!!!!!WITH THE 27TH PICK THE BENGALS SELECT RG KEVIN ZEITLER!!!!!

[BBR]

[quote name='alleycat' timestamp='1335506373' post='1123447']
I strongly urge anyone who hasn't watched this video to check out our new RG. Dominant. He's very good at pulling and actually locating and engaging his man (I was through with all of the whiffing we had the last few years), he routinely fires off the line and drives his man five yards deep, he never loses his feet, and he frequently plants his man into the turf. One of those was Devon Still, who many had as a 1st round caliber DT.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phahBI8uxKw[/media]
[/quote]


I like Zeitler - a lot actually. Watching that video reminds me how much I like Montee Ball though. Hopefully they get him next year.

[membengal]

Clark Judge from Judgements column:

[quote][color=#333333][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3] Those footsteps you're hearing, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, are the [/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/page/CIN/cincinnati-bengals"]Cincinnati Bengals[/url][color=#333333][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]. They chose cornerback [/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1691421/dre-kirkpatrick"]Dre Kirkpatrick[/url][color=#333333][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3] with the pick they gained in the Carson Palmer deal and found guard [/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/playerpage/1631203/kevin-zeitler"]Kevin Zeitler[/url][color=#333333][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3] -- a guy who had a staggering 142 knockdown blocks last season -- at the 27th spot. In the past two drafts, they added A.J. Green, Andy Dalton, Kirkpatrick and Zeitler with their first four picks, one reason they're narrowing the gap with the division frontrunners.[/size][/font][/color][/quote]

[scharm]

Decastro is a bitch

[|SF2|]

Its simple math: Zeitler+3rd and 1=1st down

[oldschooler]

What I like about the pick. Obvious upgrade and starter. Now Alexander has two 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick
and the first FA the team signed playing on the O-line. No excuses for them to suck like they had years prior.


What I hate about the pick. That some Bengals fans will constantly compare him to DeCastro and even Chandler Jones.

I hope we hit a homer with the pick. Especially when you factor in the 3rd round pick.

[|SF2|]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1335526078' post='1123469']
What I like about the pick. Obvious upgrade and starter. Now Alexander has two 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick
and the first FA the team signed playing on the O-line. No excuses for them to suck like they had years prior.


What I hate about the pick. That some Bengals fans will constantly compare him to DeCastro and even Chandler Jones.

I hope we hit a homer with the pick. Especially when you factor in the 3rd round pick.
[/quote]
I think most sane people on this board will concede that Zeitler is close enough talent wise or even better than the above to not dwell on it. He is a damn fine player and fills a big need. After he blows us some d linemen on 3rd and short, nobody will remember we passed on DeCastro.

I like the fact everyone seems to think he is a high character high effort guy who won't show up in camp 60 lbs overweight with a C cup. Its a good think he played at Wisconsin. Too many of these draft gurus spend 90% of their time watching tape of guys from the SEC to have paid attention to O line U up in the cheesehead state.

[oldschooler]

[url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/NFL-Network-First-Draft-Kevin-Zeitler-42612/b93be9d7-5fb9-4993-ab82-ea55e81648af"][img]http://prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com//assets/images/imported/CIN/videos/video-thumbnails/2012/04-April/nfln-zeitler-first--nfl_thumb_105_70.jpg[/img][/url]
[b] [url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/NFL-Network-First-Draft-Kevin-Zeitler-42612/b93be9d7-5fb9-4993-ab82-ea55e81648af"]NFL Network: First Draft: Kevin Zeitler (4/26/12)[/url][/b]

(1:31)Posted 8 hours ago


Views: 429










[url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/NFL-Network-Bengals-pick-Zeitler-42612/e6083204-386c-4375-b304-6868674c1860"][img]http://prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com//assets/images/imported/CIN/videos/video-thumbnails/2012/04-April/nfln-zeitler--nfl_thumb_105_70.jpg[/img][/url]
[b] [url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/NFL-Network-Bengals-pick-Zeitler-42612/e6083204-386c-4375-b304-6868674c1860"]NFL Network: Bengals pick Zeitler (4/26/12)[/url][/b]

