SB Nation - Matt Sherry

Bengals have eight players on Injured Reserve; Cincinnati has players to fill those roles

Kirkendall — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:41:15 -0000

Remember last year? I know, I know. Why bring up terrible memories of a team that started the season on an eight-game losing streak. Why bring up terrible memories of a team that actually finished a game in a tie causing the entire NFL world to shouting, asking why ties in the NFL? I remember when the active report came in during the fourth week of the season against Cleveland, seeing that Carson Palmer was inactive. It took weeks for me to fully comprehend the implications of Palmer's injury. I was in denial.

This week gave us a few reminders of how much better this team is, in terms of talent and pure luck, which is (if people want to admit it or not) critical to team's successes in a season.

The Bengals placed two players on Injured Reserve this week with arm injuries; wide receiver Chris Henry and safety Roy Williams. This brings the total to eight players on injured reserve since the start of training camp.

Player	Position
Antonio Chatman	WR
Chris Henry	WR
Reggie Kelly	TE
Ben Utecht	TE
Matt Sherry	TE
Antwan Odom	DE
Dan Santucci	C
Roy Williams	S

On November 28, 2008, the Bengals had just put Andrew Whitworth and Scott Kooistra on injured reserved, the 20th players lost for the season due to injury. In fact, I mused at the time that the Bengals could nearly fill out a starting lineup with players on Injured Reserve.

Oh, what a difference a year makes.

While the Bengals can't come close to filling out a starting roster, the biggest difference this year is that the team's depth is strong enough to replace those injured players -- except for maybe Tight End -- and lose limited production. Chinedum Ndukwe, the guy replacing Williams in the starting lineup, has 17 career starts. In the first game he started this season against Cleveland, Ndukwe recorded seven tackles and a quarterback sack. Against Houston, Ndukwe recorded a season-high 11 tackles. Along with Brandon Johnson, Ndukwe recorded a quarterback sack deep in the fourth quarter against Baltimore. NFL.com ranks Ndukwe fifth on the team with 35 total tackles.

Chris Henry is a loss in terms of taking advantage of match-up problems. However, through eight games, Henry only caught 12 passes -- then again, he averaged a team high 19.7 yards-per-reception. Based on the talent and depth chart ahead of him, Henry's loss, in terms of overall production, isn't very significant. The Bengals will likely replace Henry with the receiving committee of Maurice Purify and Jerome Simpson; two unproven players that could surprise/disappoint us.

Antwan Odom is perhaps the biggest injury this team has suffered. Through the first two games, the Bengals recorded nine quarterback sacks -- seven from Odom alone. After going down to injury against Houston, the Bengals production hasn't slacked much -- they've recorded five quarterback sacks in the past two games with the following combination of defensive players: Frostee Rucker (1.0), Brandon Johnson (1.5), Robert Geathers (1.0), Michael Johnson (0.5), Jonathan Fanene (0.5), Chinedum Ndukwe (0.5).

Even though Odom's injury was the biggest this team has suffered, in terms of season production coming to a premature end, the team's tight end spot was decimated by injury. However, there was never really any expectation that tight ends would become vital in the passing game, save for pass protection. J.P. Foschi and Daniel Coats are reasonably good when it comes to rush blocking and the biggest difference between the Foschi/Coats tight end era compared to the Kelly/Utecht era is the dropped passes -- admittedly, there's been a few but fortunately, they're not targeted as much.

Two of the biggest improvements this year over the 4-11-1 team in 2008, is that injury isn't crushing the team's chances and the depth chart is as strong as its ever been during the Marvin Lewis era. And the injuries suffered this season hasn't hurt the team's overall production.

Bengals Tight End Ben Utecht goes on IR and Matt Sherry waived

Kirkendall — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:18:47 -0000

It was the hit that ended his season. In early August, Ben Utecht was blown up during Training Camp which left the Tight End unconscious for several minutes. He was carted off and sent to a local hospital near Georgetown College. Now, Utecht will be out for the season.

Utecht is the second of three Tight Ends to on IR before the season even starts -- the first is Reggie Kelly, the third is Matt Sherry (who must first clear waivers). As Geoff Hobson writes, the Bengals are down to "75 players, meeting the Sept. 1 roster maximum. Rookie tackle Andre Smith doesn't count because of a two-week roster exemption."

