Hall, Irons Get Their Names Called

It has been speculated for months by analysts (including yours truly) that the Bengals would look for a band-aid for their porous secondary in today's draft and that is just what happened. Leon Hall was surprisingly overlooked by teams like the Steelers, Bills, and the Texans and fell into the Bengal's lap at 18. Marvis Lewis did not waist anytime in pulling the trigger on the All-American cornerback and put him in stripes. Now Hall will get an anticipated matchup against Chad Johnson tomorrow when he arrives in Cincinnati. Johnson promised a pair of cleats for him so the two can go at it one-on-one as an initiation to the team.

I really like the pick even though it was not my first choice. I felt that Hall and Darrelle Revis were almost dead even in coverage skills but I gave Revis the slight edge because of his punt return ability. Unfortunately, Revis was swept up by the Jets when they traded up to get him in front of the Bengals. However, Hall will fit in very well in the Bengal's system. He can follow in the same footsteps as Jonathan Joseph last year by stepping in as the nickelback early this season until he can learn the ropes of the NFL and take a starting job. Hopefully those footsteps will lead to success just as Joseph's did.

Hall is used to a lot of different coverage schemes from his experience at Michigan. He can play man-to-man and a variety of zone coverages, which is useful when Chuck Bresnahan wants to switch up the coverages to confuse the opposing quarterback. Also, he is a proven asset to run support. He will never shy away from coming up and laying a lick on a running back.

The only knock on Hall came in to focus when the lightning fast Ted Ginn, Jr. burned him all over the field in the Michigan/Ohio State game of 2006. This left scouts questioning his playing speed. All though he ran a 4.39 40 at the combine, I am still not convinced that he has great recovery speed to cover comeback routes and double moves.

I am convinced that the second round selection was going to be linebacker David Harris from Michigan until, once again, the Jets traded up to get him in front of the Bengals. Harris would have been a great alternative to Ahmad Brooks at middle linebacker in case Brooks couldn't handle it and it would have cancelled any plans the Bengals had of signing Ed Hartwell because Harris plays a lot like him. Now it looks like Hartwell will most likely be joining the team some time next week.

However, Harris is gone and so is Justin Durant from Hampton when the Bengals pick in the second round. So where do they go? Their next need, a speedy running back.

Kenny Irons from Auburn will join fellow alum Rudi Johnson in the backfield this season to combine for a 1-2 punch in the absence of the rehabbing Chris Perry. Irons has some durability issues of his own but his upside definitely outweighs them. He can find cut back lanes and outrun defenders when he gets to the second level, something Rudi can not. In his first year he will most likely step in on 3rd down with Kenny Watson for screens and shovel passes and his role will gradually increase once he gets the feel of the NFL.

This pick leads me to wonder about Chris Perry's future with the club. If Irons works out for the team, what happens to Perry? Is he traded for a low draft pick considering his injury history or is he cut all together? Hopefully he can recover fully from his broken leg but the future does not look bright for the former Wolverine ball carrier.

Well day one is over and it was a long, but productive one. The Bengals filled two needs and picked the best player on the board when they picked. Tomorrow it looks like there will be more defensive picks and this time they will be in the front seven (look out H.B. Blades!). I'll be back again tomorrow night for a complete recap out picks 3-7 once the draft is concluded.

This Weeks Post Coming After Day 1's Picks

I decided to hold out on this weeks post until after the end of the 3rd round on Saturday. My reasons are that I don't want to drone on more draft analysis. Honestly I have said all that I want to about the Bengals draft. Darrelle Revis is my pick at 18 and I would like to see Marvin Lewis pick up a versatile safety like Eric Weddle to replace Kevin Kaesviharn in the 2nd.

I will be there about an hour or so after the 3rd round concludes with my immediate analysis and the results of the first two picks.

In other news, The Unofficial Cincinnati Bengals Blog is going to be featured on a new website that aggregates sporting blogs and feeds for team and individual sports called HaveBalls.net. They approached me and offered to carry the blog on their website and I accepted; so you faithful readers will hopefully be joined by new readers via this website.