(1:26)Posted 7 hours ago


Views: 499






[url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/Round-1-Press-Conference-42612/132fc0b4-2369-4e2c-bb5c-c4d12024c960"][img]http://prod.static.bengals.clubs.nfl.com//assets/images/imported/CIN/videos/video-thumbnails/2012/04-April/lewis120426--nfl_thumb_105_70.jpg[/img][/url]
[b] [url="http://www.bengals.com/media-lounge/videos/Round-1-Press-Conference-42612/132fc0b4-2369-4e2c-bb5c-c4d12024c960"]Round 1 Press Conference (4/26/12)[/url][/b]

(11:31)Posted 7 hours ago


Views: 736

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Round 1 Transcripts[/size][/b]

Posted 7 hours ago


[b]MARVIN LEWIS[/b]

[b]Initial comments:[/b]
“We feel really good about this first round. We came in here hoping to cover a couple of needs for the future in the first round. I think we’ve been able to do that in picking the cornerback and the interior offensive lineman.

“[url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/dre-kirkpatrick/3f89d93d-6289-497f-a912-0459ae1ab95e/"]Dre Kirkpatrick[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] is a guy that really played at a very high level. He’s a guy with good length — great length — has played a lot of bump-and-run and a lot of different, intricate schemes that they did at Alabama. He’s been a physical player and is a guy that’s played on special teams. He’s put in all three things — the passing game, the running game, and he’s contributed there on special teams. He has an opportunity to learn from some great veteran players to get him up and running as quick as we can.

“[url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/kevin-zeitler/6872c3b8-cf27-4731-bfae-bcae68fb85a8/"]Kevin Zeitler[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] comes out of that Wisconsin offensive line group, which as we know, has been outstanding year after year after year. The guy has versatility. We can use him to play guard and as a backup at center. He really has done a great job in the gap-blocking, zone-blocking and pulling — he’s done a lot of good things on film. He’s one of those guys that, when you put the tape on, he really stands out.

“We were able to slide back (trading the No. 21 pick to New England for Nos. 27 and 93). We obtained another pick and still were able choose between the same guys. We really feel where we were was good.”

[b]Beside New England, were there any other inquiries about trades?[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “Yeah. People were interested in moving back and forth throughout the round today. You obviously saw a lot of movement up front. Even in the later picks, there are a lot of people that are interested in moving around. Maybe this one-night format is a good thing. Everybody’s fired up to do some things in the night.”

[b]How much has the rookie salary cap enabled teams to do that?[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “We’ve always had the rookie pool, so I don’t think that’s really mattered. That gets determined by who you pick and choose. I don’t know that that affects it much.”

[b]It seems like moving down to 27 was what you wanted, because you were able to still get who you wanted:[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “We were able to add another pick, which gives us a chance to add another player that competes to become a backup player on this football team. That’s a good thing.”

[b]With all of the veteran corners already on this roster, can you still work Kirkpatrick in?[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “In both players, they have opportunities. If they’re good enough to start, they will. If they’re in their (learning) process as they go, they’ll have an opportunity to work their way into the lineup. But we drafted them to play, and I expect them both to be able to.”

[b]Right away?[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “As soon as they’re ready.”

[b]With the second pick, did you consider taking a skill guy? A receiver or running back?[/b]
[b]ML:[/b] “We picked Kevin Zeitler.”


[b]OFFENSIVE LINE COACH PAUL ALEXANDER[/b]

[b]What was it about Kevin Zeitler that convinced you to draft a guard in the first round for the first time in club history?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “You’ll like him. He’s a tough football player. He’s a great program guy, team guy. He’s the type of guy if you went fishing at the lake all day, some guys after a half an hour, you want to throw them in the water. But this guy is more along the line that you can just sit out there all day with him. He’s going to work like that in terms of football. When we went to work him out in Wisconsin, we called him and he came down and met us at the car, unlocked the doors, got all the equipment; he’s a wonderful guy. He’s as good a guy as there is and he’s a good player. I think when you get a chance to take a guy like that, he helps your whole team, not just his spot. So we’re excited. You’ll like him.”

[b]You like him even before the scouting combine:[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “Yeah I’ve like him since the first time I saw him and so did our scouts. Our scouts really, really liked this kid.”

[b]When was the first time you saw him?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “I saw him on film before we went to the Senior Bowl.”

[b]Did you know about him before this past season?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “No I usually don’t get a chance to see the guys before their senior year, typically. The only player he can’t block apparently is Jay Hayes’ son, who’s a freshman at St. X. So we may have to draft him in a few years, I guess. I don’t know.”