As for Tight End, the Bengals leading candidates to start, are Daniel Coats and Chase Coffman. If the team decides to take a third Tight End, J.P. Foschi or Darius Hill could get the nod -- personally, I think it's Foschi. Losing Kelly, Utecht and Sherry, isn't that disastrous on the field -- lockerroom presence is another matter. The biggest issue the Bengals see at Tight End is inexperience and production. Coats has 31 games under his belt, but only 14 receptions. One would assume that Coats will take on the role Reggie Kelly would have performed. Between Coats, Coffman, Foschi, Hill and Kolo Kapanui, they combine for 20 career receptions.

Bengals will need to release five players by September 1

Kirkendall — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:22:36 -0000

By September 1 (this Tuesday), all teams are mandated to lower their roster to 75 players. That number is dramatically reduced to 53 on September 5 (next Saturday), which is the league-wide cutdown day. With 80 players currently on roster, the Bengals will be forced to cut five by this Tuesday. While I won't name players, I believe they'll address three positions at least. And if Andre Smith decides to join us before Tuesday, the team will need to cut six.

Wide Receiver. With ten wide receivers, the Bengals are not likely to carry all of them into the final preseason game. Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry and Andre Caldwell are locks. Jerome Simpson is likely making the squad and the Bengals will only take six receivers into the regular season. That leaves Quan Cosby, Freddie Brown, Maurice Purify, Greg Orton and Antonio Chatman. Purify and Cosby, I believe, make it to final cutdown day -- especially Cosby who has enough skills on punt return to keep him in the discussion. Freddie Brown and Greg Orton I'm not sure about and Antonio Chatman could be an example of either. Do they want to wait until the last possible second to cut him, or do they figure Chatman is unlikely to make the team anyway based on serious durability issues and make the move now?

Tight Ends. Even if Ben Utecht misses the rest of the season after suffering a nasty concussion early during Training Camp, the Bengals have six Tight Ends on the roster. You figure Chase Coffman and Daniel Coats are locks. Utecht would be the team's third, and likely final, Tight End. This leaves J.P. Foschi, Darius Hill, Matt Sherry and Kolo Kapanui. Between the four, Foschi is the only player to catch a pass -- a 20-yard reception against the Rams. Since signing with the team, Sherry has dealt with constant injuries.

Fullbacks. While it is possible the Bengals take two Tight Ends into the regular season, they're likely only taking one. Furthermore, Jeremi Johnson is making improvements that could see him solidify his spot at the team's starting fullback. However, based on the level of competition, I'm not sure the Bengals make any roster moves by Tuesday. Based on the theory that Johnson resumes his role as starting fullback, the Bengals will want to see which of the two remaining fullbacks they can place on the practice squad, if they decide on taking one into the regular season.

How does the positions breakdown right now?

QB	3	DE	8
RB	5	DT	6
FB	3	LB	9
TE	7	CB	7
WR	10	S	7
C	2
G	5	Special	4
T	4

Total	39	Total	41

No telling when Bengals Tight End Ben Utecht returns

Kirkendall — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:44:36 -0000

There's just no telling when Ben Utecht will return from the concussion he suffered early in training camp, writes Geoff Hobson. "Tight end Ben Utecht surfaced in the Bengals locker room Tuesday morning for the first time since receiving the fifth concussion of his career three weeks ago and he doesn't look close to returning. He admitted he still has to make the big decision to return to play at all, but since his symptoms are still lingering he's not there yet."

As it stands, the Bengals could be without both starting Tight Ends to start the season. Which gives Daniel Coats and Chase Coffman huge opportunities. In Coats' case, he was a stretch to make the team as a Tight End. Within a split second after Kelly went down for the year, Coats' position on the roster solidified because of all the Tight Ends, his abilities mirror that of Kelly's blocking. In Chase Coffman's case, now he an opportunity to get a lot more playing time now that he doesn't have to climb over two proven Tight Ends while trying not to look like an old couple screwing (not my words).

In both their his rear-view mirror stands Matt Sherry, Darius Hill, Kolo Kapanui and J.P. Foschi. Coats and Coffman, you have to believe, are natural replacements for Kelly and Utecht, based on their strengths and style. But we're thinking ahead of ourselves. There's still a chance Utecht could return by the season opener -- but that Hobson piece makes you believe that's very doubtful.

Langston Moore signing is likely a numbers thing; ESPN features Bengals (joy); nervous about Carson Palmer?

Kirkendall — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:23 -0000

+ One of our newest residents Jake wrote on Monday that the Bengals signed former 2003 Draft Pick, Langston Moore. What does this mean for the team's depth chart? Most likely nothing. But we have a relatively fair guess. Before the signing, the Bengals had five defensive tackles on roster: Domata Peko, Pat Sims, Tank Johnson, Clinton McDonald and Pernell Phillips (note: McDonald is actually listed as a defensive end on Bengals.com, but as a defensive tackle on the depth chart).

