Bengals Draft Depot

If I'm running the Bengals (I'd do a better job than they are now) I'm going by this philosophy, build the lines on both sides of the ball. The teams that are good up front are the ones that win consistently and I don't know why the Bengals can't figure this out. Look at the Colts this year, struggling up front and they are having one of their worst seasons in years, although they still have Manning so they still have a winning record.

Anyway I'd head into this offseason looking to do a complete overhaul of the roster. They won't get rid of Carson Palmer, I would, especially if I had a chance to draft Andrew Luck, but they won't. So assuming Palmer is gonna stay atleast for now here's what I'd do. Start thinking about who your core is going to be and build from there. Chad would be gone after this year as well as TO, no more prima donna WR's for now.

Position by position here's who I'd keep.

QB- Carson Palmer * for now, just because I'd want to build a team before bringing in a rookie QB.
Dan LeFevour

RB- Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard.
Benson will command alot of money and I'm in the belief a good O line can make an average back look good, Benson is nothing special and that money would be better served elsewhere.

WR- Jordan Shipley
That's it, I realize next year the team will struggle but I'm looking at this as a 3 year plan. I'll bring in some FA's on short term contracts and build thru the draft

O Line- Andrew Whitworth, Bobbie Williams, Kyle Cook, Reggie Stephens
I'd hit this position hard and early in the next couple drafts. Andre Smith is unmotivated and would be gone. Bobbie is old but is a good veteran to keep to tutor the young guys that'll be drafted.

TE- Jermaine Gresham, Reggie Kelly
Kelly can stay as long as he wants as a leader and Gresham is an obvious talent.

D Line- Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Micheal Johnson, Domata Peko, Pat Sims
Not a bad core, but I'd want another run stuffer and an elite pass rusher, I don't care if u go 4-3 or 3-4 but another big fatty to stuff the run and a speed rusher coming off the edge. I'd prefer the 3-4 and put Peko at DE, get a true NT, and Dunlap at the other DE. Use MJ as a pass rusher at OLB and a 5 technique on obvious passing downs. I'd also hit this group early for an elite pass rusher at DE or an undersized DE to move to OLB ala Orakpo.

LB- Rey Maualuga, Keith Rivers, Brandon Johnson, Dhani Jones
We have a good group here and I would love to move Rey inside. Especially going to a 3-4 and put Rey and Rivers inside with MJ on the outside and Brandon Johnson on base downs then find that pass rusher to come off the edge.

CB- Leon Hall, Jonathon Joseph, Adam Jones, Brandon Ghee
Another good group, getting both starting CB's signed long term top priority. You have to have 3 good cover guys in todays NFL.

FS/SS- Roy Williams
That's it this position needs a complete overhaul with atleast one ball hawk back there and alot of depth.
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Like I said this would be a 3 year plan and the 3rd year I'd draft the QB of the future, and already have the supporting cast in place. In year one I'd like to get 2 O lineman in the first 3 rounds of the draft and a WR, if the draft fell that way. Obviously some stop gap FA's will be brought in and it may be a rough couple years, but after this thing is built it'll be worth it to have a consistent winner starting with studs up front and lots of depth up front. Find a legit #1 WR to go with Shipley and Gresham. And a good back to go with Scott and Leonard. Year 2 of the draft find that stud NT and a legit speed pass rusher early in the draft, then year 3 go after your future QB and some more skill players.