Their website is www.haveballs.net and I will update you on address of the Unofficial Cincinnati Bengals Blog's address on that site.

Free Agent Visits Give Draft Clues

There are now less than two weeks to go before Cincinnati goes on the clock with the 18th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. It is a moment that many Bengals faithful have been waiting for since Santonio Holmes put a dagger in the heart of the Bengals' playoff hopes on December 31st of 2006. It has been a long four months of dead time that has left most Bengals fans pondering what name Commissioner Roger Goodell will call when the Bengals make their selection. Recent developments from Paul Brown Stadium can provide some clues as to who that might be.

Two free agents will most likely be in the Queen City after the draft for a visit with the Bengals. Linebacker Ed Hartwell and Defensive tackle Ian Scott are being brought in as possible replacements for Brian Simmons and Shaun Smith on the Bengals depth charts, but their visits mean more than depth.

Hartwell, 29, would look to compete with Ahmad Brooks for the starting spot and give the linebacking corps some much needed experience. He has been injured lately but according to his agent, Harold Lewis, "He’s 100 percent healthy."

Scott, 25, was a key part of the Bear's Super Bowl defense last year as he stepped in for the injured Tommie Harris. He compiled 22 tackles and deflected 6 passes in 2006 and would give the Bengals another body for the defenisive line rotation.

If the Bengals are looking to sign veterans at the linebacker and defensive line positions, then they will most likely be looking to spend their first draft pick on another position. Since Marvin Lewis has already stated that it will be a heavily defensive draft, that leaves the secondary as the positions that the war room will concentrate on.

Get used to these names because one of them will most likely be on the back of a Bengals jersey this fall: Darrelle Revis, Leon Hall, Chris Houston, Reggie Nelson, Aaron Ross, and Michael Griffin.

If some of you are disappointed by Kevin Kaesviharn's departure to the Saints, a replacement may be in sight. Utah Safety Eric Weddle reminds me a lot of him. He is an overachieving versatile player with a football brain and a nose for the ball. He played both offense and defense for the Ute's in 2006 and recorded 7 interceptions and 7 rushing touchdowns during that campaign. He projects as a CB/S tweener in the NFL and could help the Bengals out a lot on passing downs as a nickel back. He will most likely be around when the Bengals pick in the second round.

MNF Strikes Twice in Cincinnati, Goodell Strikes on Henry

Today, the NFL decided to reward the Bengals the day after punishing one of them. For the first time ever in one season there are two Monday night home games on the schedule and potentially two more prime time games later in the season. The Bengals are scheduled to square off with the Ravens in the first game of a Monday night double-header on ESPN on September 10. Three weeks later, Carson Palmer will get another shot at Tom Brady and the New England Patriots under the Monday night lights. Perhaps the Bengals still remember the 38-13 thrashing the Patriots dealt the Bengals in '06? Hopefully some revenge will be exacted.

When the Bengals arrive for the annual Heinz Field War in Pittsburgh against the rival Steelers, John Madden and Al Michaels might be on hand to call the game because it is tentatively scheduled as a Sunday night "Flex Game" on December 2nd. It means that NBC will decide later in the season that if the game has serious playoff implications, the start time will remain at 8:15. Should it not be, the game will be rescheduled for that afternoon on CBS.

Rounding out the prime time appearances is a Saturday night appearance on December 15th against the San Fransisco 49ers. Rich Eisen and the gang will be on hand to breakdown the game on the NFL Network. The Niners have had an excellent offseason by adding key members to their defense, namely Nate Clements. This game should turn out to be very entertaining as the Bengals meet Frank Gore and Alex Smith for the first time.

Four prime time appearances for an 8-8 team? Wait, I see a trend developing. A lot of teams with average or poor records in 2006 were granted four or more prime time games. Pittsburgh (8-8) and San Fransisco (7-9) each have four prime time games. The Giants (8-8) and Broncos (9-7) have five and the Cowboys (9-7) are handed an unbelievable six appearances.