[b]What does he do well?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “I think his greatest strength is he’s productive. He’s a very high grader, a very efficient player. You don’t realize he’s in there because you don’t see a lot of error. So I think that’s his greatest strength. He has enough size. He has versatility where he could play center. If he wanted to be a center he’d be a top-level center, really. We’re not going to use him there; we’re going to use him as a backup center because who is our backup center right now? I don’t know. So he’ll work at center. He’ll work at guard, primarily right guard. He’ll be good.”

[b]He was graded over 90 percent in 13 straight games at Wisconsin:[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “Did you see that at Pro Football Focus? I don’t know that. I would tend to agree with that. He’s a very, very efficient player.”

[b]Who does he remind you of from past Bengals offensive lineman?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “I don’t think we’ve had a guy quite like this, really. He’s unique in a lot of ways. He has the toughness that (Matt) O’Dwyer had. He has the consistency that (Mike) Goff had. He’s got the brains of … I think he might’ve scored the highest on the Wonderlic at the combine. I don’t know if he did or not. I’ll get the memo on that, so I won’t comment on that one. He’s a very smart guy.”

[b]Is he a smart guy like Rich Braham?[/b]
[b]PA:[/b] “The smartest guy I had was Goff. They’re very similar that way. He plays with the some tenacity that Nate (Livings) did. He can pull, but he can’t pull as well as (Eric) Steinbach can. But he’s a good puller. He has a lot of good traits of a lot of different guys we’ve had, really. He’s kind of his own guy; I can’t think of a guy that’s really like him.”




[b]KEVIN ZEITLER[/b]

[b]What are your thoughts about being drafted by the Bengals?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “I’m ecstatic. I’m very excited to get out there tomorrow and get to work and help the team in any way I can.”

[b]Did you know you were high on their wish list?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “My agent talked to the O-line coach (Paul Alexander) after he worked me out, and told me that he liked me. I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but it turned out to be pretty good, and I’m very excited.”

[b]What do you know about the Bengals?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “I know they got to the playoffs last year with [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/andy-dalton/9378c4ed-938c-434c-929d-4d45fe252101/"]Andy Dalton[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] at quarterback and [url="http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/aj-green/d1e7b054-2722-4a10-9dad-687267489bd5/"]A.J. Green[img]http://www.bengals.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif[/img][/url] at receiver, and (that) they were effective last year. That’s really all I know. I have a lot to learn.”

[b]Do you do much fishing?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “I do some fishing. Not much lately. I never had much of a chance to fish while I was in college.”

[b]What were your grades like in high school and college?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “My parents always pushed me to do well in school. In high school, I graduated in the top 20 with a 3.9 GPA. And in college, I had just over a 3.0.”

[b]Offensive line coach Paul Alexander said you could play backup center. How much center have you played?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “I’ve played some. I was trained as a center when I first arrived at Wisconsin, but when I took over the right guard spot, I stayed there. I was reintroduced to it at the Senior Bowl. I’ve worked at center since then. I snapped with Brandon Weeden at API (Athletic Performance Inc.), and I was snapping with some of the quarterbacks at Wisconsin when I got back here.”

[b]You guys have a reputation as a grinding team that runs well. Did you live up to that last year?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “I think so. We’ve had some of the top rushing statistics in the country. It shows that we’re doing the right things, and NFL teams seem to like it.”

[b]Do you pride yourself in the running game?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “Yes. Run blocking is always fun. It’s a ‘must win’ mentality, and we have to get ball movement no matter what.”

[b]Is that part of the culture up there?[/b]
[b]KZ:[/b] “Yes. Wisconsin has always been known for running the ball — ever since (former Wisconsin head coach and current AD) Barry Alvarez took over — and we have such tradition on O-line. We want to keep it going and never look back.”





http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Round-1-Transcripts/ce94e06e-31ed-4d65-8ce4-6a731abf0ef2

[|Numbers|]

[quote name='blueridge' timestamp='1335499875' post='1123361']
I am curious about what,if any, part did Jim McNally play in the Zeitler pick. McNally was a truly great O-line coach and really knows his uglies.
[/quote]

I am curious as well. However, we'll never hear the actual truth at this point. The party line will be echoed throughout. Alexander has already spoken and the voice will not change. For starters, McNally and others within the Bengals have always followed the Drug Store List somewhat and have rarely (to my knowledge) never picked outside of an A or B grade in the draft on anyone in the first round. Usually the drugstore list is published as a teaser late in the year and stays somewhat accurate to draft time with only minor changes. I'd really like to know (the truth) what they (especially McNally) saw in Zeitler who was graded a C to make him drafted in a position of an A...

