Bengals Draft Depot

1st Round


1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford,QB,Oklahoma

Nothing is gonna change at the top, I'd bet a large sum of money that Bradford is going to be the pick. If his shoulder is healthy as reported, it's the right choice. When healthy he's clearly an elite QB.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh,DT,Nebraska

Suh is the most dominating player in this draft and has been number 1 on the Big Board the entire offseason. With Schwartz being a former D line coach it's almost certainly gonna be a DT to Detroit.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy,DT,Oklahoma

McCoy is right there with Suh, just different style of play. McCoy is more of a quicker, penetrating tackle which will fit in very well in Tampa's cover 2.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams,OT,Oklahoma

Look for Washington to try and trade down since they are lacking picks in this loaded draft. Williams is a better fit than Okung for Shanahan's zone blocking scheme and I think Washington believes they could get him a few picks later.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung,OT,Oklahoma State

Okung is the most complete, NFL ready tackle in the draft. If he's gone the Chiefs might take Berry, but if he gets by Washington, which I think he will, KC will definitely take him.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Derrick Morgan,DE,Georgia Tech

The Seahawks have needs everywhere, so why not take a value pick here instead of reaching for an OT, especially when they have another 1st round pick. Morgan plays a position of high value as well and is a complete 3 down player.

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry,FS,Tennessee

This is exactly how Cleveland hopes this draft goes, and it's exactly how Bengals fans shouldn't want it to go. Another elite Safety joins the AFC North, atleast Reed may be retiring soon.

8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis,OT,Rutgers

Even though I have Bulaga ranked higher, Davis is what Al Davis looks for in a prospect, great measurables. The problem with that philosophy is you have to have great coaches to get the most out of them and the Raiders don't. However Davis is also a good football player as well so they'll luck out here.

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen,QB,Notre Dame

I don't know how this can not be the pick. How could the Bills convince their fans they are even trying to win with Edwards or Fitzpatrick under center. They have a chance to draft a QB that can make all the throws, is smart, and comes from a pro system.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rolando McClain,LB,Alabama

There have been quite a few reports that the Jags are very interested in McClain. Usually it's all smokescreen, but there have been too many to think this is a smokescreen.

11. Denver Broncos: Dez Bryant,WR,Oklahoma State

The Broncos basically traded their 1st round pick for a 2nd round pick. They traded Marshall and got a 2nd round pick for him, but now have to take Bryant with the 1st. In Denver's defense though it had to be done so they were stuck in a no win situation and atleast got 2 second rounders out of it.

12. Miami Dolphins: Earl Thomas,FS,Texas

With Marshall on the team a number 1 WR is no longer a need and the Dolphins can take the best player on the board and he also fills a need. Thomas is said to have the best instincts of anyone in this draft class.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga,OT,Iowa

The Niners are gonna try to get back to smash mouth football and will need to convert the right side of their line for it.

14. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller,RB,Clemson

Pete Carroll is used to having a stable of blue chip runningbacks at his disposal. Now he doesn't even have an adequate starter. With just missing out on an OT, a skill position will be taken. I think Spiller will be the favorite over Dez Bryant.

15. New York Giants: Sean Weatherspoon,LB,Missouri

Weatherspoon can basically play all 3 LB spots and with Antonio Pierce gone the Giants will take him to play mike backer. They will hope McClain falls here, but I don't see it as either Jax,Mia,or Den will take him.

16. Tennessee Titans: Jason Pierre-Paul,DE,South Florida

The Titans have lost Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch in the last 2 offseasons, it's time to retool their D line. Their pass rush was terrible last year and JPP is the best pure pass rusher in this draft.

17. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Wilson,CB,Boise State

I have Wilson ranked ahead of Haden, after watching both on tape I think Wilson is more physical and can cover just as well as Haden if not better. Singletary likes defensive players that are physical and I think he'll go with Wilson here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joe Haden,CB,Florida

Haden is still an excellent CB and the Steelers will be fortunate if they land him here. With the Big Ben troubles there's a chance they could move up and try to get Clausen.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham,DE/OLB,Michigan

I think Graham is the best of the "hybrid" players with Kindle right behind him. I also think Graham is good enough to line up at DE in a 4-3 and if he somehow lasts to 21 wouldn't mind seeing the Bengals take him.

