Bengals CB is likely to break out in ’09

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) intercepts a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, in Cleveland. The Bengals defeated the Browns 14-0.

AP Photo/Mark Duncan/AP Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) intercepts a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, in Cleveland. The Bengals defeated the Browns 14-0.

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 8:04 AM Friday, May 22, 2009

Fresh off my on-the-money pick that the Cincinnati Bengals would select Andre Smith No. 6 overall in the NFL draft — yeah, I could’ve danced all night when it came true — I’m jumping back into the prediction pool.

My choice for the Bengals’ 2009 “Breakout Player” is right cornerback Leon Hall. The other nominees:

• Andrew Whitworth, left offensive tackle — With Levi Jones out of the picture, Whitworth (6-foot-7, 330 pounds) has the skill to protect Carson Palmer’s blind side. He’ll prove it.

• Chris Henry, wide receiver — A mismatch nightmare with his size and speed, Henry is a younger Randy Moss. Contract years have a way of bringing out the best in guys.

• Cedric Benson, tailback — Signed on Sept. 30, 2008, he learned on the fly, rushing for 747 yards in 12 games. He’ll easily top 1,000 yards.

• Keith Rivers, outside linebacker — His fractured jaw healed, Rivers will rebound with a vengeance.

Nevertheless, Hall’s my man. The 2007 first-round draft pick has played in all 32 games with 26 starts, including all 16 in ’08.

He has eight interceptions, including five in ’07 when he tied the club’s rookie record.

The Bengals’ defense will suffocate quarterbacks this year, allowing Hall to blossom.

I’m not ready to place him in Canton, just the Pro Bowl.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

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If I remember correctly, Chick said the Bengals would pick the DE from Florida State? And they even passed on him in the second round to take Ray Ray from USC.

Nice try Chick. Some of us have a memory. Simply put - that's weak!

Norm Haney
12:47 PM, 6/10/2009

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After watching Hall for a couple of years now i
think he is too slow and short to really be a good defensive back. He may be the best the Bengals have but not good enough to play for a contender, as most of the Bengal players are.

James E. Kauffman
8:32 PM, 6/8/2009

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I predict the Bengals breakout player will be Carson Palmer. It is just a question of which portion of his body breaks out this season. Palmer is the most over rated quarterback in the NFL and will put it on display to rave reviews by the idiotic media again this year. The Bengals will again be terrible and may even last in the division if they lose to the terrible team up north.

hater
12:25 PM, 5/28/2009

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i believe the gieants lost to the browns last year. what a super bowl contender.

chris
12:39 PM, 5/27/2009

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The New York Giants fan has absolutley no knowledge of the Bengals inner workings and post only what he reads about Chad...This is coming from a guy the Giants needed to win but he wanted to shoot himself in a club...COme back after our 3rd win in the 1st 5 games IDIOT!

JWIL from Atlanta
1:49 PM, 5/26/2009

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