What are the Bengals thinking (1 Viewer)

[Chase Stuart]

As a general rule, I think questions about character are generally overstated. With Cincinnatti, though, it's become obvious that the culture has been compromised by having too many bad eggs. No one even batted an eye when the Bengals signed Tank Johnson. I get that Cincy has an eye for talented players that have some off the field issues, but at some point doesn't it have to stop? I really do think off the field issues are generally overblown, but when you bring in questionable talent to a toxic environment, what do you expect to happen? So on draft day, what do the Bengals do?

1.06. Andre Smith. Character questions galore. He's been accused of being lazy. He QUIT the combine. He put on a ton of weight. Rumors have it there was more to him missing the Sugar Bowl than just signing with an agent. Has #1 pick talent, but is Cincy really going to light the fire under him?

2.06. Rey Maualuga. He's a value at this pick, no doubt. But he's got character questions about alcohol and off the field violence on more than one occasion. Rumors that he quit on the team and needed to be babysat on the road. Is this the guy that's going to get his head on straight with Leon Hall and Chris Henry?

3.06. Michael Johnson. Absolute steal in the third round. Maybe top 10 talent. But he takes plays off.

6.06. Bernard Scott. The Coup de grâce. It would be a lame joke if someone mocked Cincinnatti to draft him. He's been arrested five times. Been to four different schools. Now I believe in second chances and it actually sounds like Scott may have turned his life around. But still -- how, in the 6th round, do you make this sort of statement? The appearance of character can be every bit as important as character itself.

How do you tell your fans that you're implementing a new culture when you take two guys who have been arrested, one guy who quit the combine and another player who takes plays off? None of these players, in and of themselves, are necessarily bad guys or team culture killers. All of them have elite talent. But to have one team take all of them, and for that team to be Cincinnatti, is almost comical.

I wouldn't be shocked to see at least two of these guys make a Pro Bowl, so once again, I'm not killing any of the picks. But this is sort of ridiculous, no? Put Maualuga on the Ravens and he probably becomes a Pro Bowler. Put Andre Smith on the Giants and he reaches his potential. Bernard Scott on the Steelers? Maybe he becomes a star. But to have Cincy take all of these players is mind boggling to me.

 

[lyon812]

I agree, Chase, excellent summary. I'm continually boggled by their lack of concern.

I mean, taking a potentially troublesome character guy is one thing. Sometimes, you take the risk. Continually taking risks, having a significant number of them not pay off/result in huge distractions/affect team chemistry, and then taking 4 more of them in the same draft...that's just downright foolish.

Another take on it:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...?urn=nfl,159008

 

[doowain]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.

Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

 

[TD32]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

Bengals draft bad guys? First I have heard of it.

 

[Native]

Charlie Casserly shed some light on the Bernard Scott pick at the end of the 6th: He said that usually teams will reach for bad character players late in the draft if they had them rated much higher than that. So if the Bengals had Scott rated as a 2nd-3rd rounder talent-wise and hes still there with the last pick in the 6th, then its a risk thats worth taking. He says that lots of teams often roll the dice with "character issue" players at the end of the draft. I thought it was a very interesting comment.

Of course that doesnt speak to your general point about the Bengals - they just seem to care about player character less than many of the other teams in the league.

 

[Bonzai]

I don't understand how anyone could criticize the draft they had.

The only turd here is Scott.

 

[Sinrman]

Personally, I thought they drafted well. Quite risky, but if the first three pan out well, this could be an exceptional draft. Best I can remember for the Bungles...

 

[mad sweeney]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.

Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

Sorry the Bengals lost all benefit of the doubt when they re-signed Henry after all their blustering about commitment to cleaning up when they cut him. If they want to start getting respect then they have to show that their heads are out of their heehoos. Taking so many guys with character issues, no matter how good they might be, does nothing but reinforce their FO's commitment to Bungling. Sure all those guys may work out but if even one of those guys gets arrested before the next draft...

 

[Chase Stuart]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.

Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

I don't understand how anyone could criticize the draft they had.

The only turd here is Scott.

