Go Bengals Conversation: OL Draft

[MichaelWeston]

Love the idea of centralizing thoughts, videos and discussion about players and by position seems the most practical. I will keep a list at the top of names. Moving to OL because there is a top prospect playing tonight. Please add yours.

What we have now (Please correct as you see fit)
LT Whit-Collins
LG Boling
C Cook-Robinson
RG Zeitler
RT Smith-Roland

IR/NFI Wharton
PS Hudson, Knapp

We return a ton here and will likely be even better next year. Whit (2013) and Collins (2013) will man the left side fine next year. LG should be fine as well with Boling (2014) and Wharton (2014). Wharton might be able to play RT too but that's a risk coming off injury. Should be a great backup next year despite the price. Center should be fine with Cook (2015) and Robinson (2014). RG should be fine too with Zeitler (2015).

PS guys are the much hyped Otis Hudson and Arizona State tackle Dan Knopp.

UFA's are Smith and Roland.

Smith will probably be back no matter what. I would love to hear some takes on Roland as I have not seen him as being greatly improved but have not seen him being a big weakness this year.

ESPN's top 10( the only place I can really see us needing a draft pick would be to get a guy to eventually replace someone at Tackle, I could also see Wharton as a cap casualty but I don't think that's a good idea.)

Tackle[list=1]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29963"]Luke Joeckel[/url]OT6'5¾"306[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2434/draftyear/2013"]Texas A&M[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29969"]Taylor Lewan[/url]OT6'7" 302[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2291/draftyear/2013"]Michigan[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29334"]Eric Fisher[/url]OT6'7⅛"297[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2126/draftyear/2013"]Central Michigan[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30170"]Jake Matthews[/url]OT6'5" 305[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2434/draftyear/2013"]Texas A&M[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29186"]Oday Aboushi[/url]OT6'5⅛"315[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2457/draftyear/2013"]Virginia[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29960"]Dallas Thomas[/url]OT6'5⅛"297[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2428/draftyear/2013"]Tennessee[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30232"]D.J. Fluker[/url]OT6'6" 335[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2056/draftyear/2013"]Alabama[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29241"]Justin Pugh[/url]OT6'6" 292[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2420/draftyear/2013"]Syracuse[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29249"]Brennan Williams[/url]OT6'6" 320[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2327/draftyear/2013"]North Carolina[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29195"]Ricky Wagner[/url]OT6'6¼"317[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2483/draftyear/2013"]Wisconsin[/url]
[/list]
Guard[list=1]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29233"]Chance Warmack[/url]OG6'2⅜"325[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2056/draftyear/2013"]Alabama[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29242"]Jonathan Cooper[/url]OG6'3" 320[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2327/draftyear/2013"]North Carolina[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30244"]Brian Winters[/url]OG6'3⅞"302[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2235/draftyear/2013"]Kent State[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29192"]Larry Warford[/url]OG6'3⅜"325[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2236/draftyear/2013"]Kentucky[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29395"]Hugh Thornton[/url]OG6'3⅝"304[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2216/draftyear/2013"]Illinois[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/29211"]Travis Bond[/url]OG6'6" 345[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2327/draftyear/2013"]North Carolina[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30181"]Braden Hansen[/url]OG6'4½"310[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2092/draftyear/2013"]Brigham Young[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30191"]Chris Mcdonald[/url]OG6'5" 300[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2292/draftyear/2013"]Michigan State[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30028"]Blaize Foltz[/url]OG6'4" 310[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2425/draftyear/2013"]TCU[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30206"]Omoregie Uzzi[/url]OG6'2⅞"315[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2189/draftyear/2013"]Georgia Tech[/url]
[/list]
Center[list=1]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30246"]Barrett Jones[/url]OC6'5" 302[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2056/draftyear/2013"]Alabama[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30159"]Khaled Holmes[/url]OC6'3¼"308[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2450/draftyear/2013"]USC[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30182"]Dalton Freeman[/url]OC6'4½"287[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2131/draftyear/2013"]Clemson[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30193"]Braxston Cave[/url]OC6'3¼"301[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2339/draftyear/2013"]Notre Dame[/url]
[*][url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/30195"]James Ferentz[/url]OC6'1⅛"280[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/school/_/id/2220/draftyear/2013"]Iowa[/url]
[/list]

[snarkster]

I'd like someone in the mid-to-late rounds we could develop that could project at either tackle.

