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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2008 > October > 21 > Entry
Who would a better fit for the Bengals, Wells or Ringer?
Like it or not Bengal fans, it’s time to start thinking about the 2009 NFL Draft. The 0-7 Cincinnati Bengals would have the No. 1 pick if the draft were held today. So which direction would the team go with the first overall pick?
There’s a popular consensus among fans and some draft experts who believe that running back would be the way to go for the Bengals. Either Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells (Ohio State) or Javon Ringer (Michigan State).
Drafting either one of these cats would mean instant offense for the Bengals.
In a nutshell…
Wells (6-1, 237lbs): Big, strong, fast, powerful, quick-feet, excellent peripheral vision. He has outstanding quickness, acceleration and speed to break the long ones. Wells shows good body control when shifting out of cuts and moves laterally within the hole. He is also a tremendous outside runner. Wells has the ability to make people miss in the open-field and possesses a mean stiff-arm to keep would-be tacklers at bay.
Wells is a pure runner and must demonstrate better pass-catching and blocking skills at the next level. Durability could also be a concern.
The one thing with Wells is he must first declare himself eligible for the draft.
Ringer (5-9, 208lbs): Workhorse, tough inside runner, quick, instinctive, solid receiver out of the backfield. Ringer shows outstanding lower body strength with powerful leg drive. He’s a great short yardage runner but has the speed to break out in the open-field for huge gains. Ringer is a patient runner with good initial burst to accelerate through the hole. He demonstrates good vision and balance to make nice cutback runs. Ringer can also be a contributor on special-teams in the return game.
Although Ringer may lack top-end speed to run away from defenders in the open-field, he does have a second gear and is a complete back. I compare him to Maurice Jones-Drew minus the 4.3/40 speed and blocking skills picking up the blitz.
Ringer is averaging 33 carries a game so mileage could be a concern. He may be more of a 15 to 20 carry guy in the pros.
If recent reports that Chris Perry’s 5-year stint in Cincinnati is indeed over and with the remaining running backs on borrowed time, the Bengals will certainly look to address the running back position at some point in the ‘09 draft.
P.S. Some could even make the argument for Knowshon Moreno.
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Comments
By Shane
October 21, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO!!! The Bengals need Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen! If you cannot tackle and block, it does not matter who your RBs, QBs, WRs, CBs, LBs are. If the Bengals had knowledgeable ownership, a GM, and a coach with a spine, they would realize this!
By Michael
October 21, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
No way should the Bengals pick either of these two. Both would be bad homer picks.
By Ryan
October 21, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
NO CHANCE! Neither of these guys are remotely close to a #1 pick caliber! Not to mention Big Ten RB’s as of late do not fare well in the NFL. It’s articles and views like this that boggle my mind. We need SIZE AND STRENGTH. Like a brute DT or OL.
By jeff
October 21, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Did Mike Brown write this? RB? In the first round? Seriously?? OL and DL first 4 rounds, then secondary help.
By JOHN
October 21, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Wow, you need to learn about root cause. We had Rudi who was a 2nd tier back get good yards for years because we had a good O-line. We have Perry who is a notch above Rudi not getting any yards because our O-line isn’t making holes. We need to get the best Center in the draft (O-line steadily got worse when Braham went down). 1st pick, best DT/MLB in the draft, 2nd pick, move up and get best Center in the draft. Having a good center would go a long way toward fixing our offensive woes.
By Steeler_Fan_For_Life
October 21, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
I am truly convinced that Bengal fans manifest atavistic proclivities! The question was clearly asked in the headline “Who would a better fit for the Bengals, Wells or Ringer?” Mike Brown should move the team to L.A. where they would have a better fan base. C, to answer your question, I think that Wells would be the better fit for the Bengals. He has the size to withstand the punishment he would take if the Bengals fail to address their O-line in the offseason. Both backs are very talented but I see Ringer as more of a West-Coast style runner.
By Robert
October 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
They need to draft OT Andre Smith from Alabama.If the Bengals do not draft the best offensive lineman in the draft, exactly how are they supposed to run the ball, when they can not block for the running backs that we do have. Not to mention protect the 100 million dollar man behind Carson Palmar
By Jonathan
October 21, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
I think the people complaining about getting a RB rather than OL or DT have a good point. You need a good line to have a substantial running game. But this team desperately needs an offensive gun. It will take a heck of a lot to make this team better. No one pick will do it. Patience, good picks and good trades. Maybe trade to get a better line and draft a good RB. It all depends.