20. Houston Texans: Ryan Matthews,RB,Fresno State

Matthews was an absolute beast at Fresno State last year and could've won the Heisman. There's no reason to think his power style won't work in the NFL, especially on an offense like the Texans have. Slaton is coming off neck surgery and they aren't sold on him as an every down back anyway.

21 Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham,TE,Oklahoma

Immediately after the season was over in Marvin Lewis's press conference he said they need to find weapons for Carson Palmer and that he wanted to see more chunk plays. Gresham is an elite talent and has been cleared medically and there's no reason he won't be as good as he was in 2008 when everyone thought he could be a top 10 pick. I keep reading reports about the Bengals may take Dickerson in the 2nd, and they are targeting other TE's. Really Mike Brown and Marvin aren't letting anyone find out what the Bengals are thinking of doing in the draft. The only stuff out there is what they want to be out there and that's smokescreen. The only info I've read that I believe is the medical reports request, everything else is assumption and as far as the National Football Post's article I'd like to know who their unnamed source that has inside information is! Anyway Gresham can stretch the middle of the field and open up the outside for Chad and Antonio, it's the position of biggest need, and could vault the offense to the top 10.

22. New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle,OLB/DE,Texas

The Pats need someone to add some pass rush to their D. With Gresham off the board I don't think they'll find any value in available WR's and opt to go defense. I know Belicheck has never taken a rush LB in the 1st, but he's never been in a draft this deep where this good of one was available to him this late in the 1st.

23.Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown,OT,USC

The Pack needs some pass protection if I'm gonna take Aaron Rodgers in my fantasy league this year, haha. No but seriously he won't last another season taking hits like last year and tackle is a bigger need which is why I don't have Iupati or Pouncey here.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Iupati,OG,Idaho

If this guy is available no way Andy Reid will let him get past the Eagles. Reid loves offensive lineman that are huge and this is possibly the most talented Guard ever at a position of need for the Eagles after the Andrews experiment didn't work out.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Jared Odrick,DE/DT,Penn State

I've heard the Ravens are in love with Odrick and I believe they are. Odrick is the high motor, physical player that Ozzie Newsome loves drafting. Is there anyway the Bengals can draft Ozzie, or make a trade for him.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Demaryius Thomas,WR,Georgia Tech

Now that Boldin has been traded the Cards will simply draft a bigger faster version of him. It make take a year or two but Thomas is gonna be a stud in this league like Calvin Johnson. Imagine him and Fitzgerald on the same team, yikes. Breaston isn't a bad WR either, now they just need a QB to get them the ball.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Taylor Mays,FS,USC

Mays is listed as a FS, but I think he has to play SS in the NFL. Either way he's a physical freak of nature and with his size and speed Jerry Jones will jump at the chance to draft him.

28. San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams,DT,Tennessee

This is the biggest value pick in the 1st round, but if Miami doesn't take him at 12 I don't really see anyone else taking him. Houston,New York, and Cincy could but all have bigger holes at other positions. Either way a steal this late.

29. New York Jets: Jerry Hughes,OLB/DE,TCU

The Jets are one of the AFC favorites this year, but to get to the Super Bowl they're gonna have to beat Manning. To do that they are gonna need to get pressure on him, and with the DB's they have good edge rushers could make their D an all time great defense.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Kareem Jackson,CB,Alabama

The Vikings could go Guard here with Pouncey, but they have 2 old an often injured corners and are gonna have to take 2 corners in this draft. Good Guards can be had in the middle rounds, CB's usually fly off the board. Plus to get by the Saints they need to atleast slow down Drew Brees and their passing game.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Maurkice Pouncey,OG/OC,Florida

Pouncey will play Guard until Saturday retires and then take over at Center. If the Colts could've run the ball at all in the Super Bowl or all year for that matter, they'd be picking 32nd not 31st. The Saints just sat back in coverage and without Manning being in a rhythm they were able to stop the Colts offense.

32. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffen,DE,USC

Some people think Griffen is a hybrid type, but I think he's a down lineman in a 4-3. With Charles Grant gone in NO they need to bring in a replacement and if they can get pressure with their front 4 look for a trip to Dallas in February for the Saints.