This talk of Baltimore wanting to draft Zeitler may have been smoke and mirrors. They may have actually wanted Glenn and can still get him in 2nd probably with 2 picks to boot from the Vikings trade.

This talk of Steelers having a bad line and not drafting very good is only partial BS. Their line was bad. After this upcoming season we'll review this decision to take DeCastro and how much (or little) their line has improved. My money is improvement will be significant. The Steelers draft very good. Although that is an unpopular thing to say around here, it can not be denied if a person legitimately looks at the facts.

High School Harry has a copy of the Drug Store List and should be able to verify some of this. Yes, I know the rankings have changed and are somewhat cryptic but what was said of Zeitler ? How far was he rated below the other Guards (Glenn, DeCastro, etc...). Thanks.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Oldcat' timestamp='1335500500' post='1123384']

didn't have him in for a visit, did they?
[/quote]


neither decastro or zeitler. paul alexander spend almost the entire stanford pro day talking to ddc though.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='bengaled' timestamp='1335501119' post='1123400']


well let's sit back and look at this from a different perspective, just to be fair, with no homerism involved, ok?

the pitsburgh steelers are recognized as a pretty astute organization in regards to making good draft choices year after year. you could even say they're an organization that prides itself on building through the draft. would you agree with me there? would you also agree that team has made some pretty good selections of late with offensive line picks?

that very same team had the same decision we had, yet chose the universally higher rated player in DDC. i doubt they had any second thoughts in doing so, either.

when you look at the two team's histories, by comparison, i'd like to be able to say we draft as well as our competitors have, but i don't think i could reasonably make that claim. this in spite of the fact that we have traditionally, almost every year, drafted at a significantly higher position than they have.

it's something to think about, if your truly willing to look at the two choices objectively.
[/quote]


to be completely honest ed, you're the one who's not looking at it objectively. It's clear the Bengals didn't want DDC.

I know you wanted him. I wanted him too. He was at the very top of my draft board. But let's stop pretending he's the only worthwhile guard in the draft. If DDC was a 10, Zeitler is an 8.5 or 9. It's not the end of the world.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Phatcat' timestamp='1335501396' post='1123406']
"would you also agree that team has made some pretty good selections of late with offensive line picks?"

When it comes to offensive line picks by the Steelers since they lost their Oline coach when Tomlin took over, I would say they have sucked at picking and developing Oline men.....
[/quote]


I like to think at it like this. Ben is more dangerous when he's outside the pocket. DDC helps keep him in the pocket, so this will hurt the stealers.

[oldschooler]

[b]Kevin Zeitler, offensive guard, Wisconsin (6-4, 315)[/b]

There isn’t too much of a downside with the Zeitler pick. He’s a big, strong Wisconsin offensive lineman who plays hard, understands leverage and can hold up in the pass game. He’s not the most quick-footed or sudden athlete laterally, but when Zeitler gets his hands on defenders, he can lock out. Should start early on for the Bengals.

[b]NFL Ceiling:[/b] An above-average lineman with some Pro-Bowl potential

[b]NFL Floor:[/b] Just a solid lunch pale type lineman you can win with





http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/With-the-27th-pick-in-the-draft-the-Bengals-select.html

[oldschooler]

The Bengals, on the cusp of being a legit contender, could have a game-changing draft. They landed a potential shutdown corner at No. 17 then lulled the Patriots into trading away their first- and third-round picks to move up to Cincy's No. 21 spot. Zeitler, meanwhile, was the top lineman for Wisconsin's unstoppable run game last year. He could prove a great needs-based pick. The Bengals struggled badly to run the ball last year, averaging just 3.9 yards per attempt (27th).

Read more: [url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/tracker/draft_analysis/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a1&xid=si_nfl#ixzz1tF0Pjsu0"]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/tracker/draft_analysis/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a1&xid=si_nfl#ixzz1tF0Pjsu0[/url]

[oldschooler]

[b] DRAFT ANALYSIS:[/b]

Mayock's take: "This is a solid pick. I don't care if it's not popular -- this is a plug-and-play guard. Wisconsin offensive linemen are always well coached. The Bengals could use the help up front, and this kid will provide it. He can play zone and man. He's an immediate starter. Well done."


