I was really upset when we let Dorsey and Ellis get drafted ahead of the Bengals because they were just sitting and waiting. Obviously, Lewis and company had a plan and stuck to it. We never know how something will pan out because we can't predict injuries (like a David Pollack), but this is why I give the Bengals an A+.
They stood pat and kept their 3rd round pick. If they traded, they would have lost it and not got Sims. They would have got Ellis, but not Rivers. So, they got three players instead of two. Then, they drafted a raw beast in Shirley to give them the ability to switch off between a base 3-4 defense (two nose tackles in Sims and Shirley) and a 4-3. They are now deep at linebacker and can play to their strength. I still see the pass rush as an issue so they will have to blitz a lot to get to the quarterback more often than the 22 times in 2007.
I also like both receivers they picked. Sweed had the name and the big school and they passed on him and went with Simpson. I trust that decision was thought out long and hard. It will one of the keys to Marvin keeping his job next year. Then, they went and got a 4.3 speed guy in Caldwell who is ready to step in as a three receiver right now. If Chad comes back, great, if not, they are building for the future.
The massive versatile Collins was a guy the Steelers and Ravens needed more than the Bengals. He is young and strong and a 4th round steal.
I, like Bengalsfan agree, the Bengals still have work to do, but I think this draft was huge start in the right direction. The schedule is brutal in 2008, but 2009 is looking better and better as these young guys develop.
Last point on Chad, I hope the Bengals now stick to their guns and let him retire or hold out to make a point not only with Chad, but to any player who does not want to honor their contract. If they do trade him, trade him to a rebuilding team or a team with a lousy quarterback and watch his numbers slide.
Chad fess up and apologize to the organization, your coach and most importantly to all of the fans who supported you all these years.
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