Badin vs. Versailles
Law Enforcement Memorial Day
American Idol 2012 finale
Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > April > 19 > Entry
Bengals could face many ‘what ifs’ on draft day
The NFL draft is unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop football enthusiast from trying to predict the outcome. Is it the mystery of the unknown or just a challenge to one-up the draft experts?
The age-old question of ‘what if’ always seems to come into play when you’re talking about the draft. For instance, what if the Cincinnati Bengals would have accepted the trade from New Orleans in the 1999 draft? Would they have been contenders sooner? I’m sure fans have their own Bengals’ what ifs.
Here’s your opportunity to become a decision-maker for the Bengals on draft day. I will be keeping score for future reference to see how well fans do as prognosticators.
Take the challenge …
The Cincinnati Bengals signed running back Cedric Benson to a 2-year contract last offseason and there is talk of extending the six-year veteran.
What if … by some miracle, Clemson running back C.J. Spiller is still available at No. 21. Should Cincinnati pull the trigger?
There is no secret that the Bengals would like to address the wide receiver, tight end and safety positions in the draft.
What if … Dez Bryant, Jermaine Gresham and Taylor Mays are all available when the Bengals make their selection? Who should they take?
As much as we all love Carson Palmer, the guy can’t play forever. The Bengals will be looking for a quarterback in the draft to groom as a future replacement for Palmer.
What if … quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Tony Pike are on the board in the third or fourth round? Do the Bengals pick one?
The Bengals are expected to select a wideout in the late rounds. However, if the right player is available they could take one early.
What if … Cincinnati Bearcats receiver Mardy Gilyard is available in Round 3? Do the Bengals take the fan favorite?
The team recently re-signed offensive guard Bobbie Williams to a two-year deal. Williams turns 34 this year. It’s time to start thinking about his replacement.
What if … Idaho guard Mike Iupati tumbles down the draft board into the mid second round? Should the Bengals trade up to get him?
Tweet
Comments
By sushid
April 19, 2010 1:54 PM | Link to this
I like Spiller, but would not take him at 21. He isn’t a full-time ball carrier. I’d rather resign Ced for another couple years and let he a B. Scott and Leonard run the show. Now, if Dez Bryant is at 21 they should immediately take him. He’s a luxury pick, but is top-10 talent. His “extra baggage” is negligible, but his talent is through the roof. Then the lawfirm of Johnson, Bryant and Bryant will be open for business. No on Tebow, but yes on Pike. If Mardy is there in Round 3 (provided they haven’t already taken Bryant) then snag him. They need another WR who can also be an impact on special teams. If Iupati falls into round 2, you have no choice but to snag him. Too much value. It’d be like when Maualuga fell to round 2. That being said, I think Gresham will be the pick. Then they go defense for rounds 2 and 3. The one player that no one is talking about that could be had late round 3 or early round 4 is Jordan Shipley. I like that guy as a Wes Welker type.
By Big Hoe
April 19, 2010 2:10 PM | Link to this
What if… The Bengals where 300 miles NorthEast of their current location. They would find gems like Willie Parker, Joey Porter, Hines Ward, etc. etc., win a lot of games, and a few superbowls. Holla at your boy Big C! ;-)
By spoon
April 19, 2010 2:12 PM | Link to this
Being a Browns fan I am hoping Iupati slips to round two but I believe he goes to the Steelers at #18.I am predicting the Bengals to snag DE Brandon Graham Michigan at 21 then possibly Arrelious Benn[WR FROM Illinois]Damian Williams [wr USC]or TE Aaron Hernandez Florida in round two. As for the Browns,safety Eric Berry at #7 or trade down to get Iupati.
By Brian
April 19, 2010 2:30 PM | Link to this
The Bengals bring back a playoff team virtually in tact, so this isn’t a time to reach for a jerome simpson or stockpile players at an already strong position. Strengthen the weaker areas like WR, TE and Safety. Big C’s second what if scenario is the most perplexing. But, if Dez Bryant falls that far you have to take him, second I’d go for Gresham and Mays third. Having said that, I’d love for Mardy Gilyard to fall in their lap after getting a TE or safety in round 1. Great draft last year for Cincy. Stay focused Bengals!