Phillips hasn't taken a preseason snap yet and he's likely going to miss the game Thursday. It wouldn't make sense to play Sims, Peko and Tank through the entire meaningless preseason game, which leaves McDonald. So the Bengals signed Moore to fill in during the latter stages of the preseason game in an effort to conserve the main rotation guys. Of course, it's just a guess. But a fair guess, we think.

Reader firstPick asked John Thornton about the move, to which Thornton said, "Good move. He's a good inside rusher. I hope he gets a shot 2 stick. I hated to see him cut 3yrs ago." Makes sense. If Phillips can't play during the preseason, then why not hold onto Moore if he performs and make Phillips a practice squad candidate?

+ ESPN's Elizabeth Merrill details the Bengals disaster since Mike Brown became the team's owner in the early 90s. Brown is quoted in the piece as saying, "Do I think we will be perpetually down? I do not. I've seen every team in this league when it was down. And the lesson from that is you can come back and fly high." The problem with this is that the Bengals haven't flown anywhere after being down. Consider that from 1991 to 2000, the Bengals achieved .500 one time (1996). During that same time-frame, they've won five games or less in seven of ten seasons. In the nine seasons since, the Bengals achieved .500 four times, winning five games or less in only three seasons. Am I really saying anything we haven't said before?

+ Carson Palmer didn't practice on Monday, the third straight day, and is doubtful to take the field on Thursday against the Rams. The issue:

"I can throw, but not drop back right now," he said. "I'm trying to keep my arm in shape, basically. I'll take it day-to-day."

While there's no report that indicates anyone should be worried, forgive me for being worried. We know what happens when Palmer doesn't play. The training staff hasn't been noted as exactly being the front runners of player recovery in the league. Secondly, Palmer is hurt. I'm freaking out right now.

More, more, more.

Former Bengals safety Kevin Kaesviharn signed with the Carolina Panthers on Monday.

Backup guard Evan Mathis is taking snaps place of Jonathan Luigs, who hasn't practiced at all this week.

Bengals offensive coordinator likes what he sees with Jason Shirley's conversion to the offensive line:

"It's going pretty good," he said. He added Shirley had a pancake block against the Pats, but Bratkowski also said, "I'm not sure he's quite ready to play in the regular season, but he shows potential."

Players likely out this week against the Rams:

Shayne Graham (groin), defensive tackle Pernell Phillips (leg), tight end Matt Sherry (shoulder), defensive end Antwan Odom (Achilles), wide receiver Antonio Chatman (ankle), cornerback David Jones (foot), and tight end Ben Utecht (concussion).

Who Dey Fans is right. Peter King mentions the Bengals. And doesn't talk about us like the terrorists of the NFL. That's progress, right?

Marvin Lewis received the "Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, in recognition of the impact of his work and the example it sets for all of professional sports."

Running back Brian Leonard is looking forward to this week's game against this old team.

Levi Jones' name is being thrown around in Seattle.

The offseason boxing regiment that Chad Ochocinco Johnson used to train, has him confident enough to call out Andre Berto.

The Washington Post's The League, asked me if I were Chancellor Roger Goodell, what policy on Twitter would I implement? I didn't make one thing clear. If Twitter updates are made about the person that hasn't anything to do with the team, league or other players that could possibly give another team a competitive advantage, then that's cool.

For your get to know your opponent file. Five things to know | Camp Tour

Bengals sign two Tight Ends

Kirkendall — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:58:59 -0000

We can't lose Tight Ends quick enough. In fact, we're doing such a good job at watching our Tight Ends fall, that we're signing more, so we can watch them fall. Reggie Kelly is out for the year. No one really knows when Ben Utecht will return. Recently signed Matt Sherry will be out Thursday and Chase Coffman and Daniel Coats need "some rest as they come back from foot and ankle problems."

So the Bengals signed Kolo Kapanui and J.P. Foschi.

Kolo Kapanui was released by the Saints in May after being charged with obscenity, disturbing the peace and lewd conduct for allegedly being drunk, urinating in public and exposing himself. He was signed by New Orleans after spending last year on the Cleveland Browns practice squad.

Foschi was released by Oakland over the weekend. He saw action in seven games with Kansas City last year but did not catch a pass. He was also with the Raiders in 2005-06 and has 6 career receptions for 37 yards.