[size=4][*][color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][i]6'4"[/i]HEIGHT[/font][/color][/size]
[size=4][*][color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][i]32 3/4"[/i]ARM LENGTH[/font][/color][/size]
[size=4][*][color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][i]314LBS.[/i]WEIGHT[/font][/color][/size]
[size=4][*][color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][i]10 1/4"[/i]HANDS[/font][/color][/size]


[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4][b] OVERVIEW[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color]

[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4]Zeitler has been a regular starter when healthy over the past three years on extremely productive offensive lines at Wisconsin. All of his linemates have been considered professional run blockers with the size to match, and he is no different. Zeitler is well coached and technical in his pass set. He has second- or third-round value due because of his experience playing on a productive line and being polished enough to play early.[/size][/size][/font][/color]


[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4][b] ANALYSIS[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color]

[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4][b] STRENGTHS[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color]

[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4]Zeitler displays very quick movement off the line and gets into his blocks quickly. He can blow a defender back and drive his legs to sustain blocks throughout run plays. He stands out in his work at the second level, where he has the ability to bend his knees and engage linebackers. He can quickly pull from his spot off the line.[/size][/size][/font][/color]

[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4][b] WEAKNESSES[/b][/size][/size][/font][/color]


[color=#000000][font=arial, sans-serif][size=2][size=4]Zeitler is a big man with heavy legs who at times labors to get moving when he needs to get out of his set and pull. His body control can be inconsistent at times, as he occasionally will whiff on linebackers. He is slower than desirable and is better off working in close proximity to his man to control the block.[/size][/size][/font][/color]



[url="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/profiles/kevin-zeitler?id=2532980"]http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/profiles/kevin-zeitler?id=2532980[/url]

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1335528310' post='1123492']
[b]Kevin Zeitler, offensive guard, Wisconsin (6-4, 315)[/b]

There isn’t too much of a downside with the Zeitler pick. He’s a big, strong Wisconsin offensive lineman who plays hard, understands leverage and can hold up in the pass game. [b][color=#ff0000]He’s not the most quick-footed or sudden athlete laterally,[/color][/b] but when Zeitler gets his hands on defenders, he can lock out. Should start early on for the Bengals.

[b]NFL Ceiling:[/b] An above-average lineman with some Pro-Bowl potential

[b]NFL Floor:[/b] Just a solid lunch pale type lineman you can win with





[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/With-the-27th-pick-in-the-draft-the-Bengals-select.html"]http://www.nationalf...als-select.html[/url]
[/quote]


IMO that's (the red) is the main thing I saw different between zeitler and DDC. Zeitler's not quite as quick pulling to the left, though I still think he's prettty good at it. Other than that I think they are relatively equal players.

[Jamie_B]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1335501310' post='1123403']
Zeitler wasn't "the guy I wanted" but he's not a bad pick at all.
[/quote]


x2

[JBandJoeyV]

I might be making this up but is there any truth to DDc being more of a lg whereas z is more of a RG?

[oldschooler]

[b] [size=6]Bengals draft guard Kevin Zeitler at No. 27[/size][/b]

Posted by Evan Silva on April 26, 2012, 10:39 PM EDT


The Cincinnati Bengals dropped out of the 21st pick in a trade down with New England. Back on the clock at No. 27, the Bengals drafted guard [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7523/kevin-zeitler"]Kevin Zeitler[/url] out of Wisconsin.

Zeitler isn’t a great athlete, but he is a mauling run blocker who played in a Wisconsin system that annually produces solid offensive linemen low on “bust factor.”

The Bengals needed interior line help after parting with [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4460/nate-livings"]Nate Livings[/url] and [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/714/bobbie-williams"]Bobbie Williams[/url] in free agency, and Zeitler projects as their likely Week One starter at right guard. Free agent pickup [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2818/travelle-wharton"]Travelle Wharton[/url] figures to replace Livings on the left side.



http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/26/bengals-draft-guard-kevin-zeitler-at-no-27/

[turningpoint]

[quote name='Phatcat' timestamp='1335501539' post='1123410']

Seriously!? The Steelers Oline is fucking terrible..... Great D, QB, and LB's. But don't throw in Oline.
[/quote]


I'll take their center.

[Tigris]

Watch the video alleycat posted... Zeitler is a bull.