Personally, I thought they drafted well. Quite risky, but if the first three pan out well, this could be an exceptional draft. Best I can remember for the Bungles...

I thought I was clear before, but I'll be explicit here.Andre Smith at 1.06 is a fine pick. He's got 1.01 talent.

Rey Maualuga is an oustanding second round pick.

Michael Johnson is arguably a top half of the first round pick. For the third round, he's a no brainer.

Scott, according to draftguys.com and other sources, is really turning things around. And he's 100% a first day talent. In the sixth round, he's a great pick.

But.... Smith at 1.06... Maualuga at 2.06... Johnson in the third and Scott in the sixth.... to the Bengals.... is mind-boggling. At some point, it's about the sum of the parts. Each individual piece looks fine, but throwing these four guys into the toxic environment in Cincinnati is akin to screaming loudly to the world that we don't care what a player does off the field, we only care about talent. And Maualuga and Johnson, while talented, have technique and work ethic issues, respectively. Put them with mentors and they're great picks. But don't you think Cincy should pick a little more carefully? They absolutely need to turn the culture around in Cincinnati. Fans have been clamoring for this for years. This year's draft, while on paper looks great, has a very high bust potential for Cincy.

 

[yellowdog]

I, for one, am thrilled with the draft. Who Dey!

 

[Raider Nation]

I think it's unfair to lump Johnson in with these others, Chase. He takes plays off, sure, but that doesn't speak to character.

 

[NorrisB]

Rumors that he quit on the team and needed to be babysat on the road. Is this the guy that's going to get his head on straight with Leon Hall and Chris Henry?

Link? Maualuga never quit on the team, never heard of him having to be baby sat either.Oh wait chase you're rightI just found this

LA Sheriff's department is investigating REY MAUALUGA for raping and assaulting numerous football teams in various games this past year. His hits, decleaters, assault and battery against tOSU, UCLA and countless other teams borders on a felony.

 

[jurb26]

IMO the Benglals drafted more potential talent than anyone this year. Sure, they made some risky picks. I've got them in my top 3 of best drafts this year.

 

[bcr8f]

Scott they will probably cut if there are issues.

What are they thinking? They're trying to win and are trying for anything that gives them a leg up in that area.

 

[notdarkyet]

Pretty sure that Andre Smith was not participating in the combine events anyhow. Who gives a #### if he left? Dude was dominant in a tough conference (if not the toughest). There are questions of his dedication, sure. The Bengals sprung a weight check on him, only 7 lbs over his playing weight. That doesnt seem like something a lazy uninterested person would pull off IMO.

Rey's alcohol problem was a one time issue right after his father passed away. He served probation and it is dismissed. Doesnt concern me in the least.

Johnson taking plays off wont happen with Zimmer at DC. He isnt the type to put up with it.

The only valid point is Scott. That was a bad choice. But with the rest of the draft they had, taking a flyer in the 6th round means squat. You can cut a 6th rounder without batting an eye and not feel the sting.

Players fall to the Bengals and there are issues and they are obviously out of the loop or out of their minds. Those same players fall to New England and they would be brilliant. Lame. More analysts I have read thus far agree the Bengals smashed this draft. Check out PFT's turdwatch since it's inception, the Bengals aren't leading even in their own division. Yet that is the perception and anytime there is any slight hint of a character issue, people will scream it at the top of their lungs as gospel. It isn't, it's old.

 

[Uwe Blab]

Rumors that he quit on the team and needed to be babysat on the road. Is this the guy that's going to get his head on straight with Leon Hall and Chris Henry?

Link? Maualuga never quit on the team, never heard of him having to be baby sat either.Oh wait chase you're rightI just found this

LA Sheriff's department is investigating REY MAUALUGA for raping and assaulting numerous football teams in various games this past year. His hits, decleaters, assault and battery against tOSU, UCLA and countless other teams borders on a felony.

I wish I could give negative stars to a topic. Silly and unfounded. Scott is the only questionable pick of the 11 they took. Mike Brown always has to have someone to "redeem". Cie le vie.