Bengals sign Matt Sherry; Utecht to see spine and concussion specialists

Kirkendall — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:22:33 -0000

It was reported last night that the Bengals were looking into the free agent market to acquire one to replenish the team's depth. Ben Utecht left the local Georgetown hospital for Cincinnati to looked at, writes a Bengals Tweet. Utecht is traveling "to Cincy to meet with spine and concussion specialists."

However, the Bengals found one free agent that once was once a Bengals Tight End before. The Bengals Twitter page writes that, "Matt Sherry's agent confirms to bengals.com that his client has signed with the Bengals."

Sherry was the team's second sixth-round draft pick (207th overall) in 2008, but was placed on Injured Reserve when the team announced their cuts at the end of preseason. He was then released on June 20th this year.

Bengals release tight end Matt Sherry and receiver Mario Urrutia

Kirkendall — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:11:10 -0000

Last year the Bengals took tight end Matt Sherry and wide receiver Mario Urrutia in the 2008 NFL Draft. Sherry, a sixth round draft pick, spent all season on Injured Reserve after suffering a preseason shoulder injury. Urrutia, a seventh-round pick, spent the entire season on the team's practice squad in a draft designed to build wide receiver depth.

Both have been released, writes Geoff Hobson. Of the ten players drafted last year, seven remain (Angelo Craig was waived, then signed onto the Carolina Panthers practice squad).

The Bengals also released quarterback Billy Farris and James Smith. With four players released, that leaves the Bengals with 81 players on roster.

Detailed Analysis of Bengals Roster - Examining likelihood of drafting each position

Kirkendall — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:48:06 -0000

Every so often we try to re-examine the team's current roster and how it relates to the NFL draft. Since we have less than a week to go, I figure it was time for us to examine the roster, look at (unscientific) probabilities that we'll draft at that position, and get a general feel for where this team stands. We'll do this all again a week or two after the draft to reexamine the team's roster. Note: Best and Worst Case scenarios are based on long-term visions that I have after drinking some funky blue stuff. Here goes.

QUARTERBACK (3)
Even though the Bengals signed J.T. O'Sullivan this off-season in response to Ryan Fitzpatrick departure for Buffalo, Cincinnati could look at drafting a quarterback, whom would compete with Jordan Palmer for that number-three emergency quarterback slot. If all goes well, and the Bengals select a late-draft quarterback (sixth round or later), there's a chance they could luck into finding a long-term backup solution. If all goes poorly, then we'll have another Jeff Rowe on our hands. I rated the Bengals quarterbacks as strong, weighting Palmer's return much more than any player does at any position. Without Palmer, it's a mediocre position.

Strength of position: Strong
Probability of drafting position: Maybe
Best case scenario: Find a quarterback late in the draft to eventually become a long-term backup solution.
Worst case scenario: Jeff Rowe
Highest round team could draft: Fifth Round

Carson Palmer
J.T. O'Sullivan
Jordan Palmer

RUNNING BACK (6)
This off-season, the Bengals were able to re-sign Cedric Benson to a two-year contract, and recently claimed Gary Russell off of waivers. Still on the roster is Kenny Watson, who briefly became the team's feature back in 2007 and recorded two 130-yard plus performances. Chris Perry's low yard-per-rush and propensity to fumble likely cost him. DeDe Dorsey and James Johnson will have to put together masterful off-season and training camp performances just to have a shot on the roster. The Bengals are likely drafting a running back to backup Benson while, we think, Russell will be primarily used as a short-yardage/goalline back.

Strength of position: Average
Probability of drafting position: High
Best case scenario: Draft a running back that plays behind Benson and eventually replaces him as the team's starting running back within a year or two.
Worst case scenario: Kenny Irons
Highest round team could draft: Second Round

Cedric Benson
Gary Russell
Kenny Watson
Chris Perry
DeDe Dorsey
James Johnson

FULLBACKS (2)
In 2004 and 2005, former Bengals running back Rudi Johnson broke franchise single-season rushing marks in back-to-back seasons. A large part of that contribution goes to quality blocking from the fullback spot. Daniel Coats moved to fullback last season. And while he did his best in the transformation from tight end to fullback, he's just not an NFL-caliber blocker.