[Jason]

I'd like a T/G type in mid to late rounds who would be an upgrade over Roland at tackle and add depth at guard.

Unless we lose Andre. Then suddenly OT becomes a need. Unless they decide Collins can play RT, then we just need a higher round backup.

[MichaelWeston]

We need to draft for 2014 as much as we do for 2013 if not more. T becomes a bigger need when you think about it long term.

[|Numbers|]

Barrett Jones may be listed as a Center but he has played every position on the Offensive line. Versatile. However, he is currently sitting out while nursing a foot injury. If he is healed and checked out, he is a no brainer.

[Bengals1181]

I'm liking Kupper, the LT for Louisville.

[MichaelWeston]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1357180706' post='1202772']
I'm liking Kupper, the LT for Louisville.
[/quote]

Where's he projected?

[Bengals1181]

Not sure he is. Never knew of him til tonight.

[spicoli]

[quote name='Numbers' timestamp='1356973861' post='1201838']
Barrett Jones may be listed as a Center but he has played every position on the Offensive line. Versatile. However, he is currently sitting out while nursing a foot injury. If he is healed and checked out, he is a no brainer.
[/quote]

I'm with you

[|Numbers|]

[quote name='spicoli' timestamp='1357181892' post='1202776']
I'm with you
[/quote]

I'm pretty sure he would be a more productive Guard than Boling, a better Tackle than Roland, and quite possibly a better Center than Cook once settled in and up to speed. The only thing to be concerned about is his injuries to his feet and ankles. However, if he passes team physical then no problem. This guy has done wonders for the likes of Ingram and Richardson.

Here's what WalterFootball has to say about the upcoming draft and Barrett Jones:

[url="http://walterfootball.com/draft2013charlie_1.php"]http://walterfootbal...13charlie_1.php[/url]


[quote]29. [img]http://walterfootball.com/images/fball/packersb_logo.gif[/img] [b]Green Bay Packers: [url="http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2013bjones.php"]Barrett Jones[/url], C, Alabama [/b][img]http://walterfootball.com/college/Alabama_logo.gif[/img]
Ted Thompson has had an inclination to draft offensive linemen in the first round, and the Packers have to improve the interior of their offensive line. Green Bay could use a reliable center for Aaron Rodgers to work with.

It would be an understatement to say that Barrett Jones is smart and versatile. He could actually start at any of the five positions on the offensive line in the NFL. Given his flexibility as an offensive lineman, the Crimson Tide moved him to center for this season.

Jones was excellent at his new position against Michigan, Alabama's first opponent of 2012. The senior looked like he had been playing center for years. Jones continued his strong play versus Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee. After a good game against LSU, he had some struggles against Texas A&M and, to a lesser extent, against Mississippi State. Jones came back to have a dominant performance in the SEC Championship against Georgia.

The 6-foot-5, 311-pounder was a potential first-round left tackle prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft. The Crimson Tide only moved him to the blind side in 2011, and the junior excelled. He was named a First-Team All-SEC selection.

In his first major test in 2011, Jones was playing very well against LSU, before an ankle injury in the second half. Early in the game, he was doing a phenomenal job of run blocking for Trent Richardson, and Alabama had a lot of success running behind Jones. He also wasn't needing, or getting, any help with the Tigers' speed-rushers on the edge.

Jones was solid, not allowing a sack or pressure. The ankle injury seemed to rob him of the power to drive block, but he was a warrior who played through the injury and wasn't a liability while playing hurt. Jones played well in the rematch, doing a good job of winning his blocks. He won the 2011 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman on offense or defense.

Jones started 14 games at guard in 2009 as a redshirt freshman when Mark Ingram ran his way to a Heisman. Jones stayed at right guard and started 11 games in 2010. He was also named as a First-Team All-SEC selection as sophomore. [/quote]

[spicoli]

[quote name='Numbers' timestamp='1357186374' post='1202786']
Here's what WalterFootball has to say about the upcoming draft and Barrett Jones:

[url="http://walterfootball.com/draft2013charlie_1.php"]http://walterfootbal...13charlie_1.php[/url]
[/quote]

you don't have to sell me on it brother, I've been saying all along I want a top notch C with one of their first 2 picks. Adding a guy as versatile as Barrett Jones to that group takes them to a whole new level. It might be a bit of a luxury pick but who cares?

