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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > February > 21 > Entry
Bengals eyeing O-linemen in Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — The Cincinnati Bengals have major concerns along the offensive line and are expected to address some of those issues via April’s draft. Head Coach Marvin Lewis and his staff are weeding through the pool of talent at the Combine searching for the perfect fit.
The Bengals have interviewed nearly every O-linemen in attendance; a sure sign that the team means business when it comes to providing protection for their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer.
Oregon offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou is one prospect appearing on the team’s radar. If you haven’t heard about Tupou’s talent you most certainly will. He’s being described by NFL scouts as one to keep an eye on in the draft.
The 6-foot-5, 314-pound Tupou is best known for his toughness in the trenches, athleticism, versatility and work-ethic. He’s strong, knocked out 24 reps of 225lbs on the bench press, and is proven to be pretty fast and quick for a man his size. Tupou was a 300-pound option-quarterback in high school showing that he possesses some serious agility.
According to Tupou, he had a great interview with Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander. Tupou said that he would look good in tiger stripes.
Tupou’s cousin is USC prospect defensive tackle Fili Moala, who is coincidentally a cousin of Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.
Note: The one offensive linemen who had not interviewed with the Bengals as of Friday was Alabama’s top ranked offensive tackle Andre Smith.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By jon
February 21, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
Good article!
By Jim
February 22, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this
Agree - very well written and informative article. Carlos is far superior and more credible than the “chicken’s” whose articles lack intellect, insight and are filled with his left-wing socialist comments.
By Sam
February 22, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
You just never know with Marvin. It’s very obvious we need at least one good lineman (center), probably two (tackle). However, don’t be surprised if Marvin reaches for Maybin at #6. He has been fascinated the last two years with D. Harvey and M. Lawson. He even commented on Bengals.com that he hasn’t had that leader on defense since he took Pollock a few years back. Something just tells me he’s up to something this year. He could get a left tackle in the 2nd round and get a free agent center, then draft on later as a typical project. And the signing of Jeanty means nothing other than depth. If he built this defense around the corners then he knows he needs a pass rush from his backers. I can’t say it’s a terrible move if it works, but what a risk over the reliable OL. We have a lot of needs either way.
By BunglesWho?
February 22, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
Once again, another year’s draft with Lewis at the healm. What has he done for this team? He is a complete moron and we need to get another head coach. Building a winning football team is with “winners” not those who bring back convicted felons…You need to look at “production” rather than “projection.” I can see the bungols taking Maclin or another widereceiver, b/c Houz is gone…we will see what happens….
By guru
February 22, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this
The Bengals cannot pass up the chance to draft an impact defensive player with the first round pick. I really hope they wait until later rounds to get an o-linemen, they are deep in this draft.
By John
February 22, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
^This draft may be deep at OL, but at what positions? Are there really any players in rounds 4-7 that can come in and make a difference on the offensive line from day one? No, there’s not. You’re day one quality OL typically come in rounds one and two. Say the Bengals feel they need a LT and will move Collins to RT. A LT better than Collins won’t be found in any other round but the first. Say they feel they need a RT and will leave Collins at LT… you guessed it. Second round.
By Boxter
February 23, 2009 3:50 PM | Link to this
They have talked to every O lineman. That can only mean 1 thing. They will draft a running back.
By WhoDeyRevolution.com
February 24, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Is Andre Smith Trying To Become A Bengal? Maybe he heard about the all you can eat ribs at Montgomery Inn… Andre Smith’s behavior at the combine has been downright absurd this weekend, and he’s acting more and more like someone who is BEGGING the Bengals to draft him. According to PFT and SI, Smith left the combine today (after deciding not to work out) without telling anyone. After a search party was formed to look for the left tackle (it’s a 6’4”, 340lb guy walking around the Indy airport, how hard could it be?), he was contacted and later apologized for his actions. Even his agent shouldered the blame…seeing his huge payday disappearing before his eyes. You see, Mike Brown is a redeemer…just ask him. And while Baylor’s Jason Smith had a great day (33 reps at 225 for someone who checks in at 309lbs is solid), Andre Smith took a few giants steps closer to Cincinnati. Andre Smith, who was kicked off the team for the Sugar Bowl for violating team rules, left Alabama early to enter draft. Despite getting bad reviews from his Crimson Tide coaches about his laziness and bad attitude, he is still projected to be a 1st round pick. With Mike Brown in the mix, his chances of being a top 10 pick are still strong. Defensive tackle Jason Shirley was likely OFF 31 of the 32 draft boards last April…except for the Bengals. The reason? I don’t know…because the guy still had a drunk driving case pending and he had been kicked off his own team 3 TIMES his senior season. Come to think of it, Andre Smith looks like a regular Walter Payton compared to Shirley. You see, in places like Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Andre Smith is OFF their draft board…and it wouldn’t matter if Andre was still available when the Steelers and Ravens pick late in the 1st round. In Mike Brown’s world, Andre’s stock just went up. Who knows. Maybe Andre loves cheese coneys and Bronson Arroyo’s music.
By dennis
February 24, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this
In the first three rounds Mike Brown,not Marvin Lewis,, will select a running back,wide reciever and quarterback ,and in no particular order.