Bengals Draft Depot

2 Weeks until the draft!


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

Nothing is gonna change at the top spot, with 2 weeks to go it almost certainly looks like Bradford is going to be the pick. Especially after his excellent workout, and the fact they cut Bulger makes it pretty obvious.

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh,DT,Nebraska

Okung is unlikely to be the pick here, the Lions just acquired Rob Sims and that pretty much guarantees Backus is going to remain at tackle. Suh is the top rated player on the board and Jim Schwartz was a former D line coach.

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

McCoy fits the Bucs scheme perfectly. So does Berry, but McCoy is the higher rated player and positional value makes more sense. Teams don't like to pay Safeties top 5 salaries.

4. Washington Redskins: Trent Williams,OT,Oklahoma

Everyone expects that Okung will be the top tackle taken and I have him rated as my top tackle. But Shanahan likes quicker, more athletic lineman and Williams will fit into Shanahan's zone blocking scheme better than Okung.

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

The Chiefs need an OT, Pioli likes to take positions of value even if there's another higher rated player. There was debate that Berry may be the pick here but not with Okung falling to them. On a side note all of the top 5 picks come out of the Big 12 with 4 of them playing in the state of Oklahoma.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga,OT,Iowa

OT's flying off the board, this is nothing new in the last 10 years that's been the trend. Clausen is not going to be the pick here with Whitehurst in Seattle. I think Pete Carroll wants to build a line before drafting a rookie at QB.

7. Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry,FS,Tennessee

The Browns are praying this is how it plays out on draft day. If Berry is there they'll probably go running to Goddell with their pick. Holmgren is not smokescreening for Clausen despite what some people are predicting.

8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell,OT,Maryland

I still think the Raiders are going to opt for the workout warrior in Campbell. He is definitely a reach here, but he does have excellent measurables and if coached up properly could develop into a very good OT. Williams would've been the pick had he fallen to them.

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

The Bills have been beating around the bush with Trent Edwards for quite a few years now and Fitzpatrick is nothing but a good backup. It's time for Buffalo to take a chance and get an early picked QB in house. If Clausen doesn't get picked here look for a huge freefall for him.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan,DE,Georgia Tech

I keep hearing a bunch of different names for this pick. Spiller,McClain,Thomas,Bryant all have been linked to the Jags. Morgan provides too much value and is easily the BPA here. I think JAX loves all the other names put out there, especially when the BPA is a position of need.

11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain,LB,Alabama

McClain is a leader with good instincts who can hit. He would be an excellent fit in Denver's 3-4 and gives their front 7 a big time boost.

12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams,DT,Tennessee

Dez Bryant could be the pick here, but with Miami's current NT suspended for the 1st half of the season and in his mid 30's another DT is a need. Williams provides better value here as well, NT is the most important position in a 3-4 defense.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis,OT,Rutgers

Davis is a great player and is someone who looks good on tape. Even with the weight he put on before his pro day he could still move just as good. That means there shouldn't be too much concern with weight gain and Singletary wants to turn SF into a run first team.

14. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller,RB,Clemson

Most don't expect Spiller to last this long, but I do. I don't think he's gonna handle a full workload in the NFL, plus RB's can be had later and the running game comes more from the O line than the RB. Spiller is good but not a special talent worthy of a top 10 pick.

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

The Giants LB situation is a mess. They are in need of an upgrade at all 3 spots. This will be a good start with a versatile LB who is the best in this draft.

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

JPP is good value here. Although raw and in need of development in his run defense, he will be able to contribute immediately as a pass rusher who is an amazing athlete. The Titans have lost Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch in the last 2 years it's time to retool the D line.

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

I have Kyle Wilson as my top rated CB and I believe quite a few NFL teams do as well. Wilson is a better tackler and can cover just as well as Haden in my opinion. I've watched a bunch of tape on both and I believe Wilson is the better corner.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joe Haden,CB,Florida

Haden is still a very good corner and this will be great value for the hated Steelers who have a major need at CB. O line could also be the pick here if they like a remaining OT or Iupati.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Graham,DE,Michigan

The other DE's stock has gone back up and it doesn't look like Graham will be available to the Bengals unfortunately. He will fit well in Atlanta and if anyone passes him over due to his height is making a big mistake.