By Brian
April 19, 2010 2:38 PM | Link to this
Big Hoe: you and Big Sin just keep clubbin’ in Georgia and erasing surveillance videos. We’ll enjoy being in the playoffs and handing you two losses again this season.
By d
April 19, 2010 2:42 PM | Link to this
Taylor Mays will drop to the 2nd round, C. Dude can’t cover. I know that’s secondary for safetys, but even roy williams can cover even a bit.
By Big Hoe
April 19, 2010 2:56 PM | Link to this
Wow Brian. Ain’t that the pot calling the kettle black?! Deltha O’Neal, Reggie McNeal, Matthias Askew, A.J. Nicholson, Odell Thurman, Chris Henry and that was just one year.
By RC
April 19, 2010 2:59 PM | Link to this
If Spiller is still available at #21, somebody might well be willing to trade up to get him. Bryant vs Gresham vs. Mays? I still take Gresham. I take no QBs this year before the 4th/5th round - if Pike was still floating around at that point… maybe. I have no interest in Gilyard, but if I could put myself into position to get Iupati in round 2, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But that’s just me.
By Brian
April 19, 2010 3:30 PM | Link to this
I agree. The Bengals have had their legal problems, but the Steelers have been in an all-out sprint to catch up ever since. Between the clowns, bengals and steelers we could have our own little wing at the lebanon correctional facility.
By Mel Kiper
April 19, 2010 3:35 PM | Link to this
Spiller > Bryant > Gresham > Mays. If Gilyard is there in the 3rd I would highly consider him. No on Tebow or Pike and the 2nd for Iupati.
By Clammy
April 19, 2010 4:12 PM | Link to this
I agree someone will trade up to get Spiller. We’ve got 9 draft picks and there’s no way they all make the team. I’d like us to see a trade up for selected players, no necessarily in the 1st round, but maybe a 3 & a 5 to move up to the 2nd. We’ve got extra comp picks in 3 & 4.
By Becca
April 19, 2010 4:13 PM | Link to this
I think the Bengals should take a look at linebacker Austin Spitler in the sixth-round. He would be great to groom behind Dhani Jones. The Bengals should take Mardy in round 3 if he’s there.
By sushid
April 19, 2010 4:16 PM | Link to this
Big Hoe, surely you realize that rape and domestic violence are worse than DUIs. And most of the players you’ve mentioned are no longer Bengals. But keep ballin’ and keep defending indefensable actions by thugs and jerks. Typical of the black and gold.
By Buckfan03
April 19, 2010 4:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t see us taking Gresham, we already have that type of TE in Chase Coffman that set every receiving record that there is for TE’s. Just go for the best available, whomever that is. For once in a long time, no matter who it is, they will have a tough time cracking the starting lineup.
By Sent us a post card Chad
April 19, 2010 5:02 PM | Link to this
What if…. Number man just goes away?
By Big Hoe
April 19, 2010 5:09 PM | Link to this
Ben LOL! Sushid, I didn’t defend Ben. In fact last week on this same blog I said it’s time for him to go. What I did say is people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks. In Ben’s case rape hasn’t been proven but his having sex in public restrooms is stupid and should be severely punished. That being said anyone can be ACCUSED of anything and he shouldn’t be considered a rapist until proven to be one. When my current wife and I first met someone told her that my ex-wife said I used to beat her and advised her to stay away from me. 7 years later she’s still untouched.
By bengals_fan
April 19, 2010 5:20 PM | Link to this
” Now, if Dez Bryant is at 21 they should immediately take him. He’s a luxury pick, but is top-10 talent. His “extra baggage” is negligible” His extra baggage is considerable, his talent doesn’t overcome his potential at all.
By Ed Neu
July 10, 2010 6:11 PM | Link to this
Bengals , and that’s just one man, didn’t choose ANY U.of Cincinnati player, due to the fact The Bearcats were much more popular than his “gang.” I sincerely hope he is sorry, soon.!!!!