 

[ajopiela]

Smith i would be a little worried about. Hopefully he will realize that he needs to obey at least some rules if he wants to get another contract. I really think these issues have been overplayed though.

Rey, im not worried about at all. Typical college kid...... I think his attitude will help loosen up the cincy locker room/huddle.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Pretty sure that Andre Smith was not participating in the combine events anyhow. Who gives a #### if he left? Dude was dominant in a tough conference (if not the toughest). There are questions of his dedication, sure. The Bengals sprung a weight check on him, only 7 lbs over his playing weight. That doesnt seem like something a lazy uninterested person would pull off IMO.Rey's alcohol problem was a one time issue right after his father passed away. He served probation and it is dismissed. Doesnt concern me in the least.Johnson taking plays off wont happen with Zimmer at DC. He isnt the type to put up with it.The only valid point is Scott. That was a bad choice. But with the rest of the draft they had, taking a flyer in the 6th round means squat. You can cut a 6th rounder without batting an eye and not feel the sting.Players fall to the Bengals and there are issues and they are obviously out of the loop or out of their minds. Those same players fall to New England and they would be brilliant. Lame. More analysts I have read thus far agree the Bengals smashed this draft. Check out PFT's turdwatch since it's inception, the Bengals aren't leading even in their own division. Yet that is the perception and anytime there is any slight hint of a character issue, people will scream it at the top of their lungs as gospel. It isn't, it's old.

agreed by and large. Here's my take.I was originally not thrilled with the Smith pick but the interview on the Bengals.com website assuaged me a lot more than I expected. Unlike other picks, he DOESN'T take plays off which is pretty dang important for an LT. I'm not sure about common sense, but his football sense strikes me as sound. I like the fact that he's aware of who Big Willie is and how important he's been to the Bengals.Rey's interview bothered me a little more - can't say I loved him name checking a couple of the Bengals more questionable signings (Frostee and Maurice Purify - who to be fair have kept it clean since being with the team). Johnson isn't even questionable for me. He takes plays off - Zimmer will fix that.I don't like the ACU pick at all - not with other viable options out there. I hope his troubles are deep in his past but at 25 I question exactly how long he's got in the league even if he fully develops and keeps out of trouble. But still he's a 6th-rounder. I'm sure Peter King will rip us for picking him tomorrow while simultaneously praising the Giants for taking Nicks.We addressed key needs with good players.I love the draft.A- (the minus specifically for the kid in round 6).-QG

 

[zeuster]

One of the best drafts the team has made in decades. First time I ever remember them letting the draft develop and taking BPA instead of overreaching for a big name. Sure, I would have been a little more comfortable with Eugene Monroe at 1.06 vice Andre Smith but you really can't fault the pick.

So, you get 3 players with 1st round grades and the first three rounds. The only big question is Scott and that isn't a big gamble. It's low risk/high reward. 3 years from now it could be called a brilliant pick or he gets cut before the season starts and you've effectively lost nothing. I was hoping for Rashad Jennings with that pick, but all things considered I'd rate that one of the top 5 drafts of the year.

 

[Bonzai]

So, they picked great players, but it was a bad draft because they all went to a bad team?

This whole "character issues" meme is given way too much credit for the Bengals' woes. In fact, since this whole bad boy conotation started a few years ago, they've actually been more successful. I'm not saying that it's the reason for their improvements or anything like that, but it isn't the determining factor for their dysfunction.

 

[zeuster]

So, you get 3 players with 1st round grades and the first three rounds.

2, and thats still pretty damn good.

Was going by Gil Brandt's Top 100. He has all 3 players in the top 30.

 

[Chase Stuart]

So, they picked great players, but it was a bad draft because they all went to a bad team?

How important do you think chemistry is? What about team cohesiveness?

 

[Bonzai]

In fact, since this whole bad boy conotation started a few years ago, they've actually been more successful.

Do you realize how bad they were the last 20 years?

