Big C's NFL Blitz

Bengals off to good start in minicamp

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, June 18, 2009, 10:59 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off their three-day mandatory minicamp on Thursday, putting all the preseason hype surrounding the team to its first test. From what I witnessed, Bengal fans may actually have something to cheer about this season.

Field General

Quarterback Carson Palmer showed no ill effects from the elbow injury that caused him to miss 12 games last season. He zipped the ball around the field and was precise with his throws. Palmer had some heat on his passes. He smoked one to receiver Chad Ochocinco on a short out-route and he dropped it like it was hot. Palmer also threw the ball with nice touch, completing a number of deep passes.

Ladies and Gentlemen, he’s baaaack!

Ochocinco fantastico

Ochocinco showed up to the first day of minicamp with his game face on. The receiver’s first order of business was taking cornerback Leon Hall to school. The one play that sticks out in my mind is Ochocinco jetting down the field and blowing by Hall like he was standing still to haul in a long touchdown pass. It was a thing of beauty.

Ochocinco looked exceptionally quick and appeared to have spent some time in the weight room this offseason. After practice Ochocinco talked about the mission he’s on.

“Those who know me know how hard I work,” he said. “This year, I have a little chip on my shoulder because I think I have something to prove. I really don’t have anything to prove, but since there are a lot of critics out there I always like to quiet them and that’s what I’ll set out to do this year.

“I’m in super shape right now. I’m in better shape than anyone else in the NFL because of the extra training I’ve done to challenge and push my body. Some people have forgotten about my greatness because of the negative that I brought to myself in pass offseasons. The best way to remind them is my play on the field. Winning cures all. Case closed.”

This and that

The knock on safety Roy Williams coming over from Dallas was that he couldn’t play in coverage. Well, could have fooled me. Williams had no problem covering on this day. He was right in the receiver’s hip pocket on every play. Williams made a nice play breaking up a potential touchdown reception. The Bengals have themselves a real find here.

On the flipside, there are some real concerns with the retooled offensive line. Although Palmer and others had a solid day throwing the ball, they had very little pocket in which to operate. You saw a lot of quick passes and rarely saw the quarterbacks go through their progressions. Bottom line? The defensive line had its way with the O-line.

Veteran linebacker and leader on defense Dhani Jones tackled teammate Kyle Cook instead of the globe in a spirited exchange. Jones ripped Cook’s helmet off, forcing teammates to break up the tussle. A couple of plays later Jones intercepted a batted pass and returned it to the end zone.

Wide receiver Chris Henry’s modus operandi on the field is speed. He showed off that blazing speed by blowing past defenders in double coverage for a long touchdown reception. Henry displayed a third gear and good separation running routes. He’s primed for a big season as the deep threat in the team’s high-powered offense.

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DE Ellis interested in Bengals

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 01:28 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals, who are steadily trying to improve the team’s pass-rush, have expressed interest in former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis who was released by the club on Tuesday.

Ellis’ agent, James D. Williams, confirmed earlier today that the Bengals are one of five teams that expressed immediate interest in the pass-rusher after his release from Dallas.

Ellis would be reunited with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer should he land in Cincinnati. It is expected that Ellis would be moved back to his natural defensive end position in the Bengals defense and work in rotation with Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom.

No visit has been scheduled for Ellis, but I’m told that further contact between the two sides is expected.

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Bengals trade for Leonard

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, May 7, 2009, 01:33 PM

Big C learned moments ago that the Cincinnati Bengals completed a rare player-for-player trade earlier today. The Bengals traded defensive tackle Orien Harris to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for running back Brian Leonard. The trade was comfirmed by Leonard’s agent Mike McCartney.

The 6-foot-1, 229-pound Leonard is a third-year pro and was the Rams’ second-round draft pick in 2007 (52nd overall). He played in 16 games with seven starts as rookie, rushing for 303 yards on 86 carries (3.5-yard average) and catching 30 passes for 183 yards.

It is anticipated that Leonard will play a backup role to starter Cedric Benson in short-yardage and nickel situations.

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Big C’s Final Mock Draft

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Saturday, April 25, 2009, 03:02 PM

1. Detroit Lions (0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Oooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I’m yours! To the tune of a $78 million deal that includes an NFL-record $41.7 million guaranteed.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

17. New York Jets (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

18. Denver Broncos (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

20. Detroit Lions (0-16): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

28. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

29. New York Giants (12-4): Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Eric Wood, C, Louisville

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Big C’s Mock Draft Part III

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, April 23, 2009, 09:59 PM

Here are my Top 10 picks to round out my first mock draft. My final mock will come on Saturday for recent trade movement has already affected some of my earlier picks.

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Aside from his questionable character issues the 49ers get a steal.

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Bad pub has caused Raji’s stock to dip but he shouldn’t make it past Green Bay at No. 9.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Maclin had a superb showing in Indianapolis and his performance at the school’s pro day was said to be even better. He answered all the questions on whether or not he can play outside receiver. Maclin would have a consummate professional to learn from in receiver Torry Holt should he land in Jacksonville. Did I mention that Maclin is also a dangerous return-man?

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Crabtree would give quarterback JaMarcus Russell a legitimate weapon on the outside and help jumpstart the Raiders 32nd ranked passing offense.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

With J. Smith, Monroe and Orakpo off the board, I could see the Bengals addressing their need at running back with this selection. Wells is an impact player and is highly coveted by the team. He would make for a nice complement to starting running back Cedric Benson. What’s the knock on the Beanster? Durability? Yes. But not his will to perform and nor his will to succeed.