Chad Johnson has been lobbying for more prime time games for a few seasons now and today he finally got his wish. "We've always said we wanted more prime time and now we've got it," he said. "Now we've got to go show then that we deserve it... I can't wait to come up with something for Baltimore. As long as I'm trash talking I don't care (when the game is), but, of course, it's cool playing at night. It's fun."

Personally, I am thrilled to see the league finally grant the Bengals a lengthy amount of time in the national spotlight. National sports network, like ESPN and NFL Network, rarely dedicate any air time on the Bengals and these games will change that. ESPN is notorious for being biased in its programming, preferring to primarily cover teams with large fan bases like Dallas and New England, and it will be refreshing to see two Monday nights in the fall dedicated to the men in stripes.

However, it has been announced that one man will not be donning stripes until mid-way through the season. Chris Henry has been suspended by Roger Goodell for the first eight regular season games for his off-the-field run ins with the law. He can still participate in training camp and the pre-season, but he cannot be on the Bengals property to work out or practice until he has been reinstated. However, if Henry has any more arrests or citations, he will not be eligible for reinstation after the eighth game.

This is an excellent move by Goodell and I applaud the length and the restrictions placed on Henry. Goodell wanted to send a message to every NFL player and that he did. This suspension as well as Adam "Pacman" Jones' suspension dares anyone to break the new rules, because they will get the book thrown at them. Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter's reaction on ESPN today was that he can't afford to get in trouble and he doesn't want to go to the "Principal's office." He probably should have thought of that before he sucker-punched Levi Jones in the eye.

I think that other player's reaction to the new rules will be similar to Porter's and Goodell's message will serve as a slap in the face for a lot of them, but I don't know if this will be the last suspension for Henry. Even though Goodell specifically told him that he can't get away with childish arrests any more, his career is on the line, and he has to step up I still see reason to believe that he has not changed at all. After meeting with the commissioner last Tuesday, he was interviewed by NFL Network's Rich Eisen via telephone. When Eisen asked what he would say to the Cincinnati fans "scratching their heads" over his string of arrests. He responded, "The fans who you say are 'scratching their heads' really aren’t true fans."

NOT TRUE FANS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Seriously, this kid needs to get it into his head that he cannot walk on water. Remarks like this lead me to believe that he is still a spoiled child in a man's body and that maybe he will never change. I am a "true fan" through and through, but I will never support someone who gets in trouble more often than Raiders win games. I imagine that every other "true fan" feels the same way. We are Bengals fans before we are Chris Henry fans and maybe he should be thinking about that while he is sitting at home for eight Sundays.

Mock Draft 2007

1. Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

Al Davis will be tempted to use this pick on Calvin Johnson but the Raiders did not get a veteran quarterback in the offseason as the planned to. They made an effort to sign Jeff Garcia, but were out-bid by the Buccaneers. I think that both Al Davis and Lane Kiffin recognize that Andrew Walter is not the future of this franchise.

2. Detroit: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

The Lions are in need of a quarterback but they are shopping this pick for trades hard. They really want Gaines Adams from Clemson, but they don't want to pick him this high. The Falcons are very interested in picking Calvin Johnson and if the Raiders don't, they will most likely offer their no. 8 overall pick and some of their newly acquired second round picks in exchange for the no. 2 pick. If the Lions get this trade done, they might look to pick up a franchise quarterback in the second round in Drew Stanton, but if they don't they will use the pick on Quinn.

3. Cleveland: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Even though the Browns signed Jamal Lewis in the offseason, he is not a franchise running back any more. He was signed to a one year deal for two reasons, the Browns want to be able the ease Peterson into the starting role and they have insurance in Lewis in case he does indeed become injured. The Browns had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year and Peterson will be a major upgrade.