 

[Verbal Kint]

reminds me alot of the draft with Odell Thurman. High risk, high reward. And before anyone says, "look how that turned out" let me remind you we won the division that year and if it weren't for Pollack breaking his neck, things could have been much different.

 

[Bonzai]

So, they picked great players, but it was a bad draft because they all went to a bad team?

How important do you think chemistry is? What about team cohesiveness?

I think both are great.

 

[Sweet Love]

reminds me alot of the draft with Odell Thurman. High risk, high reward. And before anyone says, "look how that turned out" let me remind you we won the division that year and if it weren't for Pollack breaking his neck, things could have been much different.

Was a big Thurman fan and IDP owner. Great talent.I think you do take the occasional risk... that why I earlier I mentioned All things Not being equal.

The Bengals have seemed to gone to the extreme on this though. To a point that it becomes problem. A big one.

I also think that at one time Marvin Lewis (and the front office) were a far better authority figure and leader, that simply isnt true anymore.

I agree with your thoughts. They kind of remind me of the Portland Trailblazers (my wife is from there). They were a championship caliber team in the early 90s; when that team aged, desperate to keep it alive, they brought in questionable attitudes (Sheed, Stoudamire) and criminals (among them Ruben Patterson). They were still good for a while, but it only stopped when the fans literally had enough and demanded change. Now I am not sitting all high and mighty and truly believe what makes many athletes great is their inability to "turn it off" when the game ends, but as you can tell from the thread and Bengal supporters, they are fine with it. Again, I am not judging, it is just a fact.I also think many are missing Chase's point in that you take a stab once in a draft at a guy who has issues, you just don't base it around the entire draft; ESPECIALLY when there are already questionable attitudes/demeanors/whatever on the team already. I think the Pats could pull this draft off and not miss a beat due to the leadership in their lockerroom. I just think Chase (and I agree with him) is dumbfounded that a team that lacks leadership goes this route...again.

 

[pollardsvision]

So, they picked great players, but it was a bad draft because they all went to a bad team? This whole "character issues" meme is given way too much credit for the Bengals' woes. In fact, since this whole bad boy conotation started a few years ago, they've actually been more successful. I'm not saying that it's the reason for their improvements or anything like that, but it isn't the determining factor for their dysfunction.

I don't think that's what he means and I don't recall him even saying that the Bengals had a bad draft.I get what he's saying and I usually think character is over-rated. The Bengals just find themselves in a different situation. I'd agree that they need to take a different approach than what most teams can get away with. Both for the team itself and for the fans, it seems smart for the Bengals to make a point go after high character guys, ala the Trail Blazers following the Jail Blazer era.It sounds like the Bengals have gone to great lengths to make sure that these supposed character issues aren't a big deal. However, trusting the Bengals' due dilligence on character issues would be like trusting Jim Cramer for stock advice. I'm sure they felt the same way about players in the past only to be wrong. Unlike other teams, they can't afford to be wrong about their judgements on character issues. Other teams can handle a bad egg or 2, the Bengals cannot. We don't really know if these character issues are overblown or not, but I'd think it's not prudent for the Bengals to test it out. They certainly drafted some very talented players. It just doesn't seem like they are serious about changing the culture of their team.

 

[GroveDiesel]

If all the guys pan out, they could quickly improve the team. If these guys continue the recent character problems, everyone is getting fired and the NFL will start cracking down on the actual organization.

It's certainly clear though that they simply don't care about character at all.

 

[doowain]

reminds me alot of the draft with Odell Thurman. High risk, high reward. And before anyone says, "look how that turned out" let me remind you we won the division that year and if it weren't for Pollack breaking his neck, things could have been much different.

Was a big Thurman fan and IDP owner. Great talent.I think you do take the occasional risk... that why I earlier I mentioned All things Not being equal.

The Bengals have seemed to gone to the extreme on this though. To a point that it becomes problem. A big one.

I also think that at one time Marvin Lewis (and the front office) were a far better authority figure and leader, that simply isnt true anymore.