20. Houston Texans: Earl Thomas,FS,Texas

Unfortunately if Thomas lasts this long this would likely be the pick unless one of the top two corners are still sitting there. When you have the Colts in your division you need good players in the secondary.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dez Bryant,WR,Oklahoma State

I like how Mel Kiper says no teams are concerned about his character issues. Even though he didn't do anything really that bad, teams are concerned and are putting the gullible Kiper on to report misinformation. I think out of Graham,Thomas, or Bryant one of the three will be there and I think this is how it plays out. If Bryant is the pick wow! Talk about going to a good trio of WR's from only having one last year. If he plays up to his potential at all the Bengals would be Super Bowl contenders. Returning all starters on D and having the trio of Chad and the two Bryants at WR, plus Benson running the ball would be a potent offense. If he's gone also Gresham won't be a bad consulation prize.

22. New England Patriots: Jermaine Gresham,TE,Oklahoma

The once potent Patriots offense is now reduced to a declining Randy Moss, Welker is out so their best current WR could be Edelman, and no one at TE. Ouch! This pick will atleast give Brady a big target in the middle of the field.

23. Green Bay Packers: Mike Iupati,OG,Idaho

The Packers O line was terrible last year. I actually felt bad for Aaron Rodgers as he was running for his life most of the time. This pick would also help GB pick it up in the run game.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Sergio Kindle,OLB/DE,Texas

The Eagles had trouble getting any kind of pass rush last year and only have one decent LB coming off the edge. Kindle is excellent value at this point as some have him going as high as 11 to Denver.

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

Unfortunately the Ravens get a good player here that will give them some flexibility on the D line. Odrick will fit perfect at end in a 3-4, but can also move inside when/if the Ravens line up in a 4-3. After losing a few D lineman this will be good to add depth for them up front.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Charles Brown,OT,USC

Whoever ends up playing QB in Arizona is going to need some protection, especially if it's the underachieving Leinert.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Demaryius Thomas,WR,Georgia Tech

This will be the last year of the mistake that is Roy Williams. Thomas may take a year to develop but his size and speed will be too intriguing for Jerry Jones.

28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Matthews,RB,Fresno State

If Matthews is available here the Chargers better take him. There's no way Sproles can be a bell cow back and Matthews power will be a good mix with Sproles speed.

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

Rex Ryan loves to blitz and he'll love Jerry Hughes someone who can get after the QB. Ryan's philosophy to stop the pass is get to the QB as fast as possible so no one can seperate from their excellent corners, and it's worked pretty well.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Kareem Jackson,CB,Alabama

Jackson's stock has risen from late 2nd early 3rd to possibly the top 20. The Vikings are old and often injured at CB, it's time to add some youth.

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

Pouncey's stock has been rising, I think he eventually ends up going at the end of the 1st, but I wouldn't be suprised if he went in the teens. Look what happened with Centers Alex Mack and Eric Wood last year.

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

Charles Grant is out of there in NO. The Saints like to sit back with 7 in coverage and rush only their front 4, but to be able to do that you need D lineman that are good in pass rushing.


2nd Round


33. Rams: Golden Tate,WR,Notre Dame

The Rams are going to need some weapons to go with their brand new shiny franchise QB. If they get Tate at this spot things could be looking up for their offense in St. Louis.

34. Lions: Roger Saffold,OT,Indiana

Saffold in most years would go in the first. The Lions choice to take Suh in the first will pay off as they still land a very good OT giving themselves the option to move Backus and have him and Sims as Guards and the makings of a very good line.

35. Buccaneers: Arrelious Benn,WR,Illinois

The Bucs lost A. Bryant in free agency and have a gaping hole at WR with no one there. Benn could be a potential number 1 WR.

36. Chiefs: Terrance Cody,DT,Alabama

NT is the most important position in a 3-4 and Cody is a mammoth beast that will definitely command double teams. Another value pick for Pioli giving him 3 excellent D lineman in Cody,Jackson,and Dorsey.

37. Eagles: Devin McCourtey,CB,Rutgers

The Eagles traded Sheldon Brown and now have a hole at corner. They will take advantage of this loaded class of CB's and McCourtey is a 1st round talent.

38. Browns: Colt McCoy,QB,Texas

McCoy will fit in well with the Browns new west coast offense. He's accurate and can complete all the short passes and won't be required to throw it deep a ton.

39. Raiders: Taylor Mays,SS,USC

Mays is my unexpected player that slides come draft day, although some expect him to as he can't cover. Al Davis will be unable to pass though on his 40 time, plus he can help with their run D.