Strength of position: Very Weak
Probability of drafting position: High
Best case scenario: A bull-dozer.
Worst case scenario: Not realizing the need for a quality fullback and doing nothing about it.
Highest round team could draft: Fifth Round

Daniel Coats
J.D. Runnels

WIDE RECEIVER (8)
This has been the most talked about position during the off-season; ranging from T.J. Houshmandzadeh's departure to trade rumors about Chad Johnson. Furthermore, the Bengals costliest free agent pickup was Laveranues Coles. With all that said and done, there's really no concrete idea of what the Bengals are going to do here. One argument suggests that the Bengals will pick up a top-tier wide receiver in the first round, with an opposite argument that the Bengals won't draft anyone. With Johnson, Coles and Chris Henry the top-three receivers on the depth chart, and Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson drafted last season, I don't see any way the Bengals draft a receiver. When and where would he play? Basing a conclusion at this position is a matter of conjecture and I don't believe the Bengals will, or even should, draft a receiver. If Johnson is traded, we'll see. However, I've been very clear on my position about the team drafting a receiver. I don't like it. However, this is the only position in which I rate "probability of drafting position" as unknown.

Strength of position: Strong (based on potential), Average overall
Probability of drafting position: Unknown
Best case scenario: Not drafting a receiver and Caldwell and Simpson come through.
Worst case scenario: Bengals use the first-round pick for a wide receiver and he never gets playing time.
Highest round team could draft: First through Fifth

Chad Johnson
Laveranues Coles
Chris Henry
Andre Caldwell
Jerome Simpson
Antonio Chatman
Mario Urrutia
Maurice Purify

TIGHT END (5)
We're a spoiled bunch when it comes to tight ends. No, not recently of course. Through our history, the franchise has seen all-pro quality tight ends with great hands. Then when the Bengals offense recently morphed back to a passing offense, the philosophy turned tight ends into blockers to help protection and limit trends between blocking and receiving specific ends. The question here is how do you think tight ends should be built in Cincinnati now?

Strength of position: Weak (if you think TEs should be receivers), Mediocre (overall)
Probability of drafting position: Low
Best case scenario: Utecht provides a reason why we should have signed him.
Worst case scenario: Kelly leaves after the year, Utecht is disappointing (or injured) again and Matt Sherry amounts to nothing.
Highest round team could draft: Fifth Round

Reggie Kelly
Ben Utecht
Matt Sherry
Nate Lawrie
Brad St. Louis (LS)

OFFENSIVE TACKLE (4)
We've talked about offensive tackles just as much, if not more than Chad Johnson rumors. The facts are appalling; 51 quarterback sacks allowed, and the league's 30th best yard-per-rush average. As it stands, Collins and Jones would figure to be the team's starting offensive tackles. However, Jones has been reportedly on the trading block, and additional reports suggest that he'll just be released if no suitors are found. There is an option that the Bengals could move guard Andrew Whitworth to tackle. However, until that happens, we're keeping Whitworth as a guard in our analysis.

Strength of position: Weak
Probability of drafting position: Certain
Best case scenario: First-round draft pick contributes to an offensive line rebound and multiple All-Pro selection.
Worst case scenario: Bengals do little to address the position leaving the line in a weakened state and pushing back personnel turnover to a point that rebuilding efforts are pushed back an additional year.
Highest round team could draft: First Round

Anthony Collins
Levi Jones
Dennis Roland
Scott Kooistra

GUARD (4)
While offensive tackle is rated as a certain need, guard really isn't that far behind. However the urgency is less because the team figures to have two starting guards, and a third guard that filled in decently when Whitworth went down in 2008. The issue here is 2010. After this year, the only guard on roster will be Andrew Whitworth. If the Bengals don't draft a guard or two this year, it will likely become a critical need in 2010.

Strength of position: Average
Probability of drafting position: Maybe-High
Best case scenario: Bengals draft a quality guard this year, allowing Williams to mentor him for a season and becomes starter in 2010.
Worst case scenario: As typical with the Bengals perception, guards aren't all that critical. Therefore don't address the position and draft guards next year simply to fill the roster.
Highest round team could draft: Fourth Round

Bobbie Williams
Andre Whitworth
Nate Livings
Evan Mathis

CENTER (3)
The first draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals franchise was a center. That's how Paul Brown viewed the offensive line; build from the center out. During the height of the Bengals offensive success during the Carson Palmer era, Rich Braham occupied center, directing traffic and handling the beasts of the AFC North. After his injury in 2006, the Bengals offense began to depreciate. No, we're not blaming Eric Ghiaciuc here -- there's was a general lack of effort by the coaches and front office to rebuild the offensive line allowing the team to suffer so poorly in 2008.