By Steven Ross
October 21, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Resign Benson. He’s the best runner we’ve had in awhile. This team has so many needs I’d trade down to get additional picks and load up on offensive and defensive lineman. Of course, trading down means you know what you’re doing and the Bengals so-called braintrust needs a frontal labotomy.
By Jeff
October 21, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Everyone has good points, they DO need linemen to block the runners, yet they need a runner to do the work when their starter quarterback is getting more and more injured over periods of time. YES! I think instead of a lineman, the Bengals should draft a halfback. They have the potential to be able to make gaps in the hole, and in choosing either Beanie or Ringer would tear those gaps up and get into the secondary. If the passing game isn’t getting the job done, then the running game will when it comes to these types of situations.
By David V.
October 21, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Carlos…Beanie would be the better fit for the offensive coordinator we have now. That being said, this is Mike Brown we’re talking about-the man who drafted the likes of Big Daddy Wilkinson and Akili Smith. Most of us on these blogs have the sense to see the real needs of the team. Mike Brown should trade down and get multiple picks to improve his offensive and defensive lines. He should actually trade his first 3 picks down and pick up OLs, DLs, LBs and DBs. His first move should be to sign Benson for at least 3 years. But, we also know Mike Brown LOVES his 1st round picks. He will, most likely, believe he needs to rebuild his most important position-he will find the BEST QB in the nation and draft him because his franchise QB has a bad elbow. Another five years of cheering on the Titans for me!
By Brian
October 21, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter who runs the ball, if this line doesn’t improve, the offense will continue to be useless. Improve the offensive line and the passing game and running game will open up. Improve the defensive line and put pressure on the opposing QB, and your corners don’t have to cover wide outs for 10 seconds. IMPROVE THE LINES.
By Neither
October 21, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Please. Beanie Wells will be the next coming of Chris Perry in the NFL. Great college career, but not durable for the pros. Heck, Beanie is barely durable enough to play in college.
By Larry
October 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Oh, I can definitely see the Bengals taking a running back in the first-round. If my memory serves me correct, there were reports of the Bengals showing interest in Darren McFadden during April’s draft. Wells would fit in perfectly because he is a phenomenal talent. I must say that the Bengals do need to address the center position, but it won’t be on the first day. The O-line is really not that bad folks. Players are playing out of position and need some time to jell. Keep in mind that the Bengals will have a depleted backfield if Perry and Watson are out. Also, how much can you trust Cedric Benson if you re-sign him?
By Brandon
October 21, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Seriously? A running back in the first round? The Bengals business license should be revoked immediatley if they go anything but O-Line or D-line for the next 10 drafts.
By Schnides
October 21, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Moreno will be better than Wells or Ringer but is only a sophomore. He won’t be eligible for 2009 draft will he?
By Schnides
October 21, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Moreno will be better than Wells or Ringer but is only a sophomore. He won’t be eligible for 2009 draft will he?
By Jerrod
October 21, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
TO start with Mike Brown should fire himself. Definitley need to draft OL/DL for many years to come. You also need to be careful drafting out of the big ten, you might end up with another Chris Henry. But for now I am putting my fan hood on ebay.
By Jerrod
October 21, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
TO start with Mike Brown should fire himself. Definitley need to draft OL/DL for many years to come. You also need to be careful drafting out of the big ten, you might end up with another Chris Henry. But for now I am putting my fan hood on ebay.
By Craig
October 21, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Does Ki-Jana Carter ring a bell? Draft the biggest, nastiest DT/DE with the first two picks and pick up all linebackers in rounds 3-7! If we draft even one offensive player, it better be a lineman.
By Craig
October 21, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Why careful drafting out of the Big Ten because of Chris Henry? Henry went to West Virginia! Did you mean the butter-fingered piece of glass known as Chris Perry?
By Dan
October 21, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
We need Linemen! A RB would be a huge mistake. Wells - Strong runner, but there are many concerns about durability Ringer - Overrated college RB; has high yardage number because of high number of carries Remember the last two Big Ten RBs we drafted in the first round - Ki-Jana Carter and Chris Perry. And to answer an earlier question, I believe Moreno could declare for the draft because I think he redshirted one year. I could be wrong about that though.
By John
October 21, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Moreno red shirted 2006, so he will be eligible to declare for this year’s draft.