4. Tampa Bay: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

If the best receiver prospect of the 21st century falls to the number 4 pick, the Bucs will waste no time in pulling the trigger on Johnson. Joey Galloway is in the twilight of his career and Michael Clayton is not a number one receiver. Johnson would give life to an anemic passing attack and open up the ground game for Cadillac Williams. It doesn't matter who is the quarterback in 2007, Johnson will put up big numbers. That is a fact, Jack. Should Johnson be gone by no. 4, keep an eye out for Amobi Okoye. Head coach Jon Gruden loves him like he did Cadillac in '05.

5. Arizona: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

The achilles heel of the Card's offense in '06 was the offensive line. New coach Ken Whisenhunt already has the skill players on the team but now he needs a real road grader to pave the way for Edgerrin James and he will look no farther than Thomas. This is a no brainer pick for 'Zona.

6. Washington: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

Should Washington retain this pick in the Lance Briggs debacle, they will use this pick on a defensive lineman and Adams is the best available. He will provide a boost to the Skins' run defense as well as rush the passer.

7. Minnesota: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

Their two starting defensive ends, Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James, both have big questions surrounding them this season. Udeze did not register as single sack in 15 games last year and James is coming off an injury. Therefore Anderson is a natural pick. They should pick a wide receiver here but they already have a Ted Ginn-like receiver in Troy Williamson. Also, head coach Brad Childress does not believe in taking a receiver in the first round.

8. Atlanta (f/ Houston): LaRon Landry, S, LSU

Landry is fast (4.35 40 yrd dash), the best defensive back in the draft, and the Falcons want him if the can't get their hands on Calvin Johnson. It is no doubt that Atlanta's defensive backs are one of the worst in the league with the exception of All-Pro corner DeAngelo Hall. Landry will team up well with Hall and patch up Hotlanta's cold pass defense. Also look for a defensive end to be the pick as a replacement for Patrick Kerney.

9. Miami: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan

Miami wants a quarterback but Quinn and Russell will not slip this far. Therefore they will look to upgrade their aging defensive line. They figure to pick up Branch because he can play nose tackle/end in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3.

10. Houston: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

The Texans have their running back in Ahman Green, their quarterback in Matt Schaub, and now they will pick up the man to keep them both on their feet. Just ask David Carr, who was sacked 41 times in '06, if they need to pick up an offensive lineman. Except this season he won't be able to benefit from Brown's presence.

11. San Fransisco: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska

Carriker is the best 3-4 defensive end in the draft and Mike Nolan will call his number come April 28th to bolster his defense. Wide receiver is also an option because of the release of Antonio Bryant but I think that they stay on the defensive side of the ball.

12. Buffalo: Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss

I like this kid a lot and I wish he would slide to the Bengals at 18 but it is unlikely due to his amazing speed and his resume at Ole Miss. Buffalo will covet him as the replacement for London Fletcher-Baker. They may also consider Leon Hall from Michigan to replace Nate Clements.

13. St. Louis: Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

The Ram's defense is the major issue surrounding the organization in the offseason and they will use this pick on a 19 year old kid that will come in and make an impact right away. He will keep double-teams off of Leonard Little and will clog up the middle in the run defense.

14. Carolina: Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (FL)

Kris Mangum has retired and a major hole is left open at the tight end position. Jake Delhomme will love this big and fast target in the middle and maybe it will stop him from throwing into tight coverage to Steve Smith all the time.

15. Pittsburgh: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

Pittsburgh needs to address their front seven in their scheme situation questions (4-3 or 3-4?) but they also need good cover guys, especially if Mike Tomlin's cover two scheme prevails. Hall is the natural pick here because he can play either corner or safety and he is better than Ike Taylor.

16. Green Bay: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California

Ahman Green is gone and the Packers have made no attempt to find one in free agency because they are waiting on fresh legs from the golden state. Some will say that the Packers will try to go after Ted Ginn here but I think that Greg Jennings made big strides his rookie year as is more than capable of handling the number 2 receiver role.

17. Jacksonville: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida

Dieon Grant no longer is in Jacksonville and Donovin Darius is getting hurt all the time. There is no way they make a play for LaRon Landry so therefore they take the second best option in Nelson.