Strength of position: Mediocre
Probability of drafting position: Certain
Best case scenario: Bengals draft one of the top-three centers in the second round as part of a long-term offensive line rebuilding project.
Worst case scenario: Bengals do nothing and put all their faith with the centers on roster, once again, deciding that rebuilding the team's offensive line isn't critical.
Highest round team could draft: Second Round

Dan Santucci
Kyle Cook
Andrew Crummey

DEFENSIVE END (5)
You know the issue here; two highly paid defensive ends failed to pressure the quarterback with any consistency evident by terrible sack numbers. However, because both defensive ends are highly paid, we don't project the Bengals drafting a defensive end on the first day of the NFL draft. However (part 2), because of the Bengals terrible pass rush, many experts are projecting that the Bengals will draft a defensive end high; even in the first round. While they've made some plays in the past, the Bengals roster of backup defensive ends can be, and perhaps should be, easily replaced.

Strength of position: Mediocre
Probability of drafting position: Maybe
Best case scenario: Bengals find a gem in the fifth round or later that challenges the two highly paid defensive end to put in some production. Also, Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers were hurt last year; having a "gem" as a backup player that can get to the quarterback will help immensely if injury becomes a factor again.
Worst case scenario: 2008
Highest round team could draft: First

Robert Geathers
Antwan Odom
Frostee Rucker
Jonathan Fanene
Chris Harrington

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (5)
Last year, the Bengals had defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey high on their board. This year, with the potential we've seen from Pat Sims, the signing of Tank Johnson and the potential of Jason Shirley, the Bengals could totally leave defensive tackle alone in the NFL draft. On the other hand, the Bengals could draft a defensive tackle high in the draft to complete a four-man rotation of Peko, Sims, Tank and super-massive defensive tackle, forcing the team into a combinations of rush-defensive tackles and pass-defensive tackles. Still, we don't see it. It seems more likely that the Bengals could be content with defensive tackle already.

Strength of position: Average-Strong (based on potential)
Probability of drafting position: Low-Maybe
Best case scenario: Bengals rely on their two draft picks in 2008 and Pat Sims and Jason Shirley \ come through.
Worst case scenario: Tank lost gas in the... well... and Sims and Shirley play average at best.
Highest round team could draft: First... more likely Fourth or later.

Domata Peko
Pat Sims
Tank Johnson
Jason Shirley
Orien Harris

LINEBACKERS (7)
I've pointed out before that linebackers could be a serious concern after 2009. Everyone save for Keith Rivers and Dhani Jones will be free agents. It's to the point that if the Bengals don't draft a linebacker this year, this could be the primary focus during the weeks leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft. However, it's speculated that Aaron Curry is on top of the Bengals board this year, and if he falls, the Bengals could pounce on him. If that's the case, then the "need" is tremendously reduced. The question at this point would be, at what cost to the offensive line.

Strength of position: Average
Probability of drafting position: Likely
Best case scenario: Bengals draft as many as two linebackers, one middle and one strong-side to eventually replace the current starters.
Worst case scenario: Rivers is hurt again, Jones feels his age and the Bengals don't draft a linebacker in 2009.
Highest round team could draft: First (if Curry falls to us); Fourth or later if he doesn't.

Keith Rivers
Dhani Jones
Rashad Jeanty
Brandon Johnson
Darryl Blackstock
Abdul Hodge
Jim Maxwell

CORNERBACKS (5)
If you base grades on the starters, I believe that the Bengals cornerbacks are very strong. While they're not shutdown backs, perhaps not even elite backs, I think they've made their share of great plays on defense. David Jones showed he has some talent but there's plenty of room for improvement. The difference between the teams cornerbacks and backups is pretty significant. Mike Zimmer has said that he'd love to draft a cornerback to play nickel and/or coverage-specific safety. I believe that the Bengals will address cornerbacks later in the draft to improve their depth.

Strength of position: Strong
Probability of drafting position: Maybe
Best case scenario: Bengals draft a coverage-excellent cornerback and improves the overall depth at the position.
Worst case scenario: Bengals bank on injury-free season at cornerback and do nothing to improve their depth.
Highest round team could draft: Third-Fourth

Johnathan Joseph
Leon Hall
David Jones
Simeon Castille
Geoffrey Pope

SAFETY (6)
This is another position that we could make a strong case for. However, that projection is based on potential. Corey Lynch started well in 2008 before falling to injury. Marvin White has his moments -- good and bad -- but also fell to injury. Chris Crocker was an awesome surprise and now he's talking leadership. Chinedum Ndukwe is the team's best seventh-round pick since drafting Houshmandzadeh. At the same time, there's weaknesses at safety against the pass. How many plays were there when a pass went over the top while the safeties were sprinting to catch up with wide receivers that blazed by him? We suspect that the Bengals will address safety in the draft to acquire a guy that's better suited to defend the pass.