How familiar are you of the situation here in Cincy? Living here and having your finger on the pulse of the franchise/city is much different than living 500 miles away, reading news articles and message boards and then forming an opinion.Just sayin....it seems like a lot of people have a perception of the team (warranted or not) that is based solely on the bad things that hit the media.

 

[doowain]

Also....this "culture of the team" talk. I don't remember it coming up when we were going 11-5 and winning the divsion with Thurman, Henry, etc.

It seems to be a forgotten issue when the team wins and a huge issue when they are drafting 6th.

 

[Postradamus]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.

Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

I don't understand how anyone could criticize the draft they had.

The only turd here is Scott.

Personally, I thought they drafted well. Quite risky, but if the first three pan out well, this could be an exceptional draft. Best I can remember for the Bungles...

I thought I was clear before, but I'll be explicit here.Andre Smith at 1.06 is a fine pick. He's got 1.01 talent.

Rey Maualuga is an oustanding second round pick.

Michael Johnson is arguably a top half of the first round pick. For the third round, he's a no brainer.

Scott, according to draftguys.com and other sources, is really turning things around. And he's 100% a first day talent. In the sixth round, he's a great pick.

But.... Smith at 1.06... Maualuga at 2.06... Johnson in the third and Scott in the sixth.... to the Bengals.... is mind-boggling. At some point, it's about the sum of the parts. Each individual piece looks fine, but throwing these four guys into the toxic environment in Cincinnati is akin to screaming loudly to the world that we don't care what a player does off the field, we only care about talent. And Maualuga and Johnson, while talented, have technique and work ethic issues, respectively. Put them with mentors and they're great picks. But don't you think Cincy should pick a little more carefully? They absolutely need to turn the culture around in Cincinnati. Fans have been clamoring for this for years. This year's draft, while on paper looks great, has a very high bust potential for Cincy.

Couldn't be more wrong. Both points are completely overblown to those who aren't true fans. Drafting a player with one or two early incidents doesn't mean they don't care what a player does off the field. The aren't even on the freaking team yet, give them a chance before saying that they are problems. If they screw up, then measures can be taken.The environment in Cincinnati is FINE. Chad is the only one on the team with a problem. Coles has had only good things to say about how professional the offseason has been conducted and about the coaches/organization in general since he's been here.

"Fans" who don't care that much about whether the team wins or loses might have issue with some of the guys on the squad (Henry...who else?), but anybody who wants to see a super bowl doesn't give a ####. Football is not a beauty pageant. The team in no way represents the citizens of the city except that they play here and we root for em. It shouldn't bother us, and it shouldn't bother you.

Maualuga got in a fight...bfd that's what college kids do sometimes, he's a leader on the field and has not had any recent problems. A lot of maturing occurs your final years in school and once you leave.

Smith/Johnson is sometimes lazy IN THE GAME (not even an off-the field character issue), easily fixable in the NFL, they don't shape up, they're cut.

Scott is the only pick worth mentioning in your argument as his situation is more serious than any of the other picks.

This is easily the best draft the Bengals have had in years. Rey Rey is a stud. Smith will be a stud. Coffman has that kind of potential as does Johnson. There are no worthwhile issues with any one of these four players and to say so is ridiculous.

The first 5-6 picks were no-brainers. The rest might not even make the squad.

Stop making this an issue PLEASE.

 

[CrossEyed]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

 

[QuizGuy66]

So, they picked great players, but it was a bad draft because they all went to a bad team?

This whole "character issues" meme is given way too much credit for the Bengals' woes. In fact, since this whole bad boy conotation started a few years ago, they've actually been more successful. I'm not saying that it's the reason for their improvements or anything like that, but it isn't the determining factor for their dysfunction.

I don't think that's what he means and I don't recall him even saying that the Bengals had a bad draft.I get what he's saying and I usually think character is over-rated. The Bengals just find themselves in a different situation. I'd agree that they need to take a different approach than what most teams can get away with. Both for the team itself and for the fans, it seems smart for the Bengals to make a point go after high character guys, ala the Trail Blazers following the Jail Blazer era.

