Score one for APB
February 16th, 2009 | Bengals
I hate bragging but I did predict the Bengals would tag Shayne Graham on this very site. I’m sitting here in the airport in Denver waiting to go back to Cincinnati and I heard the news on Twitter from C Trent and Joe Reedy. Now I will work on my next prediction……drafting Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin. I posted his highlights a few days ago in an earlier post.
26 Responses to Score one for APB
Adam
February 16th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
John – Frankly, I would rather piss fire than have to sit through the announcement of the Bengals taking a WR with the sixth overall pick. It takes too long for wide receivers to reach their potential. We need to use the sixth overall pick on a player that is going to contribute meaningfully this year. Besides, the two best rookie receivers last year were Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson…both second rounders.
Gary Nunley
February 16th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
John,
I saw that the old Bengalscentral site is up for sale. Does that mean you think you are done as a bengal? We would hate to se eyou leave.
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Brian
February 16th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Regarding Maclin…is your prediction that he’ll be the Bengals pick at #6 or that he’ll be a great player in the NFL and make an immediate contribution in 2009? I do have another question (or two) for you. Since you are leaving Cincinnati, would the Bengals look to DT B.J. Raji at #6? Also, do you feel he is worthy of being selected that high? Thanks JT!
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I wanted to change the name of the site for a long time. I still live here in Cincy so I will always be around.
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
The WR class last year didn’t have any first round talent that’s why none of them went in the first round. I respect your opinion. But Maclin is better than those guys you just mentioned. Royal and Jackson were huge for their teams last year and they were rookies. Maclin will improve field position as a KR and PR and be a good WR. I’m told he is better than Ted Ginn. And he was the 9th pick. And Ginn didn’t have a QB to throw to him his rookie year. Jackson went in second round because people didn’t like his attitude.
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I don’t understand why Raji is even in the conversation at #6. Is he a good player? Yes. Do the Bengals “need” him? No. Most fans were screaming for Peko and Simms to start so why take Raji? The only way I can see him coming to Cincy is if every other need is addressed through FA or if Cincy get another first round pick by trading “someone.” Then Raji would be a luxury pick. You have to ask yourself, is Raji better than Pat Sims? And if so, by how much. Because you are going to pay the #6 pick 50 million bucks. He better be way better than who you have now. You just paid Peko a cool 30 million so he isn’t going anywhere.
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Brian, I forgot to answer your Maclin question. Listen, players don’t get any inside info on the draft so I’m just thinking out loud here. But I think Maclin fills two needs for the Bengals. He is a big time Kick and Punt returner. And he was a explosive college WR. So you will get value out of him at #6. The other guys I would look at is Harvin from Florida and Bennie Wells. I know people don’t want to hear that but they are game changers. Harvin is very dangerous with the ball and will get Carson first downs either running our catching the ball. If Reggie Bush was the #2 pick, Harvin can be #6. Wells is a beast. I think he ran a little soft this year after he got hurt because he didn’t want to ruin his draft chances, but he is a beast. A solid 4.4 RB and big. Plus he is from Ohio. Don’t discount that……
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Adam, would you really rather piss fire than take a guy that will help you stand up and cheer on Sundays? Ouch. I have never pissed fire but I’m sure that hurts.
Adam
February 16th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
John – I just do not want the Bengals to end up like the Lions. I understand your thinking though, Maclin does add value as a PR / KR. If the FO were to take care of the teams deficiencies in the defensive front seven or the o-line in free agency (I’m not just talking big name players either), I might be willing to go WR at #6. I don’t have faith that this will happen.
Here’s how I look at it: We’ve definitely had individuals to cheer for, and we’ve had the best receiving duo in the AFC (at one point). Where did that get us?
This is gonna be rough, man – how can I argue effectively with a guy who was (is?) a Bengal. ha
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Adam, you have a point there. But I don’t think the bengals will be the lions. Remember, having the top two WR’s in the AFC won you the AFC North a few years ago. Also having C Henry and K Walters too. And K Washington. So don’t underestimate what having all of those weapons did for Carson. But…..you have to have the protection for him as well. Willie, Bobbie, Rich Braham, Steiny, And Levi did a great job back then of protecting #9. There is definately some work to do. The front seven is improving and should be better with a healthy Odom and Rivers. Hopefully J Joe will come back strong too.
Adam
February 16th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Damn, I really really miss Rich Braham. No doubt the front seven improved, but what do you think about the current rotation scheme at tackle? Heres to hoping we get to see what Odom can do this year.
admin
February 16th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
what do you mean by rotation scheme? And what’s up with your email address? makes me think you are hiding something if you can’t reveal your real one for all to see…….hmmm
Paul rapp
February 17th, 2009 at 12:36 am
First Post so I’d like to say Thanks for all the effort you gave for the Bengals. You said maybe Maclin but do you think he’d ever see playing time from Marvin in his first year? For time on the field and immediate help doesn’t a running back seem better? Just look what Benson brought and what Rudi gave when he first entered the line up? And with the life of a running back being 4 to 6 years depending on carries, 50 millon would be better invested at number 6 on a back,that seems what most teams spend on a featured back.
