Mocking the Mocks; T.O? No. Well…
By nate
Just like everyone else (or so it seems), Todd McShay gave the Bengals a tight end, Jermaine Gresham, in his latest mock. I can’t believe the Bengals would use a first-round pick on a tight end a year after using a third-round pick on one. At least I hope they don’t. I’d much rather them address the position in free agency and give Chase Coffman a chance to develop. I’ll get into more detail and address my thoughts on T.O. in the Bengals’ offseason lineup.
1 – Tight end. It’s obviously a weak spot on the Bengals roster, but in my opinion, it’s not worth a first-round draft pick. I’d much rather pay for a free agent like Ben Watson or Tony Scheffler, who could contribute right away. Plus, I still have hope for Chase Coffman. Sure, he was injured last year and may be a limited blocker at best, but the kid has obvious talent. Cincy just needs to find some ways – split out? in the slot? – to use it.
2- Oh, T.O. The Internet is abuzz with rumors about Terrell Owens heading to the Queen City. Chad Ochocinco has repeatedly fueled the fire. While I would prefer that the T.O. traveling circus doesn’t visit our locker room, the guy did average 15 yards per catch last year with Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing him a lot of passes, who isn’t exactly the second coming of Joe Montana. Or even Hannah Montana. I think there are better options at wide receiver (Malcolm Floyd, who averaged 17 yards per catch) or Lance Moore, a Columbus native. But if all else fails, what the heck, why not T.O? He can run-block, he should be fairly cheap, and he should be willing to do about everything for a ring. But he’s still not my first choice.
3. As for my own draft preference, defense is looking better and better. A tight end or wide receiver would be unlikely to make an impact right away. And the Bengals still could use some more juice in the pass rush. I’d take Brandon Graham or Sergio Kindle as linebackers who could provide some speed on the edge. Texas safety Earl Thomas could also help immediately and provide depth. I’d also be content with an offensive lineman (which should be aplenty in this draft) considering Cincy’s success in that area. In short, I’d take just about anything over a skill position player considering the Bengals’ blunders (as Dave noted earlier) at those positions. Unless, of course, Dez Bryant somehow slips that far. I think he may be scary good.
4. Re-sign Tank Johnson and Roy Williams. They should be cheap (Mike Brown’s ears just perked up) and both played well when healthy. Why mess with a defense that was working?
5. Bobbie Williams has to come back, even if it requires the franchise tag. The O-line that overachieved last year suddenly becommes a little scary without him. I don’t think Andre Smith or Dennis Roland can play guard, so Williams is a pretty important piece to the puzzle.
6. I hope Jerome Simpson hears all the naysayers and proves everyone wrong. He’s not the only 2nd year receiver who’s had some struggles (Washington’s Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas come to mind) and he should have the physical tools needed for success. If he’s struggling with the mental part, the coaches and his teammates need to help him out. It’s not all on him.
7. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Carson is fine. The whole team lost a lot of weapons and transitioned to a running game. With a little more firepower, I see even bigger numbers next year.
8. The defense has to get even better next year. Cincy is going to see a murderer’s row of offenses next year (I believe they face all the first-place AFC divisional teams), so it’s not time to get complacent. That’s another reason I’m O.K. with yet another defensive player in the first round.
9. The corners have to be re-signed. In a way, shut-down cornerbacks are like franchise quarterbacks. It’s not easy to find them. Cincy is lucky enough to have two of them (Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall). It’s usually cheaper (cue Mike Brown’s ears again) and easier to extend a player earlier than it is on the even of free agency. Do it now.
Who Dey.