Cincinnati currently is ranked the #4 defense through 8 weeks only allowing 86 yards on the ground and 212 through the air. They have shut down running backs like Frank Gore, Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Jones Drew, and Peyton Hillis which has helped their suspect pass defense. What is even more remarkable is that they are doing all of this without any “big name stars”. But is this notion really true? With that said, let me introduce you to the stars of the defensive front 7.

Carlos Dunlap

Dunlap, primarily playing right defensive end has been an absolute terror for right tackles. Dunlap was true top 10 draft talent and if it wasn’t for his DUI’s, he would have gone higher than where he did( second round). There aren’t that many defensive ends coming out of college at 6’6, 280 lbs, and running a 4.6 40 yard dash. Dunlap had good production and this production has transferred over to the pro level. In this rookie year, Dunlap recorded 9.5 sacks in eight games. This year, Dunlap has only recorded 1 sack but has pressured the quarterback 1 out of every 5 snaps according to ProFootballFocus.com. His numbers for QB pressures are the best in the league. ProFootballFocus.com also rates Dunlap has the best 4-3 defensive end using their metrics. Dunlap has a great speed rush using his long arms to create separation and has the perfect size to bull rush the tackle. His run support is also very polished. At only 22 years old, I expect Dunlap to have a great career as a Bengal with multiple pro bowls in his future.

Michael Johnson

Johnson and Dunlap are a lot alike. Johnson was also a physical freak coming out of Georgia Tech. He came into the combine weight 270 lbs at 6’7 and ran a 4.75 40 time. He had great stats  and was a 1^st round talent. Like Dunlap, Johnson fell in the draft not because of his production, but questions about his motor. However, looking back at the tape, the problem wasn’t with his motor but it was with his conditioning. Anyways, the Bengals got a steal in the 3^rd round and Johnson has transformed into one of the better defensive ends in the league. He is only in his 3^rd year and is still a little raw but has developed a nice speed rush with an elusive spin move. On the year, Johnson has 2.5 sacks and an interception.

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Analyzing the Cincinnati Bengals Front 7 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

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The New Big Board: Oher is #1 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

1) The order is done by the current NFL standings. This probably would not be the exact order if the draft took place today (coin flips & playoffs would have to be complete) but it’s a pretty good estimation of what it would look like.

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NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Goodbye Tebow, Harvin; Hello Others - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football