Adam
February 17th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I probably am off on the terminology that I used, but I basically mean both personnel and the way they are rotated. I’ve heard criticism (among fans) about it, but personally have no opinion, which is why I ask you. And I should really ask this about the whole d-line, not just tackles. For example: Robert Geathers had a great year (sack-wise) when he was coming in on third downs rather than taking most of the snaps.
About the email – Your site saves that information and populates the form fields automatically, I forgot that I had used a fake email for laughs in my first comment and forgot to change it.
admin
February 17th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I think Marv would play a WR early on. He played Kelly Washington and Chris Henry early. He even played Glen Holt his rookie year when he needed to. Most of the draft pics will play early on. And if that guy is the number #6 pick, he is gonna play. RB’s do have a short life span but most good ones make it until they are 30 yrs old. Here’s what’s gonna happen at RB in the draft. I think Beanie Wells is gonna blow up his workout. His stock is going to rise. He is going to be compared to Steven Jackson. Somebody is going to draft him in the top ten. I’m not saying the Bengals will get him, but he will be a nice pick. A RB to watch is the McCoy kid out of Pitt. I think he is just as good as Beanie. Thats my opinion. He has more shakes than Beanie and he runs just as hard. He can catch a little better too. More of an all purpose back. But he will probably go mid to late first depending on where Harvin goes. There will be a run on those guys. Harvin would be a top ten pick but teams don’t know where to play him.
admin
February 17th, 2009 at 1:20 am
There is a good rotation at DT in Cincy. My first few years, we would sometimes only dress six DL. Two DT’s and four ends and have Carl Powell be the swing guy. But now the rotation is better. The problem was that the young guys didn’t earn the playing time and earn Marvin’s trust so he didn’t play them. Peko came in a changed that. He was the first young guy to get major PT. Rob G is a every down player. He just doesn’t have the sack numbers to prove it. He get’s good pressure on the QB but it doesn’t show. He is the most solid player on defense. Good against run and pass. Can drop in coverage too. And he plays hard. He will get more sacks next year. He is still learning pass rush technique. The year he got 10.5 sacks, he was mainly a nickel rusher. Brian Robinson played end on 1st and 2nd down then Rob came in fresh and cleaned up. He is a much better player now though.
Brian
February 17th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I agree with you that the Bengals don’t need Raji b/c of Peko and Sims. I have an ongoing argument with a friend of mine (who happens to be a Browns fan) and he thinks we need a replacement for you in the starting lineup. I’ve told him countless times that Pat Sims is that player. Anyway, Maclin is a dynamic returner and receiver and I think he would help the Bengals but I just can’t see the team doing it after drafting three receivers last year. I think Caldwell moves into TJ’s spot and if Chad isn’t around (I think he stays one more year), then I hope Jerome Simpson is all you say he is. About taking a RB at #6, I think the reason fans have an issue with taking Beanie Wells is his injury history. What about LB Rey Maualuga at #6? Dhani Jones isn’t getting any younger and the Bengals could use a player like him in the middle.
Jason
February 17th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
What are your thoughts on Chad Johnson?… T.J. talked like he felt like he would be gone as well… Do you think Marvin (and more importantly Mike Brown) would be bold enough let both of those players walk? I think that a fresh start would be a good thing, especially when trying to rebuild the “team” part of it. That said, wouldn’t Crabtree, if he’s available, be the guy you covet at #6.
Also, your thoughts on Maclin… What would you think about Devery Henderson filling that role through free agency?
Marc Duckwall
February 17th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
JT
I agree with your take on Maclin. Based on need and versatility he provides the most bang for the buck. I know alot of people are screaming OL, but I think the young guys held their own quite well at the end of the season and they will only get better. The way I see it we can get still add a quality OL thru FA or with our 2nd or 3rd pick. Your thoughts on Cedric Benson and the chance of him being resigned to a muti-year deal? It seems like the lightbulb came on with him this year.
John
February 18th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I just found out about this website and I have to say: Great Stuff! 2 questions-
Question 1: why are the Bengals STILL looking for a PR? I mean each year we have someone who is supposed to take that spot and it just doesn’t seem to workout. If I remember correctly don’t the Bengals have a couple guys on the roster who are supposed to be good return men (CP, AC x 2, GH and LH).
Question 2: I know history means little, but the Bengals seem to do better at drafting 2nd round WR and RBs than they do 1st rounders of the same, why (why change)?
John
February 18th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Another question for you: in your opinion, are the talent levels between some players as different as the media would lead us to believe. Example: is Carson Palmer so much more talented than Jon Kitna? Maclin vs Hartline?
J.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:56 am
John- Thank God the Bengals didn’t use you in the scout role ( A. Witt) at the Senior Bowl as well….a wr w/ the 6th pick is your prediction? I hope its a prediction based on how ridiculously bad this team is ran and not a prediction stemming from want and hope. If the Bengals draft a WR in rd. 1 or 2 they are basicly saying….we don’t mind the middle of the road so, I will not be supporting them anymore.
admin
February 18th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Thank you. You need a cup of coffee. I have been there before. Just take a deep breath. You are lucky I’m not the GM! I would make you throw up, but I would pick the right guys.
Robert Young
February 18th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
John if there not major upgrades on the O-line what good does a WR or RB do in the first round?
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