post='1116527']

I'm still thinking McNally is here for his knack of taking quality linemen, good tools and developing their talent, in lower rounds.
Frees them up a bit with the earlier rounds.
[/quote]

McNally isn't going to do any coaching, just player evaluations. I'd guess he visits training camp but probably won't be there every day.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='sparky151' timestamp='1333814159' post='1116552']

McNally isn't going to do any coaching, just player evaluations. [b]I'd guess he visits training camp[/b] but probably won't be there every day.
[/quote]


that or the june ota's.

[fredtoast]

Everyone is forgetting that we need a punter. However the good news is that we can get the best punter in the draft in the 5th or6th round.

[Le Tigre]

[quote name='Oldcat' timestamp='1333809613' post='1116526']

If we knew he aged 4 years every 12 months, we never would have signed him.
[/quote]

It's in dog years.

[sois]

[quote name='fredtoast' timestamp='1333980307' post='1116914']
Everyone is forgetting that we need a punter. However the good news is that we can get the best punter in the draft in the 5th or6th round.
[/quote]

What's wrong with Huber?

[fredtoast]

[quote name='sois' timestamp='1333983217' post='1116923']

What's wrong with Huber?
[/quote]

He was one of the worst punters in the league last year. He didn't have a big average, and he was terrible at downing the ball inside the 20.

[|kennethmw|]

[quote name='fredtoast' timestamp='1333999393' post='1116982']

He was one of the worst punters in the league last year. He didn't have a big average, and he was terrible at downing the ball inside the 20.
[/quote]

I think he was 14th in both, and overall was ranked 10th.

[sois]

That's not enough to waste a draft pick on. If he doesn't demand zillions, just keep him and tell him to punt better.

[scharm]

Punter not a need.

I think its wr, g, and rb they'll grab early.

[The PatternMaster]

If the team agrees with Horton and thinks we need help at CB and S, then drafting Kirkpatrick makes sense has he could potentially play both positions and gives the team flexibility with the roster.

[oldschooler]

[left][b]Billick: Bengals draft needs[/b]
[/left][left]
[color=#666666][font=Arial]Brian Billick on the Bengals' needs going into the NFL Draft.[/font][/color]


[color=#666666][font=Arial]Video by: [url="http://www.bing.com/videos/browse/source?tag=fox+sports%3afox_nfl_draft"]Fox Sports[/url][/font][/color]



[color=#666666][font=Arial][url="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=0ae9289b-ee25-4071-8408-7591876723b5&src=v5:share:permalink:"]http://msn.foxsports...hare:permalink:[/url][/font][/color][/left]

[fredtoast]

[quote name='kennethmw' timestamp='1334010786' post='1117004']

I think he was 14th in both, and overall was ranked 10th.
[/quote]

Huber has a weak leg. He finished 20th in gross average this year. Even with our outstanding cover teams he was still just 15th in net punting.

But his biggest problem is that he is among the worst punters in the league in pinning teams inside the 20. Despite the fact that Huber finished 5th in total punts he was 14th in the number of punts downed inside the twenty and 19th in punts downed inside the ten. Meanwhile he was next to last in most touchbacks.

[|kennethmw|]

[quote name='fredtoast' timestamp='1334162502' post='1117413']

Huber has a weak leg. He finished 20th in gross average this year. Even with our outstanding cover teams he was still just 15th in net punting.

But his biggest problem is that he is among the worst punters in the league in pinning teams inside the 20. Despite the fact that Huber finished 5th in total punts he was 14th in the number of punts downed inside the twenty and 19th in punts downed inside the ten. Meanwhile he was next to last in most touchbacks.[/quote]

We'll agree to disagree, then. We were 8th overall in the punting game last year, it's definitely at the bottom of the team's concerns.

[Oldcat]

[quote name='fredtoast' timestamp='1334162502' post='1117413']

Huber has a weak leg. He finished 20th in gross average this year. Even with our outstanding cover teams he was still just 15th in net punting.

But his biggest problem is that he is among the worst punters in the league in pinning teams inside the 20. Despite the fact that Huber finished 5th in total punts he was 14th in the number of punts downed inside the twenty and 19th in punts downed inside the ten. Meanwhile he was next to last in most touchbacks.
[/quote]

Well with that new 5th rounder, Hello Punter!