Stripe Hype » Danny Cole

ICYMI: Cincinnati Bengals: One More Move To Make

Danny Cole — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:22:11 +0000

The Cincinnati Bengals started the 2013 offseason at snail like pace. The past month however, things have picked up. The team finally agreed to a long term deal with Andre smith and have brought long time Bengal killer James Harrison to the team. Adding with that another stellar draft class, I believe Cincinnati has one more move left to make this offseason to prepare for that coveted super bowl run.

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Charles Woodson (21) reacts after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The move I’m talking about is signing veteran free agent Charles Woodson. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year would add championship experience to a defense that frankly doses not have any. Woodson, though at the tail end of a HOF career, would provide much needed depth at the safety position, which has the projected starter as of right now as Rookie third round pick out Georgia, Shawn Williams. Now don’t take this as I don’t like Williams. I just don’t know how comfortable I am having him being our best safety on the depth chart; a veteran like Woodson is a very good insurance policy.
Signing Woodson and starting Williams is a viable solution. Williams could be an instant impact player. And what better way is there to find out than by starting him on week one. If he can play, he plays, if not, you put in the veteran Woodson. It makes too much sense to ignore.

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Cincinnati Bengals: One More Move To Make

Danny Cole — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:46:31 +0000

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Bengals’ First Three NFL Draft Picks Should have Immediate Impact

Danny Cole — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:30:26 +0000

The Cincinnati Bengals have had yet again, another stellar draft class. They filled needs all across their board and still got tremendous value in their selections. Their first three picks could easily be instant-impact players, and here’s what I liked about each of these picks:

November 12, 2011; College Park, MD, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) celebrates his second half touchdown catch and run against the Maryland Terrapins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame pick 21

On the morning of draft day, I did not expect that Eifert would be on the board very long, but as the draft started and teams started going offensive line and defensive line so often, Eifert fell into Cincinnati’s lap at pick number 21. Eifert is a versatile TE with amazing hands and ball skills. Eifert along with Jermaine Gresham creates a Patriot style passing attack which could prove to help Andy Dalton immensely during his next stage of development. He should come in and take pressure of A.J. Green and allow the offense to operate more freely, as the Bengals can now make opposing defenses pay for focusing their coverage on Green, and Eifert will also push Gresham to perform better.

2. Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina pick #37

With The Bengals first two selections the team has added two dimensions to a mediocre offense. I personally had Gio Bernard graded out as the best available in this class. Gio is very elusive and possesses a quick burst with plenty of speed to get to the outside and make the first man miss. Gio also has great hands and the ability lineup as a receiver and find the soft spot in the defense which could be a great security blanket for young Andy Dalton. He also double as a great return-man, which could give Adam Jones more rest and hopefully take the disaster that is Brandon Tate off of return duties.