2nd Round


33. Rams: Golden Tate,WR,Notre Dame

The Rams have their franchise QB for the first time since Kurt Warner. Now they need to surround him with weapons. The early part of this draft should be all about offense for St. Louis, maybe even a few trade backs to get more picks and more players. They have a decent line, some quality weapons would make Bradford's transition alot easier. Tate is a good player with a 1st round grade from me and would be a steal here any other year.

34. Lions: Bruce Campbell,OT,Maryland

Alot of mocks had Campbell going in the top 10 right after the season ended. Now that he put up huge numbers at the combine he's being labeled a workout warrior. While he's not as good on tape as the other top Tackles, he still is a 1st round talent and Detroit made the right move in taking Suh as they will still get a good Tackle at this spot.

35. Buccaneers: Arrelious Benn,WR,Illinois

With the Bengals signing Antonio Bryant in free agency the Bucs have no viable receivers going into the draft. Benn is actually a top talent and if he gets rid of the drops could be a legitimate number 1 WR in the NFL.

36. Chiefs: Terrance Cody,DT,Alabama

Pioli will once again go with a position of high value and adding Cody to the D line with Dorsey and Jackson will give KC an excellent front 3. NT is the most important position in a 3-4 and with more and more teams running it NT's are becoming a hot commodity.

37. Eagles: Devin McCourtey,CB,Rutgers

The Eagles traded Sheldon Brown to Cleveland and now have a hole at CB. McCourtey is a 1st round talent but could be available here due to the depth in this draft class. Teams picking in the early 2nd are gonna get excellent value.

38. Browns: Colt McCoy,QB,Texas

The Browns are really high on Colt McCoy and don't mind saying so as no one is going to take him before this pick. McCoy will be a great fit in a west coast offense as he's accurate and won't need to make the deep throws very often.

39. Raiders: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah,CB,IUP

He's not my next rated corner, although I do have a 2nd round grade on him. The Raiders have been known to reach in the 2nd, especially on DB's that have elite 40 times. Plus I wouldn't rule out a trade of Nmandi Asomougha before the draft.

40. Chargers: Jahvid Best,RB,California

I could still see the Chargers taking a bigger bruising back later on, but Best is the best RB left by far and Sproles can't handle a full workload for 16 games. Best and Sproles will give them an excellent RB combo.

41. Bills: Roger Saffold,OT,Indiana

I've orginally had the Bills going NT here, but with Saffold dropping this far I think the Bills would have to take him. Especially with a rookie QB at the helm. The Bills like the Rams should focus as much as possible on offense to get their rookie QB some confidence early.

42. Buccaneers: Carlos Dunlap,DE,Florida

The Bucs D line could go from awful to one of the best within the first 42 picks of the draft. Dunlap and McCoy would make an unbelievably talented duo that would both command double teams. As long as Dunlap actually puts forward the effort, his talent is top 10 but attitude is 3rd/4th round which is why he's dropped to the 2nd.

43. Broncos: Nate Allen,FS,South Florida

Unfortunately there's no way Allen is going to make it to the Bengals. Too many teams have him rated very high, and with Dawkins getting old it's time for them to find a replacement, plus Allen can learn from one of the best.

44. Patriots: Rob Gronkowski,TE,Arizona

The Patriots had one of the best offenses of all time just 3 years ago. Now with Moss declining and Welker probably out until mid season, their best receiver could be Julian Edelman. They have to find some more weapons for Brady early in the draft.

45. Broncos: Jon Asamoah,OG,Illinois

The Broncos interior line struggled majorly last year. With a 1st round RB on the team they should beef up that interior line to go with their excellent Tackles and give themselves a good ground game until they get a good QB on the team.

46. Giants: Linval Joseph,DT,East Carolina

Joseph would probably be an excellent NT in a 3-4, but he will also be good as a 3 technique. I'm sure some of the 4-3 teams are tired of seeing all the jumbo DT's scooped up by 3-4 teams as NT is the most important position and you can't teach size.

