AFC North Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals

by Michael Bean on May 7, 2011 5:23 PM EDT in AFC North News

Let's finish with our preliminary evaluation of the 2011 NFL Draft for the four AFC North squads with a breakdown of the Cincinnati Bengals' selections.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-12 ; 4-2)

Total Draft picks: 8 (one per round + two 7th rounders)

First Round Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

The Steelers secondary will be challenged by arguably the best player in the 2011 NFL Draft. If the Bengals have a quarterback who can get Green the ball. The Bengals now have a very interesting nucleus of young playmakers in Green, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham. The promising trio might make it easier to pull the plug on the Chad Johnson era in Cincinnati.

Best 'Value Pick': Clint Boling, OL, Georgia

Boling may not be the most athletic offensive lineman in the world, but he's versatile (can play both guard and tackle), is durable, and will bring a much-needed no-nonsense blue collar work ethic to the Bengals. I don't think Boling ever was considered a fringe first round talent, but I also didn't expect to see him slide all the way down to the fourth round. Great value for the Bengals here.

Sleeper Selection: Robert Sands, FS, West Virginia

Sands could have also qualified as a top 'value' pick -- the dynamic DB was taken in the fifth round despite having a long highlight reel of explosive plays from college + top performances in many of the combine's workouts. Sands will probably get burned a few times before learning how to toe the line between aggressive ball-hawking and taking disciplined angles that don't expose his team to huge plays. But once he learns that, Sands could be a really nice player in this league. In the meantime, he'll have an opportunity to contribute on special teams for the Bengals right away.

'Boom/Bust' Selection: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

I don't know, it's all speculation at this point. The kid has been scrutinized by draftniks for months and months now, and the consensus seems to be that Dalton will mold into a 'franchise' quarterback for some team. I just don't see that happening. I think his ceiling is just about where Ryan Fitzpatrick's is, a former Bengals signal caller who only flashed signs of being a top-15 QB after he got to Buffalo. If Dalton turns out to be a winning QB for the Bengals, this draft is a huge success. If not, well, then it will be hard for it to be considered anything but so-so.

Overall Grade: B-

If you're a bigger believer in Dalton than I am, then this grade should be higher in your book. But I'm not convinced. Outside of that selection though, I think the Bengals did fairly well. Not mentioned above is their third rounder, Dontay Moch, a 245 pound DE/OLB who ran a 4.44 at the combine. He's not as strong as he needs to be just yet, but he's fairly freakish athletically (42 in. vertical) that could really help the Bengals' blitz packages as early as this year. All in all, a solid draft for the Bengals -- one that has the potential to be great if a few players develop the way they expect them to.

AFC North Draft Grades:

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It's a shame that Robert Sands went to the black hole of football that is Cincy

Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand." Wes Westrum
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan

by WVPiratesfan on May 7, 2011 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

Bungles

I never thought I would say this but the past two drafts have been pretty good for the Bengals. I agree that I’m not that high on Dalton. I don ‘t see much upside with him but it’s clear that the Bengals need to move in a different direction since there is so much drama regarding whether or not Palmer will stay in Cincy.

Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.

by Black&GoldTrain on May 7, 2011 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

Weak year for QB's

Even though four went in the top-12 and there were about 8 drafted who teams think could be franchise players, I really doubt more than one or two will be anything more than a back-up at the pro-level. I think Gabbert can succeed, and possibly Mallet if he gets his head in order and waits 5 years behind Brady, but I think this class will be remembered for a very weak QB class, but very strong defensively.

The Poster Formerly Known As Gimpsta7

by Michael Uhlhorn on May 7, 2011 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

+1

Glad they took their “franchise” QB this year and not next year

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on May 8, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

......and throwing to this great young wide-out that will challenge the Steelers secondary is:

who? Palmer would rather retire than play for Cincy anymore… and I don’t recall their exceptional “depth” in the QB position. WR is a great position to draft for if you need one… but the ball still needs to get to him.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

by 1BlkGldFan on May 8, 2011 12:24 AM EDT reply actions

A-

I think Cinci really inproved their offense in the first round. AJ Green could possibly be the best player in the draft. Dalton has NFL skills and ability. That offense will be a threat this year

by Lamarr56 on May 8, 2011 2:04 PM EDT reply actions