Offensive lineman Andre Smith could also be an option here, but there are still some reservations about him wigging-out at the combine for no apparent reason.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

The Cleveland defense finished the 2008 season tied for next to last in the NFL in sacks with 17, and the Browns will undoubtedly be looking to upgrade their pass-rush. The Browns have invested a lot of time in edge-rusher. The team held a private workout with Orakpo on March 18 and brought him in for a visit on April 14.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

What good is Mark Sanchez or any other quarterback in the Seahawks lineup if he’s flat on his back? Simply put, the Seahawks must solidify their O-line.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Although Curry may be the top prospect in the draft, the Chiefs are considering trading out of the No. 3 spot to stockpile picks.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Rams will need to fill the void created by offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who will be serving up pancakes in Chicago this season.

1. Detroit Lions (0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

No-brainer! The Lions are in need of a franchise quarterback and I believe Stafford is the best prospect out there.

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Big C’s Mock Draft Part II

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Thursday, April 23, 2009, 01:00 AM

Big C’s Mock Draft Part III

As promised, I am back with picks 21 thru 11 and may have a few surprises in the mix. A notable absence from my first round selections is Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. I feel he is surrounded by a lot of hype and believe that he is a tad overrated. You will also find that some prospects have moved up the board while others are dropping like flies. Check back Friday for my Top 10 picks.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Running back Brian Westbrook will turn 30 years old before the season starts and boy would the team be elated to see Moreno still available. Moreno is almost identical to Westbrook in terms of talent. The best word to describe the runner is explosive. Moreno would be a steal at 21.

20. Detroit Lions (0-16): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Lions have apparently settled on quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick and now must provide protection for their franchise quarterback. Britton may not be the best offensive tackle in his class, but is one of the better pass-blockers among the group.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Jerry is a penetrating undersized defensive tackle much like former Buc Warren Sapp and should fit in well with the defense.

18. Denver Broncos (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

The Broncos are transitioning into a 3-4 defense and this hybrid pass-rusher would provide the defense with a speed rusher off the edge.

17. New York Jets (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

Freeman’s stock is on the rise and the Jets have a definite need for quarterback after losing Brett Favre to retirement. However, running back is also and option here.

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Cushing is extremely versatile after having played defensive end, inside and middle linebacker for the Trojans. Crushing might be too good to pass up at 16 - if he’s available.

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

The Texans are seeking a serious pass-rush opposite Super Mario

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

The Saints have just four picks in this year’s draft and will have to make their first round selection count with an impact player. I feel Jenkins would be a steal at this point. Don’t rule out trading down for the Saints.

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

I picked Jackson because he would be an adequate replacement for Jason Taylor who traded in his pads for Cuban heels and a rumba partner. Hopefully the only dancing Jackson will do is after sacking quarterbacks at FedEx Field.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

The inexperience of Sanchez will cause him to tumble and fall in the lap of the Broncos who will be looking for a replacement for former franchise quarterback Jay Cutler.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Offensive tackle Jason Peters was dealt to Philadelphia and could be replaced in the lineup by Oher.

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Big C’s NFL Mock Draft

By Carlos "Big C" Holmes | Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 12:05 AM

Big C’s Mock Draft Part II

The NFL draft is a few days away and will spare you of the dramatics as we countdown to draft day. Picks 21 thru 11 are coming Thursday.

Here are my picks.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Eric Wood, C, Louisville

The World Champion Steelers are in need of an anchor in the middle of the offensive line and could have their sights set on arguably the best center prospect entering the draft. Wood has drawn comparisons to former Steeler great Mike Webster with his style of play and tenacity. Not to mention that the Steelers have invested a lot of time in Wood throughout this draft process.

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Veteran running back Edgerrin James could get his wish and be released by Arizona leaving unproven Tim Hightower as the lone back on the team’s roster. Brown’s stock is rising like the desert heat. If Arizona passes on a running back here keep an eye on Javon Ringer in round two.

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

Everyone seems to have jumped off the Laurinaitis bandwagon, but the Titans hold the linebacker in high regard. Laurinaitis could be an impact player in an already explosive defense.

29. New York Giants (12-4): Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

With Plaxico Burress knee deep in legal troubles, the Giants will need to find another reliable target for quarterback Eli Manning. Robiskie is pro ready and the most polished receiver in this draft. Not everyone is sleeping on Robiskie.

28. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

The Bills are in desperate need of a playmaker at the tight end position and Cook appears to be the main course on their menu. The organization was highly impressed with the tight end when they brought him in for a visit.

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

The Colts have been missing a deep-threat receiver since 2007 when receiver Marvin Harrison missed most of the season with a knee injury. Now Harrison’s gone. Harvin is a burner, in more ways than one, and a big-play receiver.

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Maualuga could very well be the heir apparent to future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Dolphins need help in the secondary after finishing the season ranked 25th against the pass. Davis is a superb athlete and would solidify the team’s need for a dominant cover-corner.

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Falcons haven’t had a productive tight end since Alge Crumpler and will find one in Pettigrew.

23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

Matthews is a do it all Mike Vrabel type player who the Patriots traded away this offseason. Matthews’ ability to rush the passer and play in coverage makes him a perfect fit for the Pats 3-4 defense.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

The Vikings biggest need is at quarterback and could snag Josh Freeman should he fall to them. If not, the team is likely to address their need of a complement receiver to Bernard Berrian.

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