47. Patriots: Damian Williams,WR,USC

I actually think Williams is a very good receiver after watching a ton of tape on him. He could develop into a number 1, and could be groomed to take over for Moss after this season. Don't be suprised to see the Pats add 3 or 4 offensive weapons in this draft.

48. Panthers: Tim Tebow,QB,Florida

I think Tebow would be a good fit in Carolina. They're gonna go with Moore this year, but he's an unknown and if he doesn't perform Tebow could step in next year. With Carolina having such a strong running game it will make things way easier on the QB.

49. 49ers: Chris Cook,FS/CB,Virginia

The Niners need alot of help in their secondary and Cook is a versatile guy with the size to play Safety and speed to play CB. That will make him valuable and a good fit for teams with multiple needs in the secondary.

50. Chiefs: Dexter McCluster,RB/WR,Ole Miss

The Chiefs have one threat on offense, Dwayne Bowe. With so many other needs they won't be able to add anyone until this pick. McCluster is a versatile guy that can play RB or WR and is quick and shifty. He can hit a home run whenever he touches the ball and is a dangerous player that you have to account for.

51. Texans: Patrick Robinson,CB,Florida State

Another great value pick on a corner, there's so many excellent corners this year it's not a bad year to have corner as a need. The Texans took their RB in the 1st and will need to add to the secondary with multiple players as the only good player they had was Dunta Robinson and he went to Atlanta.

52. Steelers: Brian Price,DT/DE,UCLA

The Steelers are old on the D line with all 3 players in their mid 30's. They took Ziggy Hood last year and will need another early DE this year. Price was once thought to be a top 15 prospect but had a terrible pro day and combine.

53. Patriots: Ben Tate,RB,Auburn

Tate's stock has risen big time and RB has really been a need in NE for years. Maroney hasn't lived up to his draft status and Faulk is on his last 1 year deal at 34. Tate is a big powerful bruiser that can be a bell cow type back.

54. Bengals: Tyson Alualu,DT/DE,California

If anyone has watched this guy they know what kind of high motor player he is. Alualu played DE in a 3-4 but is a better fit as a 3 technique in a 4-3 at DT. Safety could be the pick here, but if I'm GM I'll take atleast one player on either line in the first 2 rounds every year. Football is won and lost in the trenches. Plus a good Safety will almost certainly be available in the 3rd. Alualu will give the Bengals the interior pass rush they've been missing for the last few or 20 years. Alualu would be a 1st round prospect in almost any draft other than this one and to get him near the end of the 2nd would be excellent value. Remember you can never have too many good players on either line, especially in the AFC North. Also the more people you can play in the D line rotation the fresher they stay and less likely they get injured. This would give them a good 4 man rotation at DT.

55. Eagles: Morgan Burnett,FS,Georgia Tech

The Eagles have needed a replacement since they traded Brian Dawkins to Denver last offseason. Burnett is good value here as one of the 2nd tier Safeties in this loaded Safety class.

56. Packers: Brandon Ghee,CB,Wake Forest

The Packers have had one of the best Safety duos in the NFL, but both are on the plus side of 30. Also Al Harris is coming off an ACL injury, look for the Packers to take atleast 2 corners in this draft.

57. Ravens: Amari Spievey,CB,Iowa

The Ravens usually dominate on defense, but last year they struggled against the pass. Look for them to upgrade at corner early in the draft.

58. Cardinals: Sean Lee,LB,Penn State

Karlos Dansby is now a Miami Dolphin and the Cards will be in a position to find a very good replacement in this draft as there are 4 very good ILB's.

59. Cowboys: Jared Veldheer,OT,Hillsdale

I believe this is a bit of a reach, but Tackles always fly off the board. Plus it's a huge position of need after cutting Flozell Adams.

60. Seahawks: Selvish Capers,OT,West Virginia

Once again a reach, but Capers is the next rated Tackle and will be gone by the time they pick again. With missing out on one in the 1st round they will have to find Walter Jones replacement here or trade for him. Taking Derrick Morgan instead of Bulaga is still the right choice.

61. Jets: Major Wright,SS,Florida

Kerry Rhodes got cut basically because he thought the Jets should scheme their entire defense around him. Wright is an upgrade anyway, as his stock is on the rise big time.