It sounds like the Bengals have gone to great lengths to make sure that these supposed character issues aren't a big deal. However, trusting the Bengals' due dilligence on character issues would be like trusting Jim Cramer for stock advice. I'm sure they felt the same way about players in the past only to be wrong. Unlike other teams, they can't afford to be wrong about their judgements on character issues. Other teams can handle a bad egg or 2, the Bengals cannot.

We don't really know if these character issues are overblown or not, but I'd think it's not prudent for the Bengals to test it out.

They certainly drafted some very talented players. It just doesn't seem like they are serious about changing the culture of their team.

Whoa that's a low blow with the Cramer crack! Btw, the Jaguars haven't exactly been the turd-free franchise and the fact is they would've jumped all over Andre Smith at 8 if we had opted for Monroe.

I'll also dare say something a little controversial here. But the turd-watch standings PFT have put out has borne out this interesting nugget:

In season 2 of turd watch if you ranked the teams playoff style, 6 of the 11 teams that definitely make the turd playoffs made the real playoffs and a 7th (Minnesota) was tied for that last turd playoff spot.

In season 1 of turd watch, 5 of the 11 definite turd playoff teams made the real playoffs as well and a 6th (Seattle) was tied for a turd-playoff spot as well.

If anything it would appear that having turds would increase your chance of making the playoffs since roughly 1/2 of playoff teams are also turd teams while only 30% of the non-playoff teams made the turd playoffs.

The simple fact is there is a double standard that pretty much all NFL teams apply whether folks care to admit it or not. Surpremely talented guys (LT1, James Harrison for example) will be given the benefit of the doubt. Lesser players, not so much.

Btw, comparing any of these guys to Thurman is pretty off base from what I've heard.

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

You mean the AFC North Turd Watch I champion Steelers?Turd Watch Champions - Congrats!

-QG

 

[doowain]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

YAWN. I was waiting for the Pittsburgh chest thumpers to find their way to this thread. This thread is about the Bengals' draft, not Pittsburgh's. Good day.

 

[Postradamus]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

Irrelevant. The whole "character issue" idea has only been around the past what.. 3 seasons? Can't win 6 super bowls in 3 years pal. Also, outside of last season when their star was hurt for most of the year, the Marvin Lewis era has been as successful as I could have hoped for. Things will rebound this season for the Bengals, and the future looks very bright.

 

[doowain]

reminds me alot of the draft with Odell Thurman. High risk, high reward. And before anyone says, "look how that turned out" let me remind you we won the division that year and if it weren't for Pollack breaking his neck, things could have been much different.

Was a big Thurman fan and IDP owner. Great talent.I think you do take the occasional risk... that why I earlier I mentioned All things Not being equal.

The Bengals have seemed to gone to the extreme on this though. To a point that it becomes problem. A big one.

I also think that at one time Marvin Lewis (and the front office) were a far better authority figure and leader, that simply isnt true anymore.

How familiar are you of the situation here in Cincy? Living here and having your finger on the pulse of the franchise/city is much different than living 500 miles away, reading news articles and message boards and then forming an opinion.Just sayin....it seems like a lot of people have a perception of the team (warranted or not) that is based solely on the bad things that hit the media.

So you made me the story and the issue.Well played.

If you say so.

 

[NorrisB]

I knew steeler fans would show up with their holy than thou attitude

 

[Penguin]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

Irrelevant. The whole "character issue" idea has only been around the past what.. 3 seasons? Can't win 6 super bowls in 3 years pal. Also, outside of last season when their star was hurt for most of the year, the Marvin Lewis era has been as successful as I could have hoped for. Things will rebound this season for the Bengals, and the future looks very bright.

Cincy has had exactly one winning season in the last 18 years, one. Marvin Lewis is 46-49-1 in six seasons as head coach, and 0-1 in the playoffs. We're not talking the Bill Walsh 49'ers here.

 

[Tom Servo]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

YAWN. I was waiting for the A CERTAIN Pittsburgh chest thumpers to find their way to this thread. This thread is about the Bengals' draft, not Pittsburgh's. Good day.

