Now that the 2005 NFL Draft is over, a lot of speculation will come out as to how each team did. That’s exactly what this article is. I’m about to give you my speculation on how the Cincinnati Bengals did in the draft (and a few off topic side notes because I get off topic easily)
Round 1
David Pollack DE/OLB Georgia
Coming into #17, I was in a pretty bad mood. The Panthers had taken Thomas Davis, the Bulldog I really wanted, at 14, and Derrick Johnson, the best linebacker in the draft, went one pick after. Only one thing made me happy when the commissioner said, “The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock”: Travis Johnson was off the board. Anyway, onto Pollack. Some people considered Pollack the best overall defensive player in the draft. He’s a 6’2, 265 pound DE, who’s motor never stops running. As it turns out the Bengals will play him at OLB in a 3-4 scheme defense. I am no longer upset. The Bengals just drafted a playmaker and a future team leader. Welcome to the jungle David.
Rating:10—the team took the best defensive player available and improved their defense at the same time.
Round 2
Odell Thurman ILB Georgia
After about four more hours of watching the first round and eating WAY too much food, the Bengals were finally on the clock again. The pick could have gone a lot of ways. Channing Crowder, Darryl Blackstock, Dan Cody, and Justin Tuck were all still on the board along with Thurman. I had heard said that the Bengals were looking to trade down to take Thurman in the late first, but as it turns out, he’s still there at 48. A happy Bengals fan just became happier with the pick of Thurman. He’s a 6’0, 233 pound LB who will come right in and STOP THE RUN, something we couldn’t do last year. In a division such as the AFC North, with backs like Droughns, Lewis, Bettis, and Staley, we need as much help against the run as we can get. Although he’s had some off the field problems, I’m sure Marvin and Co. can handle that. Welcome to the jungle Odell.
Rating: 9 ½--the team made strides to help their run defense and again took the best available player.
Round 3
Chris Henry WR West Virgina
Ok, I’m asleep. I didn’t even see this pick till I saw the Sunday paper. When I did see it though, I was surprised. I knew the team needed a little WR help, but I wasn’t expecting anything this high. However since then, this pick has grown on me. Taking a 6’4, 197 pound WR who has the potential skills of Randy Moss excites me. Who cares what Detroit has at WR, If Henry comes around (and can stay out of trouble) We’ve got Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Peter Warrick, and Chris Henry. That’s EXPLOSIVE! Again, I’ll trust Marvin and Co. to work with this guy. Welcome to the jungle Chris.
Rating: 8—This pick has the potential to be huge, but he’s a project.
Round 4
Eric Ghiaciuc C Central Michigan
I saw this pick coming, but I didn’t expect it to be Eric Ghiaciuc (how in God’s name do you pronounce that?). the team needs a center badly. Rich Braham is not resigned, and when he does he only has a year or two left in him, and Larry Moore isn’t a starter. I don’t know much about this guy, except that he’s big (6’4, 302 lbs) and slow (5.06 40 time). He’ll be a project, but hopefully he’s the center of the future. Welcome to the jungle Eric.
Rating: 6 ½--I think there were better centers in the draft, but Marvin must see something in this guy.
Round 5
Adam Kieft OT Central Michigan
Ok I’m starting to wonder. Did the Bengals try to save money and only scout a few schools. Two Georgia boys, now two Central Mich. guys. I don’t much like this pick, but I guess we need an OT. Willie Anderson isn’t getting any younger, and Adam can mature under the hardest working tackle in the business. I would have taken Ernest Shazor here. Welcome to the jungle Adam.
Rating: 4—Could fill a future need, but there were more pressing needs out there.
Round 6
Tab Perry WR UCLA
Hmmm…Another player who had some off the field issues in college. I sense a trend. Not really sure what was running through the brass’s mind here, but we’ll have to wait and see. Perry, a 6’2, 229 pound WR who has the ability to go deep and return kicks will not see much playing time behind Chad, TJ, Peter, Kelly, and Chris Henry. He might be 3rd or 4th on the depth chart in kick returns too. Who knows, as Bengalsfan33 said “I guess Mike Brown is just throwing darts at the wall and whatever player it lands on, he takes.” Welcome to the jungle Tab.
Rating: 2—The need had already been addressed, and he’ll fall way back on the depth chart. Join the practice squad.
Round 7
Jonathan Fanene DE Utah
Don’t know anything about this guy. He’s 6’3 287 pounds. Welcome to the jungle Jonathan.
Rating: 6—Adds depth to the D-line. I’m happy with that.
Overall I think this draft was solid for the Bengals. Like Marvin said they didn’t have to take guys who HAD to make an impact right away. They got guys with talent that they can work with to make the best player possible. The Only problem I had was that they did not address safety or tight end in the draft. Other than that AWSOME!
Grade: B
So after the draft I realized just how amazing some of the offenses in the AFC North could be.
--The Bengals WILL be a top 10 offense. Carson, Chad, TJ, Peter Warrick and Henry
--The Steelers added Heath Miller and another WR to their run-first offense.
--The Ravens added Mark Clayton to Todd Heap and company in the first round, and added some line help for Jamal Lewis.
The Browns added Braylon Edward to Andre Johnson, Northcut, and Winslow