By hvs1717
October 22, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
First, most draft experts have Ringer rated no better thatn a second or third round draft pick so to waste a #1 pick on him would be classic Mike Brown. Second, there is no way the Bengals trade down for extradraft picks. Even though that would be the fastest way to improve the team that costs more money. Remember Mike Brown is the man that turned every pick from New Orleans to take Akili Smith. And finally Steve you are right on about the Akili pick but Big Daddy was the consensus # 1 pick. The Bengals just were unlucky, just like with Kijana and Pollack getting hurt. They were decent picks but both sustained career ending injuries before their careers got started. I would love to see the build a good foundation with the offensive and defensive lines but I expect to see more wide receivers and probably a running back taken.
By Arthur
October 22, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
No No No….Any decent running back will do if you have a good O-line. I echo some others on here when I say: first O-line, then D-line, then Secondary
By Arthur
October 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
No No No….Any decent running back will do if you have a good O-line. I echo some others on here when I say: first O-line, then D-line, then Secondary
By Arthur
October 22, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
No No No….Any decent running back will do if you have a good O-line. I echo some others on here when I say: first O-line, then D-line, then Secondary
By bryan
October 22, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
If you know anything about football, you know that the bengals in no way should draft a runningback in the first, second, third, fourth or any other round. every pick we have should either go to our o-line or our defense, mainly our d-line. This team is awful and I agree with someone who posted earlier, we need a center. ever since Braham being gone our offensive line has been terrible. obviously you dont get one in the first round but you absolutely have to draft a good one or sign one that is GOOD.
By DDN
October 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Wells would be the better fit for the Bengals, but they need O-line help first. This offseason: finally trade Chad for someone willing to drop two 1st rd picks and another pick or two, re-sign TJ for 3 years. Draft an O-lineman and a RB in Rd. 1, another O-lineman in Rd. 2. Franchise Stacy Andrews, but trade him for another 1st and draft a D-lineman. Just load up on picks and look ahead to 2010.
By bryan
October 22, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
In response to DDN: now I’d love to get two first round draft picks for chad johson, but thats only going to happen in a fantasy land, i would feel lucky to get one first round pick. And that is before the fact that chad’s numbers are down. when it comes to stacey andrews, he is terrible along with the rest of our offensive line, we’d be lucky to get a fifth round pick for him.
By UnionKY
October 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Why bring good football players to Cincy like Beanie and watch them crumble and throw away their career. I say find low budget cheap punk players and set the team bar low instead og high like they have been doing. Then, if they do well, there is no pain as a fan otherwise.
By UnionKY
October 22, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Why bring good football players to Cincy like Beanie and watch them crumble and throw away their career. I say find low budget cheap punk players and set the team bar low instead og high like they have been doing. Then, if they do well, there is no pain as a fan otherwise.
By smartfan
October 23, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
listen to this guy. “why bring good football players to cincy like Beanie and watch them crumble and throw away their career?” Stupid comment. not only am i convinced that Wells will maybe have an average career because of the fact that he is injury prone and that he plays in the weak overrated big ten, but if im a college player wanting to start and have the chance of winning a super-bowl soon, i think the best option is cincinnati. However that is only if mike brown pulls his head out to breath. all the bengals need is a few quality offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and a couple linebackers, which can be accomplished in only one or two years through the draft and free agency. not saying we’d win in a couple years but we have the right stars on the team that only need some help. but thats all good and dandy if the bengals front office had any common sense. mike brown doesn’t like to spend money and thinks he is smartest enough to make all the decisions. HE NEEDS A GM, but lets face it, Mike Brown is no Paul Brown and i have lost my trust in the Bengals until he is gone or dicides to hire a GM.
By Dillard
November 15, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I agree,when braham left the off line struggled. john thorton is garbage,geathers run is over and the bengals also need nasty linebacker-what happened to the 3-4 defense they kept rambling on about.Why havent changes been made upfront.Sims and Shirley should start.Peko has a motor but what’s the point in having a motor when you dont get sacks or tackles for a loss.If you ask me he’s another justin smith-overrated.Nobody comes to cincinnati and says “O we have to figure out a way to shut down peko or thorton or anyone on that d-line.They’re licking their freakin chops is what they’re doing.And lets not forget how terrible our off coordinator is. These guys on offense have been playing football their entire lives practically,it kills me when you here coaches speak of learning their system-wow-what system?! You know what makes great coaches-great players,let these guys get out here and play.The bengals were better off when they ran their hurry up offense and let carson called plays at the line.The one year when the bengals went to the playoffs they led the league in turnovers on defense.Then they turn right around and fire the def coordinator (leslie frazier)Brilliant right?Then you have a player in chad johnson who clearly does not want to play for your team and you keep him around wow.who cares if he has a great season with another team or whatever the point is he doesnt want to play for your team.Its almost like being with a beautiful woman who does not want to be with you. let it go!