FIXED. I came in here to take up for you guys. I personally thought Chase was with this. Congratulations on a pretty nice draft.

 

[notdarkyet]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

You mean the AFC North Turd Watch I champion Steelers?Turd Watch Champions - Congrats!

-QG

It's funny how none of the people taking issue with the draft responds to the FACT that the Bengals arent the criminal/character issue leaders that everyone makes them out to be. Aside from the one bad landside of issues 4 years ago, it's just simply not the case. People are hanging on to one big year of screw ups and just extrapolating that to every year.

 

[corpcow]

Charlie Casserly shed some light on the Bernard Scott pick at the end of the 6th: He said that usually teams will reach for bad character players late in the draft if they had them rated much higher than that. So if the Bengals had Scott rated as a 2nd-3rd rounder talent-wise and hes still there with the last pick in the 6th, then its a risk thats worth taking. He says that lots of teams often roll the dice with "character issue" players at the end of the draft. I thought it was a very interesting comment.Of course that doesnt speak to your general point about the Bengals - they just seem to care about player character less than many of the other teams in the league.

Isn't there a difference between rolling the dice on one bad apple and selecting "character issue" guys across the board while ignoring all the issues your team already has? I mean, there's no doubt that on paper the Bengals had a spectacular draft. They got value at most picks (largely because of those character concerns). But then, if the leadership hasn't changed and you're still bringing in guys with questionable character, do you really expect the culture to change? If these players are a risk already, isn't that risk even greater by bringing them into a team with existing issues like this? It's a different story when a team with strong culture and leadership (like, say, the Pats or Colts) bring in a character issue guy - you trust that the positive environment will help alleviate some of those concerns (or at least minimize the negative effects on the team as a result). When the Bengals bring in 4-5 guys with character concerns, though, who is going to keep them in check?Just saying.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Bengals draft MO is always the same. They draft the guys with the most talent, character be damned. They take chances on guys other teams are willing to let fall. Sometimes it pays off. Often it doesn't.

Pittsburgh does almost the opposite. They draft guys that fit their way, whether they necessarily have the talent or measurables. You look at their 9 picks this year an all but the 6th round prject at DT (Harris) - you read the same things for the most part - smart, hard-working, leader, non-stop motor, etc. It means they pass on more talented players from time to time to get the guy who best fits their system. Often it pays off. Sometimes it doesn't.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I was waiting for a thread like this. Cincy can't win. With all due respect Chase, the Bengals finally have an incredible draft and it was inevitable to me for people to find problems with it.

Regardless of the character concerns, at this point I am still in love with this draft. Ask me again in a year.

I don't understand how anyone could criticize the draft they had.

The only turd here is Scott.

Personally, I thought they drafted well. Quite risky, but if the first three pan out well, this could be an exceptional draft. Best I can remember for the Bungles...

I thought I was clear before, but I'll be explicit here.Andre Smith at 1.06 is a fine pick. He's got 1.01 talent.

Rey Maualuga is an oustanding second round pick.

Michael Johnson is arguably a top half of the first round pick. For the third round, he's a no brainer.

Scott, according to draftguys.com and other sources, is really turning things around. And he's 100% a first day talent. In the sixth round, he's a great pick.

But.... Smith at 1.06... Maualuga at 2.06... Johnson in the third and Scott in the sixth.... to the Bengals.... is mind-boggling. At some point, it's about the sum of the parts. Each individual piece looks fine, but throwing these four guys into the toxic environment in Cincinnati is akin to screaming loudly to the world that we don't care what a player does off the field, we only care about talent. And Maualuga and Johnson, while talented, have technique and work ethic issues, respectively. Put them with mentors and they're great picks. But don't you think Cincy should pick a little more carefully? They absolutely need to turn the culture around in Cincinnati. Fans have been clamoring for this for years. This year's draft, while on paper looks great, has a very high bust potential for Cincy.