Strength of position: Average-Strong (based on potential)
Probability of drafting position: High
Best case scenario: Bengals find another start-quality safety stacking the position with potential talent.
Worst case scenario: Crocker slumps, Lynch is hurt again and the Bengals have to rely on lesser talent on the team's depth.
Highest round team could draft: Third-Fourth

Chinedum Ndukwe
Chris Crocker
Corey Lynch
Marvin White
Mike Doss
Kyries Hebert

PUNTER (2)
If the Bengals had a good performance from Kyle Larson last year, this might not be a big deal. However, when your offense is forced to punt 100 times in a season, that means a lot depends on field position. And we didn't get that. Opposing teams had shorter field positions and the Bengals were often playing from behind with a terrible offense. A good punter could have helped that. Not only have the Bengals brought in competition for Larson, but there seems to be a very high likelihood that the Bengals draft a punter.

Strength of position: Weak
Probability of drafting position: High
Best case scenario: Bengals draft UC's Kevin Huber; a guy they've targeted since the end of the season.
Worst case scenario: Larson returns as the team's punter.
Highest round team could draft: Sixth

Kyle Larson
Ryan Plackemeier

KICKER (1)
This is an interesting position. Place kicker Shayne Graham still hasn't signed his franchise contract. There's a chance that if Graham doesn't sign a long-term deal by the end of 2009, he could be gone for free agency. Will that mean that the Bengals will draft a kicker this year? No. Next year? Well, probably no.

Strength of position: Strong
Probability of drafting position: Unlikely
Best case scenario: Graham resigns
Worst case scenario: Graham doesn't resign
Highest round team could draft: Eighth

Shayne Graham (unsigned)

That's my analysis. You might agree, you might not. Either way, I expect to hear from your perspectives as the NFL draft is scary close.

Cincinnati won't draft a defensive end in the first; flash back on Matt Sherry

Kirkendall — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:56:31 -0000

+ Chick Ludwig thinks that Bengals take Everette Brown (DE, FSU) in the first round. We love the Chickster, but this makes no sense to us. First of all, Brown isn't often "mocked" by the Bengals anymore, and it's generally assumed that the Bengals are going after an offensive tackle with their first round pick. When it wasn't an offensive tackle, it was defensive tackle B.J. Raji. Furthermore, it makes even less sense that the Bengals pick a defensive end in the first round. Period.

In mid-January, we made the argument why we don't think the Bengals will draft a defensive end.

After Robert Geathers' 10.5-sack season in 2006, the team awarded him a six-year deal, worth $33.75 million -- $12.5 million guaranteed and $1.25 million in incentives linked to sacks and Pro Bowl berths. Last off-season, the Bengals added Antwan Odom, signing him to a five-year deal worth $29.5 million and $11.5 million in guarantees. That's $63.25 million tied to two players at defensive end; $24 million of it guaranteed.

The Bengals had a $109,727,880 million payroll during the 2008 season; Odom had the fourth highest hit against the cap ($5.7 million) while Geathers had the seventh largest value ($4,233,333). We're not sure the 2009 values, but if they don't go up, at best they'll sink minutely -- provided the bonuses and guaranteed money that highly impacts the cap value isn't front loaded. Geathers' base salary will go from $2.2 million in 2008, to $2.4 million in 2009. Then it goes up to $3.25 million, $3.95 million ending in 2012 at $4.2 million. Odom will make $3.4 million over 2009 and 2010 respectively, cashing in 2011 with $4.5 million and $5.3 million in 2012.

I also added that "last year's sixth pick, Vernon Gholston, signed a five-year deal worth $40 million, with over $20 million guaranteed. LaRon Landry, the 2007 sixth-pick, signed a five-year deal with the Redskins worth $41.5 million, $17.5 million guaranteed." Consider that the cost would likely go up this year with the sixth round pick, combined with the contracts being earned by two defensive ends already on roster, that's a lot of money.

Yes, my primary argument was cost. My primary argument is still cost. Whether or not they should draft a defensive end in the first round is really irrelevant. The point is that we don't think that the Bengals will draft one.

+ The Football Expert does a seven-round mock draft with eleven picks for the Bengals. The tally is two offensive linemen, two running backs (one of which is a FB), two linebackers, a defensive end, quarterback, cornerback, tight end and wide receiver. Their selections are:

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Max Unger, C, Oregon
Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
Kyle Moore, DE, USC
Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh
Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse
Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland
Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida
Moise Fokou, OLB, Maryland
Hunter Cantwell, QB, Louisville
Brian Hartline, WR, tOSU

To be honest, the positions in which they drafted we've spoken about before; even quarterback, thinking that the Bengals could restart their groom-a-young-quarterback project (the one where Jeff Rowe failed) so we can have one backup quarterback for more than 1-2 seasons. Of that list, tight end is our only exception. With Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht under contract through 2009, the Bengals are probably more inclined to reintroduce their third tight end, Matt Sherry.

