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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > April > 28 > Entry
The Chickster’s pugilistic, pusillanimous pigskin review of Bengals’ 2009 Draft
FORGET WHAT NAYSAYERS SAY,
BENGALS DID WHAT THEY HAD
TO DO TO IMPROVE THE TEAM
===LUDWIG AT LARGE ALERT: I can’t thank “Photoman” enough for the box of exotic coffee he sent me. Thank you, stud. I now have enough coffee to last me a whole MONTH. As the most loyal and passionate reader of The Chickster’s Blog, I knight thee…no, crown thee…a true prince in gym shoes!===
If you had told me on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at 3:59 p.m. that the Bengals would draft Andre the Giant Son of Flubber Smith PLUS Rey-Rey, Michael Johnson, Chase Bank Coffman, Jonnie B. Good Luigs, Kevin Huber Heights and Morgan Freeman Trent Arena, I wouldn’t have believed you. But it happened. I smell 10-6 and the playoffs in 2009.
IMMEDIATE DIVIDENDS
As the best pure tackler in the draft, MLB Rey Maualuga will wrestle the starting job away from Dhani Jones and wreak havoc alongside his former USC teammate in WLB Keith Rivers. Maualuga is a heavy-hitting enforcer who attacks the run and shows good range in coverage. He brings speed and physicality to a fast-improving unit.
A LARGE PROJECT
DE Michael Johnson is a Fab-You-Lous athlete with long arms, good strength, outstanding quickness and explosive pass-rush moves. But he lacks consistency and doesn’t play hard all the time. Coordinator Mike Zimmer will challenge Johnson to change his work habits so his talent can be maximized.
Check out Johnson’s NFL Combine workout at:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/michael-johnson?id=71351
WHERE’S THE LEAK?
Depth is required behind LG Andrew Whitworth and RG Bobbie Williams, FB remains a problem area; and the club is void of an impact kick returner. Another cornerback is needed to increase the competition because first-rounders LCB Johnathan Joseph (2006) and RCB Leon Hall (2007) haven’t measured up to high expectations.
WEEKEND’S BEST QUOTE
Q. Can you protect Carson Palmer and show the discipline and maturity necessary to be a rookie NFL starter and potential star?
A: “I consider the quarterback to be my mother. So by any means necessary, I’m going to defend him. I made a few bad decisions; took some bad advice. But it’s a stepping stone. I hate having to learn that lesson on such a large scale in front of the whole entire United States, but it’s a great lesson. I got to learn from it. The biggest thing I’m going to do is change the perception people have of me. That’s what I’m looking forward to doing.” — OT Andre Smith, Alabama, Bengals first-round draft pick
HOW THEY FARED
The Bengals addressed their major areas of need with the kind of quality talent that will make them a faster and more physical, aggressive team.
The additions of OT Andre Smith, MLB Rey Maualuga, DE Michael Johnson, TE Chase Coffman, C Jonathan Luigs and CB Morgan Trent will allow the Bengals to better compete in the rugged AFC North and even contend for the 2009 division title.
• Best pick: Tie between Smith and Maualuga. Both should start right away and have an instant impact. Smith is a road-grading run blocker and strong pass protector who will serve as QB Carson Palmer’s body guard and help open holes for TB Cedric Benson. Maualuga is a tackling machine, capable of wreaking havoc alongside WLB Keith Rivers, his former USC teammate. A heavy-hitting enforcer, Maualuga attacks the run and shows good range in coverage. He brings speed and physicality to coordinator Mike Zimmer’s 12th-ranked unit.
• Worst pick: TB Bernard Scott. Forget all the mind-boggling numbers he rolled up at Abilene Christian — 4,321 rushing yards for 63 TDs, plus 1,391 receiving yards for 10 TDs from 2007-08. His checkered past, which includes multiple run-ins with police, is a headache the team doesn’t need.
• Long shot that could make it: Seventh-round DE Clinton McDonald of Memphis (No. 249 overall). He’s a physical, athletic specimen who will need some time to get healthy and develop. Even though he’s likely ticketed for the practice squad, the Bengals will eventually be able to use his pass-rushing talent.
• Grade: B+. Big strides were made to increase the skill level and depth on both sides of the ball as the Bengals strive for only their second playoff berth in 19 seasons.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brandon
April 28, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
Is that Scott’s mugshot? If so, you Bengal fans best get ready to be seeing that multiple times in the near future.By Brandon
April 28, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Is that Scott’s mugshot? If so, you Bengal fans best get ready to be seeing that multiple times in the near future.By David V.
April 28, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
USC linebacker…good…long-armed pass rusher…good…Son of Flubber…bad…convict…worse…Grade…YUCK!By Steven Ross
April 28, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
On the surface, it looks like a good draft but one really can’t slap a grade until three or four years later. Too many what-ifs. Look at Thurman and Pollack. Neither one is still playing so you never know.By Antwan Odom in your face
April 28, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this
Stingrey Maualuga said: “i’m a hard nosed player … that will smash people in the mouth” This quote has to be a close second, Chickster. Andre The Giant’s quote is fabulous as well.By SD
April 28, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
I disagree with the “worst pick”. Why would you forget the mind boggling numbers? Numbers and skills are why you draft people. Plus its a 6th round comp. pick. This is where you take chances, I rather take a chance on character than the chance he can’t play football. I don’t know the time line on Scott’s problems, but he has been clean for at least 2 years (finished 18 months probation in Nov.). The puzzling pick is a TE in the 3rd round when you 2 vets on the roster. I can’t imagine we carry 3 TEs on the roster, so who gets cut?By firstpick
April 28, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
Chase coffman was a great pick. if you dont know who he is. think Dallas clark of the Colts. he is going to be the guy picking up those 3rd catches the Bengals will be missing from the departure of T.j.By yohey
April 28, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
dont listen to brandon. he is a homoBy yohey
April 28, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
dont listen to brandon. he is a homoBy yohey
April 28, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
dont listen to brandon. he is a homo