[Hooky]

[quote name='JBandJoeyV' timestamp='1335500527' post='1123386']
Greg Cosell thinks DDC is overrated and Z is better. Not that he is the end all be all, just saying.
[/quote]

Right. If I'm not mistaken, he's the one who ironically mocked us taking DeCastro and the stealers taking Zeitler and calling Zeitler the better pick.

I think the people here that wanted DeCastro over Zeitler or Glenn only know what the draft gurus tell them, me included.

Also, I wonder if Boling had any input that had them pass on Glenn.

I like both of the Bengals picks since they filled position needs, but only time will tell if they were the right picks. Here's hoping.

[scharm]

[quote name='bengaled' timestamp='1335501119' post='1123400']


well let's sit back and look at this from a different perspective, just to be fair, with no homerism involved, ok?

the pitsburgh steelers are recognized as a pretty astute organization in regards to making good draft choices year after year. you could even say they're an organization that prides itself on building through the draft. would you agree with me there? would you also agree that team has made some pretty good selections of late with offensive line picks?

that very same team had the same decision we had, yet chose the universally higher rated player in DDC. i doubt they had any second thoughts in doing so, either.

when you look at the two team's histories, by comparison, i'd like to be able to say we draft as well as our competitors have, but i don't think i could reasonably make that claim. this in spite of the fact that we have traditionally, almost every year, drafted at a significantly higher position than they have.

it's something to think about, if your truly willing to look at the two choices objectively.
[/quote]

No homerism involved and no home grown bengal bias either.

The Steeler lines you are thinking of the guys that built that reputation are gone from the organization.

Alexander by my quick count has home grown the following linemen that were sought after in the Free Agent market directly after their first contract with the Bengals - Goff, Andrews, Steinbach, Livings.

By my quick count the Bengals have performed very well in the first/second round for Offensive linemen under Alexander except Andre Smith (which the jury is still out). Willie Anderson, Levi Jones, Steinbach, Whitworth.

In the case of Andre Smith although I think he still has alot to prove to validate the pick. He's probably better already than the other tackles in that draft (Jason Smith, Oher, and Monroe). 2 of the 3 bengals could have selected instead.

An honest opinion of this line's performance is that it was closer to top 10 vs. bottom 10 in the most recently completed seasons. Where as the Pitt line had some big holes and has looked horrible at times clearly closer to bottom 10 vs. top 10.

The Bengals line coaching has gotten good mileage out of Bobbie Williams as Free Agent pick up. Virtually no name Roland, Cooke, and Livngs.

If your asking to take out homerism I think you have to take irrational homegrown bengal bias out of the equation too. I would rank the Bengals the best in the division as far as ability to build, develop offensive line talent.

[oldschooler]

[quote name='Hooky' timestamp='1335530898' post='1123513']

Right. If I'm not mistaken, he's the one who ironically mocked us taking DeCastro and the stealers taking Zeitler and calling Zeitler the better pick.

[/quote]



You're not mistaken ....


24. Pittsburgh: The Steelers select one of my favorite players to watch on tape, Wisconsin guard [b]Kevin Zeitler[/b]. Guard is clearly a position of need for Pittsburgh. I’m sure many will disagree, but I believe Zeitler is a better athlete than DeCastro. He has quick and active feet that allowed him to be very effective in the zone run game. He squared up well as a puller in the power run game, showing strength on contact. Zeitler was not as purely physical and nasty as DeCastro, but I saw a more athletic and complete OG.


http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/04/23/cosell-talks-mock-draft/

[scharm]

On DeCastro: From a fan's point of view. DeCastro was a deserving No. 1 ranked prospect at his position. That was proven. However, I believe he was considerably overrated. I will say especially by Bengals fans that wanted to see a guard regardless. You can scroll through the first round thread and see how many times "DeCastro" was talked about the possible pick as he slid.

I think there was considerable inaccurate build up of how "GREAT" DeCastro was. The "once in a lifetime guard" was complete Bullshit.

Now you'll never get the truth until some time down the road from teams of how they rated them. However, a once in a lifetime guard doesn't slide to 24. A once in a lifetime guard doesn't get "who is better" debate from a guard prospect that was mostly off the beaten path and not really considered a first rounder.

DeCastro is great example of a top prospect being over glorified as the must have solution. It's the exact same thing we as bengal fans did with every Defensive Tackle prospect.

Based on what has been written today there's plenty of evidence that the Bengals may have actually gotten the better prospect and DeCastro wasn't as untouchable as preceived.