Drafted as a speed pass-catching tight end, while struggling to be an "in-line blocking" end, Sherry was considered a tight end that the Bengals passing offense could use; maybe even flanking him out in motion. However, he suffered injury before the season started and didn't have his opportunities realized. Most likely, the Bengals will offer him another chance rather than drafting a fourth tight end in which would require them to release one of the three on roster.

+ Drafting wide receivers out of the University of Florida are always a gamble, writes Cold Hard Football Facts. Of the 16 drafted since 1991, Ike Hillard and Darrell Jackson have been the most successful. Still, being the homer that I am, I think (well, hope really) that Andre Caldwell will have something to say about all that before his career concludes.

Player

Year

Round

Rec.

Yards

TD

Andre Caldwell

2008

3

11

78

0

Dallas Baker

2007

7

1

6

0

Chad Jackson

2006

2

14

171

3

Taylor Jacobs

2003

2

37

384

2

Jabar Gaffney

2002

2

256

3068

15

Reche Caldwell

2002

2

152

1851

11

Travis Taylor

2000

1 (10)

312

4017

22

Darrell Jackson

2000

3

499

7132

51

Travis McGriff

1999

3

5

88

1

Jacquez Green

1998

2

162

2331

7

Ike Hilliard

1997

1 (7)

546

6397

35

Reidel Anthony

1997

1 (16)

144

1846

16

Chris Doering

1996

6

42

476

3

Jack Jackson

1995

4

4

39

0

Willie Jackson

1994

4

284

3641

24

Ernie Mills

1991

3

196

2934

20

+ Paul Daugherty writes an article that responds to Leon Hall's DUI. My only critique is that we shouldn't be addressing this specifically to NFL players. We should address with society as a whole -- because that's the issue, isn't it? Not that a professional football player got busted; rather drinking and driving is, and always has been, a societal issue. Granted, Daugherty is a sports columnist and not some human events editorialist, so maybe I'm off-base in my critique.

+ Found this Todd McShay 2009 Mock Draft that he wrote/released right after the 2008 NFL draft. It's an insider column, so I'll list his top-ten picks.

Team	Player
Atlanta Falcons	Fili Moala, DT, USC
Detroit Lions	Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Kansas City Chiefs	Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Miami Dolphins	Al Woods, DT, LSU
Cincinnati Bengals	Sen'Errick Marks, DT, Auburn
Oakland Raiders	Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Chicago Bears	Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
San Francisco 49ers	Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
St. Louis Rams	Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
New York Jets	Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Three defensive tackles within the first five picks and a junior quarterback that stayed in Florida are the two noticeable differences. However, only Stafford, Smith and Oher are often considered likely top-ten picks with Moreno and Maualuga close behind.

More links and notes...

Keith Rivers on the transition from college to the NFL.

It was what every guy says, it’s more of a job. For me, on Thursdays, it was kind of like the movie Office Space, they had a case of the Mondays and I had a case of the Thursdays. (Laughs). I had to be up at 6:15 and be to workouts by 6:45 and not be done by 7 at night, so a little bit of a 12-hour day there. That’s the main thing, but as far as balling and everything, when you play at a high level with a great coach like coach (Pete) Carroll and coach (Ken) Norton you are kind of accustomed to it and you’re able to mix in fairly seamlessly. But it's just different, it's work.

When asked where he got his first name at, Tank Johnson simply responds, "You'll see." Guys shouldn't get giddy because men don't get giddy. I just got giddy.

Player	Year	Round	Rec.	Yards	TD
Andre Caldwell	2008	3	11	78	0
Dallas Baker	2007	7	1	6	0
Chad Jackson	2006	2	14	171	3
Taylor Jacobs	2003	2	37	384	2
Jabar Gaffney	2002	2	256	3068	15
Reche Caldwell	2002	2	152	1851	11
Travis Taylor	2000	1 (10)	312	4017	22
Darrell Jackson	2000	3	499	7132	51
Travis McGriff	1999	3	5	88	1
Jacquez Green	1998	2	162	2331	7
Ike Hilliard	1997	1 (7)	546	6397	35
Reidel Anthony	1997	1 (16)	144	1846	16
Chris Doering	1996	6	42	476	3
Jack Jackson	1995	4	4	39	0
Willie Jackson	1994	4	284	3641	24
Ernie Mills	1991	3	196	2934	20