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BENGALS
Players offer management some free draft suggestions
Sunday, April 22, 2007
CINCINNATI — The Bengals are thinking about Big D. As in, DEEE-FENSE.
They spent their past two first-round draft picks on outside linebacker David Pollack and cornerback Johnathan Joseph.
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With needs at every defensive position, the club likely will stick to that side of the ball with the 18th pick in the NFL draft on Saturday.
But who do the Bengals' players want? The Dayton Daily News asked them to be general managers for a day. Some embraced the notion. Others ran and hid.
Some selected responses:
Defensive tackle John Thornton: "We're too far down to really guess who's going to be there. Hopefully, whoever we draft can help right away, and it's not a wasted pick. You hope the guy comes in, gets signed, doesn't have a situation where the contract screws 'em up and he can't contribute, because that hurts everybody."
Quarterback Carson Palmer: "I like offensive linemen and receivers. I always want those guys. Every quarterback does. But we've got a lot of holes to fill (on defense). I'm sure (coaches and management) will make good picks."
Defensive lineman Bryan Robinson: "The opposite of whatever position I play. If they're gonna have me at end, draft a tackle. If they put me at tackle, draft an end. Seriously, I really don't mind which way they go. This is year number 11 for me. What's keeping me around this league for so long is that I'm able to play both positions."
Defensive tackle Domata Peko: "I like (Oregon DT) Matt Toeaina. We grew up together. He's a big guy (6-2, 307). It would be cool if we got another Samoan. Whoever we draft, I'll be happy to help them out as John Thornton and Brian Simmons helped me out when I came here."
Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff: "As long as it's defensive players. That'll help us all out — defense and offense."
Defensive end Eric Henderson: "I'm biased. Georgia Tech guys. I think we get overlooked in the draft. (Wide receiver) Calvin Johnson will go high, but I also like cornerback Kenny Scott, linebacker KaMichael Hall and defensive tackle Joe Anoai. He's an awesome interior guy. You look for guys that work hard. I can vouch for those guys."
Running back Quincy Wilson: "It's top-heavy offense, but it's more of a defensive draft this year. If we can get one of those corners, maybe a linebacker, that would be great. It's bad drafting in the teens, but at the same time, you're only one or two guys away from making that step to where you need to be."
Saftey Dexter Jackson: "There's a lot of good Florida State players (such as linebackers Lawrence Timmons and Buster Davis). I'm always gonna have Florida State guys because they're proven winners. But it's not my call. It's my job to help them get better and try to help this team win."
Running back Rudi Johnson: "Auburn — all the time, every year."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
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Bengals' top needs
1. Cornerback: The team got a stud in 2006 first-rounder Johnathan Joseph. It needs another to push and replace the unpredictable Deltha O'Neal.
2. Defensive tackle: This is likely Sam Adams' last hurrah. John Thornton and Michael Myers aren't getting any younger. Youth must be served.
3. Safety: A big, nasty hitter with great range and ball-hawking skills is needed to help shut down the run and punish receivers over the middle.
4. Offensive tackle: Levi Jones is a terrific left tackle. But two surgeries on his left knee since October is a cause for concern. Depth is a must.
5. Linebacker: A playmaker is needed just in case Ahmad Brooks doesn't blossom and Odell Thurman fails to return from a yearlong suspension.
6. Wide receiver: Chris Henry's eight-game suspension hurts. Tab Perry and Antonio Chatman were injured in '06. Wanted: A big-play weapon.
7. Tight end: There's Reggie Kelly and a whole bunch of youngsters. The team needs more pass-catching production from this critical position.
— Chick Ludwig