[texbengal]

Barrett Jones brings a whole lot to the table, but at G I'm comfortable with Boling and Zeitler, who are pups and who will both get better. Plus, you have Wharton coming back, too.

At C, I think Trevor Robinson has a good future and Cook is solid, if not great. To me, especially not knowing what will happen with Andre, and Whit not being a youngster (and Collins having just one year left), bolstering the depth at T is more of a need.

I'm always in favor of upgrading the front line, so depth is always a good thing to address in the draft... but adding playmakers on offense and strengthening the back 7 on D are more immediate priorities to me. Unless, of course, some highly-rated player at another position is available that they can't pass up because he's significantly better than others at that spot.

[spicoli]

adding Barrett Jones at C would be the equivalent of adding Zeitler to that group last year. He's that good...whether it's at C, G or even T. I have no problem with Cook/Robinson but if they can upgrade that spot why not do it? They don't have so many holes to where they can't afford a luxury pick if that's what they want to do and using one of those first 2 picks is a perfect place to do it.

[MichaelWeston]

Id love Barrett Jones. Give me a LB with picks 1 or 2a and a RB with picks 2a or 2b and if you can fit in Barrett Jones at the other pick great.

[akiliMVP]

We need a lot other positions before we burn another 1st round pick on a guard. Cook/Robinson are not getting replaced.

[Bengals1181]

jones would be nice, but not needed. You have your center of the oline set, they just need experience.

[spicoli]

[quote name='akiliMVP' timestamp='1357222935' post='1202871']
We need a lot other positions before we burn another 1st round pick on a guard. Cook/Robinson are not getting replaced.
[/quote]

he wouldn't be a G here...he'd be a C. Neither Cook nor Robinson is on the same level Jones is. Why not go from a good line to a dominant line?

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='spicoli' timestamp='1357223405' post='1202875']
he wouldn't be a G here...he'd be a C. Neither Cook nor Robinson is on the same level Jones is. Why not go from a good line to a dominant line?
[/quote]

because it will cost you a potentially dominant player at LB or safety which are bigger weaknesses?

[akiliMVP]

Cook was a top 10 center in the NFL last year. He got hurt and is a little rusty this season. He'll be fine once he's healthy. He's also signed for a few more seasons. Robinson is a rookie and played very very well. There's no way we draft a center in the first round.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='akiliMVP' timestamp='1357224438' post='1202891']
Cook was a top 10 center in the NFL last year. He got hurt and is a little rusty this season. He'll be fine once he's healthy. He's also signed for a few more seasons. Robinson is a rookie and played very very well. There's no way we draft a center in the first round.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
[/quote]

yep and Robinson will also be able to backup guard.

[spicoli]

Screw that. I want a dominant o'line to go along with our dominant d'line.

They can be good with Cook/Robinson no doubt about it. I don't want good anymore I want dominant.

C, LB and a RB with the first 3 picks. I don't see safety as a big draft need. If they need to replace Crocker, I'd rather it be with another vet. Keep developing Myles and Iloka and add another mid-rd guy if need be.

[Bengals1181]

Miles sucks. He sucks so bad you can't even spell his name right.

Iloka doesn't look like he is going to be anything.

[spicoli]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1357227488' post='1202927']
Miles sucks. He sucks so bad you can't even spell his name right.

Iloka doesn't look like he is going to be anything.
[/quote]

Way to early to say that about Iloka.

Like I said, keep Crocker another year or bring in another solid vet at that spot and find developmental guys in the mid-rds. I want experience in that spot not some undisciplined rookie that doesn't know what he's doing...regardless of how athletic he is.

[Jason]

Personally I think Cook is a good center. But it does not matter what we think, the coaches like Cook, and he was just signed to an extension. Drafting Jones (to play C anyway) is not going to happen. As I see it, the only way they draft ANY O-lineman in the first 3 or 4 picks is if they lose Andre.

As few needs as they have, my contest should be pretty interesting this year if they re-sign their key free agents.

[spicoli]

Again, I have no problem with Cook but he can definitely be improved upon because he's just an avg player with limited upside. If Barrett Jones is the best player on the board when they get on the clock, I don't think they're gonna let the fact that they have Cook here keep them from making the pick.

Like I said, they can be good with Cook, they can be dominant with Jones. Who doesn't want dominant?