40. Chargers: Linval Joseph,DT,East Carolina

Joseph's stock has been soaring and alot of gurus predict he will go in the 1st. I think his stock comes back to Earth some but he goes early 2nd to a team that needs a NT.

41. Bills: Cam Thomas,DT,North Carolina

Back to back NT's. Both 3-4 teams are in need of someone to anchor their lines and these pure NT's usually go quick in drafts. The Bills currently don't have a pure NT and are transitioning to a 3-4 so one must be picked.

42. Buccaneers: Brandon Ghee,CB,Wake Forest

Ghee will fit in well in the Bucs cover 2 scheme. Chris Cook is a higher rated player but it's all about who fits your system.

43. Dolphins: Damian Williams,WR,USC

Everyone knows the Phins need a WR and after passing on Dez Bryant Miami will take one in the 2nd. Williams is a good value pick at 43.

44. Patriots: Jahvid Best,RB,California

Kevin Faulk is an old geezer in football terms and the Pats don't trust Maroney. They'll bring in some fresh blood at RB.

45. Broncos: Brandon LaFell,WR,LSU

No one knows what's gonna happen with Marshall, but either way the Broncos need a WR to play on the outside and allow Royal to move to the slot.

46. Giants: Brian Price,DT,UCLA

After Price's horrible pro day and the fact he will only fit in a 4-3 he's going to slide. The Giants like their D lineman and Price will be great value at this spot.

47. Patriots: Alex Carrington,DE/DT,Arkansas State

The Pats struggled at DE last year after trading Seymour. Carrington was a monster during Senior Bowl week and will be a good replacement.

48. Panthers: Eric Decker,WR,Minnesota

The Panthers have a young QB and have to get him some weapons besides Steve Smith. Decker is injured but will be fine and was highly productive at Minnesota.

49. 49ers: Nate Allen,FS,South Florida

The Niners secondary struggled last season but after adding the top corner and Allen in the first 2 rounds it's suddenly a team strength.

50. Chiefs: Jason Worilds,OLB,Virginia Tech

The Chiefs pass rush has been horrible for years. Now that they have the lineman it's time to get some rushers to come off the edge. Worilds has elite speed for a LB and can rush the QB.

51. Texans: Ben Tate,RB,Auburn

Steve Slaton is coming off neck surgery and the Texans don't view him as a bell cow RB anyway. Tate is a big powerful back the type the Texans need.

52. Steelers: Jon Asamoah,OG,Illinois

The Steelers have needed help on the o line for a couple years and Rooney said they need to get back to smashmouth football on offense. Asomoah will give them a big boost in the run game.

53. Patriots: Chris Cook,CB/FS,Virginia

The Patriots will love Cook's versatility. Chung didn't produce like they wanted from a 2nd rounder last year and the Pats need upgrade at corner.

54. Bengals: LaMarr Houston,DT,Texas

I was torn between Houston, Morgan Burnett, and Carlos Dunlap. The bigger need is Safety, but Houston will bring an interior pass rush and the versatility to line up at DE or DT. Zimmer said he's going to be looking to upgrade the situational guys. You can never have too much depth on either line and that's why I didn't take Safety here, I don't like going the 1st two rounds with zero lineman. And a good Safety can still be had in the 3rd. This years DT class is loaded and the Bengals should take advantage, Houston would probably be a 1st rounder in other years and they could get him in the late 2nd. Dunlaps lack of production is what gave Houston the nod over him.

55. Eagles: Jamar Chaney,LB,Mississippi State

Chaney will be a major upgrade at ILB and has elite speed for a mike backer. The Eagles got nothing out of their LB's last year and after adding Kindle and Chaney that should change.

56. Packers: Patrick Robinson,CB,Florida State

The Packers have 2 pro bowl level corners, the only problem is both are over 30 and 1 is coming off an ACL injury. I could see GB taking 2 corners in this draft.

57. Ravens: Rob Gronkowski,TE,Arizona

Heap is getting old and I don't think the Ravens are done adding weapons for the overrated Flacco. If not for his back injury concerns Gronkowski could be a 1st rounder.

58. Cardinals: Brandon Spikes,LB,Florida

The Cards have signed Joey Porter on the outside, but they lost Dansby inside and need to find a replacement. Spikes best fit will be in a 3-4.

59. Cowboys: Morgan Burnett,FS,Georgia Tech

The Cowboys biggest need could be at Safety. Burnett played a rover position at Georgia Tech which is a mix between FS and SS which makes him valuable.