62. Vikings: John Jerry,OG,Ole Miss

The Vikings run blocking was horrible on the interior last season. The only reason they were able to get anything was because AP. Jerry is a mauler in the run game.

63. Colts: Corey Wooten,DE,Northwestern

The Colts need some depth at DE, when Freeney couldn't play the 2nd half of the Super Bowl they were unable to get any pass rush. Plus Mathis's contract is up after this year and Polian will have leverage in negotiations with this pick.

64. Saints: Navarro Bowman,LB,Penn State

The Saints let Fujita walk to the Browns this offseason. Bowman is an upgrade and is alot younger. If the Saints improve that D they could land back in the Super Bowl.


3rd Round


65. Rams: Anthony McCoy,TE,USC

If the Rams take Bradford in the 1st like expected they should spend there other early picks on playmakers. A rookie QB's best friend is a TE, plus McCoy will open up the outside for Tate. The Rams line is decent and their offense has a bright future if these are the picks.

66. Lions: Brandon Spikes,LB,Florida

I don't care what Spikes 40 time was he can play, go to the tape. The Lions have been horrible against the run and Larry Foote went back to the Steelers. Spikes is a thumper against the run and he and Suh will be a formidable up the middle duo.

67. Buccaneers: Perrish Cox,CB,Oklahoma State

The Bucs need a corner to play across from Talib, Barber is no more than a nickel corner at this point. With the picks they've had on D they could be on thier way to being a dominating defense again.

68. Chiefs: Jason Worilds,OLB/DE,Virginia Tech

The Chiefs have needed a pass rush for years. Worilds has excellent speed and would be an asset coming off the edge.

69. Raiders: Alex Carrington,DE/DT,Arkansas State

Carrington would be a good addition across from Seymour and would go a long way in stopping the run, something the Raiders need help with.

70. Eagles: Daryl Washington,LB,TCU

The Eagles have one decent LB and he's always getting double teamed and schemed against. Washington is undersized to play inside, but could be an asset on the outside at SAM.

71. Browns: Koa Misi,OLB/DE,Utah

The Browns need a rush LB now that they traded Kamerion Wimbley. Misi's stock has really risen this offseason.

72. Bills: Torrell Troup,DT,Central Florida

The Bills are converting to a 3-4 and will need several pieces, but the most important position is the NT and being able to get one in the 3rd will be a steal for Buffalo.

73. Dolphins: Ricky Sapp,OLB/DE,Clemson

The Dolphins most likely won't resign Jason Taylor and even if they do he's pretty old and some youth and depth is needed coming off the edge.

74. Jaguars: Eric Decker,WR,Minnesota

The Jags will have to trade up if they want Tebow. If they don't Decker would be a good addition across from Sims-Walker as he's a big possesion WR.

75. Bears: JD Walton,OC/OG,Baylor

The Bears run blocking was awful last year. Now they brought in Chester Taylor but it won't matter if they don't get better up front. With the Bears not having a pick until the 3rd round they could be in trouble with all the holes they have.

76. Giants: Jamar Chaney,LB,Mississippi State

This will allow Weatherspoon to play strong side LB, and their LB core will go from bad to pretty good with the 2 LB picks.

77. Titans: Dominique Franks,CB,Oklahoma

The Titans pass D was horrible last year. Part of that was the pass rush, but they also need a CB across from Finnegan, Franks is excellent value at this spot and should be able to step in and start immediately.

78. Panthers: Aaron Hernandez,TE,Florida

The Panthers are gonna have a young QB starting this season if they go with Tebow or Moore. A TE is the QB's best friend, plus Hernandez and Tebow already have some chemistry.

79. 49ers: Vladimir Duccasse,OG,UMass

The Niners, especially Singletary, want to be a run first team like the Bengals and need maulers in the run game on the line to do that. Bulaga and Duccasse will be able to open some holes on the right side of that line.

80. Broncos: Pat Angerer,LB,Iowa

The Broncos need to get better against the run. Angerer will be a good fit inside in a 3-4 defense. Plus Allen can come up and play the run as well, which should really improve their defense.

81. Texans: Geno Atkins,DT,Georgia

The Texans have 2 excellent DE's. If they ever get anyone inside that can command some attention they could become unstoppable against the pass.