This might be get me banned and I don't really care but this is one of the worst posts in the history of this forum. You own a lot of those worst posts and just outdid yourself again. Do you know anything about Michael Johnson? What on earth would make you question his character and lump him in with the other turd problems the Bengals have had? Michael Johnson never had one behavorial problem at Ga Tech in four years. Michael Johnson is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. If you want to knock the fact he got taken out of a lot of plays because he's a poor run defender go right ahead. But it's pretty idiotic to start throwing phrases like mind-boggling and toxic environment with Michael Johnson. It's mind-boggling, ridiculous, uneducated comments like these from the staff here that has me wondering if I want to extend my membership. Do some research on these kids if you're going to question them.

If anything, Michael Johnson is exactly what the Bengals need. A high character person with unbelievable measurables that can rush the passer. Let's see if Marvin Lewis can make him a three down player or not.

 

[runner06]

I think it's unfair to lump Johnson in with these others, Chase. He takes plays off, sure, but that doesn't speak to character.

Being lazy is part of a person's character. They really needed to draft a leader or two in this draft - guys like Mark Sanchez, Matt Stafford, Louis Delmas, and Rashad Johnson (obviously the Bengals would never take a QB with Palmer). The players they drafted could become very good players, but they probably need to land in the right situation. I'm not sure Cincinnati is the right situation.I keep seeing Cincinnati being rated as having a top 5 draft. I think people are just looking at the potential of each player they drafted. I don't think those people are taking into account that the players the Bengals drafted probably need locker room leaders around them to fulfill their potential.

If Baltimore or New England had drafted Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, and Rey Maualuga with its first three picks, in three years we'd probably rate the draft somewhere between a B+ and A+. Cincinnati did it without a strong culture already in place so in three years people will probably look back and rate this draft between a D and a C.

 

[Postradamus]

I think it's unfair to lump Johnson in with these others, Chase. He takes plays off, sure, but that doesn't speak to character.

Being lazy is part of a person's character. They really needed to draft a leader or two in this draft - guys like Mark Sanchez, Matt Stafford, Louis Delmas, and Rashad Johnson (obviously the Bengals would never take a QB with Palmer). The players they drafted could become very good players, but they probably need to land in the right situation. I'm not sure Cincinnati is the right situation.I keep seeing Cincinnati being rated as having a top 5 draft. I think people are just looking at the potential of each player they drafted. I don't think those people are taking into account that the players the Bengals drafted probably need locker room leaders around them to fulfill their potential.

If Baltimore or New England had drafted Andre Smith, Michael Johnson, and Rey Maualuga with its first three picks, in three years we'd probably rate the draft somewhere between a B+ and A+. Cincinnati did it without a strong culture already in place so in three years people will probably look back and rate this draft between a D and a C.

 

[Postradamus]

Look at the kinds of guys the Steelers typically go after and compare them to the kinds of guys the Bengals typically go after. Then compare their success. You would think the Bengals would learn something after a while, wouldn't you?

Irrelevant. The whole "character issue" idea has only been around the past what.. 3 seasons? Can't win 6 super bowls in 3 years pal. Also, outside of last season when their star was hurt for most of the year, the Marvin Lewis era has been as successful as I could have hoped for. Things will rebound this season for the Bengals, and the future looks very bright.

Cincy has had exactly one winning season in the last 18 years, one. Marvin Lewis is 46-49-1 in six seasons as head coach, and 0-1 in the playoffs. We're not talking the Bill Walsh 49'ers here.

You have never suffered as a fan in the 90s. Three 8-8 seasons and a playoff appearance is very nice for a fan used to drafting top 5 every year. Obviously you don't have the right to decide whether or not I should be happy with the job Lewis has done.Jesus, now I know why I don't come to the Shark Pool. Absolutely delusional.

 

[HellToupee]

Great draft by the Bengals except the Scott pick.

I do wonder how their picks will be held accountable in the locker room in that atmosphere

 

[Bonzai]

Great draft by the Bengals except the Scott pick. I do wonder how their picks will be held accountable in the locker room in that atmosphere

What's the atmosphere like in the Cincinnati locker room?

 

[trogg78]

I'd rather have a firecracker than a candle.

ETA: Now lets give chad some money so we can go to work.