60. Seahawks: Carlos Dunlap,DE,Florida

His laziness and character issues could cause him to slide this far. He could end up being a steal if he plays to his potential, but I doubt he will.

61. Jets: Reshad Jones,FS,Georgia

The Jets got rid of Kerry Rhodes who believed that they should've schemed their defense around his abilities instead of adapting to the scheme. Jones won't be the same way.

62. Vikings: JD Walton,OC/OG,Baylor

The Vikings run blocking was not very good last year, hence the reason AP had a down year by his standards. You'd have to think if they get it fixed they could be Super Bowl contenders.

63. Colts: Tyson Alualu,DT,California

I think due to the tremendous depth at DT teams may opt to wait on that position causing some to slide a little. Alualu would be an absolute steal this late in the 2nd.

64. Saints: Navarro Bowman,LB,Penn State

Scott Fujita is on to Cleveland and the Saints need to grab a replacement fairly early. Back to back picks on defense could land the Saints back in the Super Bowl with that explosive offense.


3rd Round


65. Rams: Aaron Hernandez,TE,Florida

After getting Bradford with the number 1 pick the Rams need to add weapons around him. Hernandez and Tate would be a good start and the Rams could have a bright future on offense.

66. Lions: Jonathon Dwyer,RB,Georgia Tech

The Lions need another RB, Kevin Smith was injured last year and i think it's because he's not the type of RB that can be a bell cow.

67. Buccaneers: Corey Wooten,DE,Northwestern

The Bucs will have a brand new D line with the additions of McCoy and Wooten. Throw in a CB and their D is looking good for the future.

68. Chiefs: Carlton Mitchell,WR,South Florida

Todd Haley is the type of coach who would throw it every play if he could. The problem is he only has 1 good WR.

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

Owusu Ansah fits Al Davis' mold of having a good 40 time. The Raiders still could move Nmandi Asomogha before the draft and even if not they could use an upgrade in the nickel role.

70. Eagles: John Jerry,OG,Ole Miss

Andy Reid loves his huge O lineman. The Andrews project was a disaster on the right side of the line and replacements must be brought in.

71. Browns: Torell Troup,DT,Central Florida

Rodgers just carried a gun into the airport so it looks like suspension for him. Plus I could see Cleveland moving him before the season starts.

72. Bills: Jared Veldheer,OT,Hillsdale

The Bills need to upgrade up front on offense, especially after bringing in a rookie QB.

73. Dolphins: Sean Lee,LB,Penn State

Lee is coming off injury or could've been the top ILB taken possibly. This will be too good of value for Parcells to pass up, especially with ILB needing an upgrade next to Dansby.

74. Jaguars: Tim Tebow,QB,Florida

Will Tebow last this long? No! But Jacksonville will package this pick with something and trade up to get him. The Jags have to get Tim Tebow in this draft.

75. Bears: Mitch Petrus,OG,Arkansas

The Bears run blocking was terrible last year, just ask Matt Forte. Now Chester Taylor has been brought in, what's the point if they don't upgrade on the line.

76. Giants: Dekoda Watson,LB,Florida State

Watson put up elite numbers for a LB at the combine. The Giants are a mess at all 3 LB positions, Watson and Weatherspoon will be a good duo on the outside at LB.

77. Titans: Amari Spievey,CB,Iowa

The Titans pass defense was terrible last year. Part of that was no pressure and part was not having a viable corner opposite Cortland Finnegan.

78. Panthers: Geno Atkins,DT,Georgia

The Panthers need to upgrade at DT and DE. Atkins is a quick penetrating DT that can get pressure on the QB. Something they'll need after losing Peppers.

79. 49ers: Dexter McCluster,RB/WR,Ole Miss

The Niners need someone other than Crabtree who is a playmaker. McCluster is a quick shifty player who is a home run threat.

80. Broncos: Mike Johnson,OG,Alabama

The Broncos interior line really struggled last year. They need an upgrade to get some blocking for last year's first round pick Moreno.

81. Texans: Perrish Cox,CB,Oklahoma State

The Texans have lucked out that 2 of the 3 biggest needs for them are at positions that are extremely deep. Cox is an early 2nd round talent that will slide due to the depth and this is Houston's biggest hole, filling it with a starter in the 3rd round.