18. Cincinnati: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh

Marvin Lewis covets special teamers and dual role players and that is exactly what Revis is. He is a solid corner that could push Deltha O'Neal for the starting job opposite Jonathan Joseph and he also is an excellent punt returner, another need for the Bengals. He didn't rack up many interceptions in college but that is because he wasn't thrown at a lot. When he was, he made the most of his opportunities and picked the ball off. As an added bonus, he has no character issues in the past.

19. Tennessee: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Southern California

Offensive coordinator has up close and personal experience with Jarrett because Chow is a former coordinator at USC. Drew Bennett has left for the Rams and Vince Young needs a go-to-guy for the red zone like Mike Vick has with Alge Crumpler.

20. New York Giants: Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas

Defense is a major issue for the G-Men and they could use this pick on a outside linebacker or cornerback. However, if Houston is on the board I don't think they can pass up Deon Sander's protege.

21. Denver: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida

The Broncos missed out on the Patrick Kerney sweepstakes and will most likely take the best end available. Anthony Spencer is an option because he could be a pass rushing end or an outside linebacker. It looks like the Broncos will want to move D.J. Williams to middle backer and maybe they could plug Spencer in at Williams old spot.

22. Dallas: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas

This home grown product will likely fit the Cowboy's needs because their current number two corner, Anthony Henry, may move to free safety. Defensive back is by far the biggest need for the Big D, but an outside linebacker to team with DeMarcus Ware is also a possibility.

23. Kansas City: Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State

Speed, hands, and the ability to take any catch the distance is something the Chiefs have been lacking for years. Their only current pass catching option is tight end Tony Gonzalez and he is getting up there in terms of age. Who ever starts at quarterback in KC will love this speedy kid.

24. New England (f/ Seattle): Michael Griffin, S, Texas

The Patriots are the only team that has two first round picks and will most likely spend the first one on a safety. They don't want to wait until the 28th pick to look for one because Griffin will most likely be gone so they pick him up here. He can be plugged in to play opposite Rodney Harrison or he could end up as Harrison's replacement.

25. New York Jets: Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State

The Jets are coming off of a surprise season and have already addressed their need for a good running back by acquiring Thomas Jones from Chicago, but they still need to fix the defense. Cornerback is their biggest need and they will take McCauley because the rest of the deep cornerback class has been picked away.

26. Philedelphia: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State

The Eagles at this point are upset that all the defensive backs have been pick up so therefore they will address their linebacker corps. They already picked up Takeo Spikes, but he may be moved to middle. Therefore the obvious pick is "the best linebacker from Linebacker U."

27. New Orleans: Eric Wright, CB, UNLV

The Saints are also upset that the likes of Ross and McCauley are gone but they decided to take a gamble on Wright. They figure that anything is an upgrade to Fred Thomas, especially after he was toasted by Chad Johnson in '06.

28. New England: Ryan Kalil, C, Southern California

Kalil is this year's version of Nick Mangold, a plug and play center. The Patriots will put him in the roster and not worry about him for ten years.

29. Baltimore: Anthony Spencer, LB/DE, Purdue

The Ravens love to draft defense and this year will be no different. They lost Adalius Thomas and Spencer can take his spot as a versatile pass rusher.

30. San Diego: Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

San Diego desperately needs a wide receiver to give Philip Rivers a target other than Antonio Gates to throw at. Meachem gives them a good receiver that will be solid for many years.

31. Chicago: Jon Beason, LB, Miami (FL)

Lance Briggs wants out and Hunter Hillenmeyer is decent at best. Beason didn't meet expectations at the combine, but that won't stop Chi-town from pulling the trigger on this Hurricane.

32. Indianapolis: Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State

Indy lost a lot of defensive players to free agency and they would like to find a quick defensive tackle to plug in to stop the run, but there aren't any worth the no. 32 pick. Now they try to fill the void left by Cato June by picking up Timmons. He is quick and fits the Colt's Tampa 2 scheme and he should be able to help in run support.