Dunlap intends to quiet skeptics

Bengals’ draft pick comes with issues about character due to a checkered past.

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By Carlos Holmes, Staff Writer 11:04 PM Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Cincinnati Bengals were pleasantly surprised to find Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap available with the 54th overall pick in April’s NFL draft. I believe the team became more excited about the All-SEC performer after his showing in rookie minicamp early this month.

The Bengals had some concerns on the defensive line and set out to improve their pass rush. Dunlap finished the 2009 season with nine sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss while starting at left end for the Gators. He’s prepared to assume the role of pass rusher with Cincinnati.

“My plan is to help contribute in the pass-rushing game,” Dunlap said. “That’s one of the things I heard coach say the team lacked last year. Although I feel rushing the passer is one of the things I do well, it’s certainly not my best attribute. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get on the field and help the team win games.”

The 6-foot-6, 277-pound Dunlap is a tremendous talent and dynamic pass rusher off the edge, but he will have to answer questions about his character and work ethic. Dunlap was arrested Dec. 1 for DUI by Gainesville, Fla., police after he was found passed out behind the wheel at an intersection.

Some teams thought his practice habits left much to be desired and questioned his motor while in pursuit. In other words, when teams turned on the game film they were expecting to see Dunlap playing with a Hemi for a motor, not a four banger.

There is no denying that Dunlap could be a difference-maker on defense but will need to be coached up. As for the Bengals, the positives far out-weigh the negatives of the player.

But the defensive end plans to take a subtle approach to silencing his critics and let his play do the talking. “I want to go after defensive rookie of the year honors,” Dunlap said.“People’s negative comments help motivate me,” he said. “They say I should have been a first-rounder but I’m not. So all I can do now is make everyone who passed on me pay.”

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