82. Steelers: Mike Neal,DT,Purdue

Mike Neal is a quick DT that could fit in nicely at DE in the Steelers 3-4. He can definitely hold up against the run and also get after the QB.

83. Falcons: Daryl Washington,LB,TCU

The Falcons need some playmakers at OLB. Washington would be a steal this late in the 3rd round.

84. Bengals: Chad Jones,SS,LSU

Some will think no way that Jones makes it this far. I think either him, Burnett, or Reshad Jones will be there in the 3rd. I have Chad ranked 3rd out of those 3. Here's why I think he'll be here, Safety is so loaded and after the top 2 Thomas and Berry the rest will slide as teams will opt to wait on the position. Jones is a SS not a FS, but he can cover better than the Safeties the Bengals currently have and will have excellent value at this point. I think if Thomas isn't there in the first the Bengals should wait until the 3rd to take their Safety unless Nate Allen is available in the 2nd. They will get a good Safety at this spot and to this point the Bengals have had an excellent draft to this point, getting excellent value with every pick and filling positions they have needs at. This would be an ideal draft getting 3 players that could be starters by next year and have pro bowl potential.

85. Browns: Mardy Gilyard,WR,Cincinnati

The Browns could have the worst group of WR's in the entire league. Unfortunately for them they have needs everywhere and this will be there first opportunity to grab one. They could take Bryant in the first, but not over Eric Berry.

86. Packers: Dominique Franks,CB,Oklahoma

I said the Packers could take 2 corners early in this draft with both their starters being over 30. Franks will be too good to pass here and the Pack will have the best group of CB's in the NFL.

87. Eagles: Jermaine Cunningham,DE,Florida

Cunningham represents excellent value at this spot. The Eagles struggled to get pressure so multiple pass rushers could be brought in.

88. Cardinals: Andre Roberts,WR,The Citadel

With Boldin traded to the Ravens Breaston will move into the 2nd WR spot. Roberts would make an excellent slot WR and was the best looking WR at the Senior Bowl practice week.

89. Cardinals: Major Wright,FS,Florida

The Cards could be a candidate to take Taylor Mays in the first, but I doubt they will. Wright is better in coverage anyway which is a spot where they have needs.

90. Cowboys: Kyle Calloway,OT,Iowa

The Cowboys just released Flozell Adams and need some added depth on the O line. Calloway can play RT or be moved inside to Guard.

91. Chargers: Jerome Murphy,CB,South Florida

The Chargers traded the master of blown coverages, Cromartie. They still are good at corner with Cason stepping up, but a nickel guy that provides depth needs to be drafted early.

92. Browns: Taylor Price,WR,Ohio

The Browns should take 2 WR's fairly early in this draft. With all the picks they have they can fill a ton of needs. Price would be an outside vertical threat and Gilyard in the slot.

93. Vikings: Jeff Owens,DT,Georgia

Owens will be a good pass down role player. He can spell the Williamses who are known for their stout run stuffing. Plus the older Williams is getting up there so Owens provides depth.

94. Colts: Austen Lane,DE,Murray State

Depth is needed at DE, look what happened when Freeney couldn't play in the Super Bowl. Plus Mathis' contract is up after next season and this will give Polian leverage in negotiations.

95. Saints: Toby Gerhart,RB,Stanford

The Saints didn't match the Eagles offer for Mike Bell, but they need a viable backup. If Thomas goes down Bush can't shoulder the entire load, plus Gerhart can serve as a short yardage back. What Bell did but he's an upgrade.

96. Bengals: Anthony McCoy,TE,USC

This will be a dream scenario for the Bengals if they are able to land the 4 players I have mocked to them. Most teams aren't very high on McCoy as they prefer taking elite receiving TE's in the first 3 rounds. McCoy is the blocking/receiving combo that will be able to get on the field for the Bengals. With many teams already having good TE's they won't be high on teams priority lists early. The only thing is they've yet to get a Guard, but with Williams resigned they can get one in the 4th or later and take one early next year to have them compete for the future. The additions of McCoy and Dez Bryant could give the Bengals and explosive offense.

97. Titans: Darrell Stuckey,FS,Kansas

The Titans need help throughout their secondary. They already added a corner and really both Safety spots need help. That'll be tough to fill with starters in one draft, but getting 2 players that are potential starters is good.

98. Falcons: Eric Norwood,LB,South Carolina

Other than Lofton the Falcons don't have any good LB's. Their pass rush is pathetic and Norwood is a decent blitzer coming from the outside.