Cincinnati Bengals Off Season To Do List: Time to Prove the Bengals have staying Power
By Editorial Staff
Cincinnati Bengals off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (9-7)
What a successful season for this young, energetic team. If I was Bengals fans I would feel a wave of euphoria about the future. The Bengals have a bright young QB, plenty of young weapons for him, a solid veteran OL, and an abundance of young defensive players. This draft also features 2 first round picks which can be used on a mediocre secondary, an aging OL, or on an explosive Running Back. Marvin Lewis and staff have done a good job the past few years assembling this team. The Bengals are major threats to the Steelers and Ravens in the coming years.
Coach Seat Temperature
Marvin Lewis had a decision to make last season if he wanted to return. He chose to return and with it brought change. Carson Palmer,Chad Johnson, and Terrell Owens would be shown the door and with it an abundance of egos and eroding talent (Carsonwas a good egg but his skills were on the downward spiral). Marvin Lewis is a Coach of the Year Candidate. With good coaches come good assistants. Jay Gruden did an amazing job as a first year OC and was a HC possibility until he chose to return toCincinnati. MikeZimmer is one of the top DC in the NFL and a possible future HC candidate.
2011 Draft Class Rating (A-)
Any time you can bring in a possible Franchise QB and a #1 WR you hit a HR. Andy Dalton is a very cerebral QB who was a major steal. AJ Green is a Pro Bowl talent and should combine withDaltoninto a dangerous duo. The rest of this class did little in year 1 but has possibility. Dontay Moch and Robert Sands have ability but are very raw and might need 1-2 more years of coaching. Clint Boling is a versatile backup who could push for a starting OG spot next season,.
2010 Draft Class Rating (B+)
Brown and Lewis really started the revival of Cincinnatiwith this draft class. 1st Round TE Jermaine Gresham is a Pro Bowl talent who should really step up in year 3. DE Carlos Dunlap is filled with ability but needs to be more consistent. Jordan Shipley had a solid 1st year but was injured in his second and shows the ability to be an elite slot WR. Geno Atkins has Pro Bowl ability at DT. The rest are depth players or already cut players.
2009 Draft Class Rating (B)
This season finally showed the potential of this class. Andre Smith appears to be on the way to becoming an elite RT. He struggled with weight but showed new dedication this season. Rey Maulugua finally moved to MLB and became a dominant player. DE Michael Johnson is a phenomenal player but like Dunlap struggles with consistency. Kevin Huber is a great punter and the rest of this class had little impact.
Current Needs
Offense: RB, OG
Defense: DE, CB, S
Current FA
Cedric Benson: A mediocre RB who is not worth the headache. Bengals could and should do better.
Jerome Simpson: Has great skill but has not mastered the intellectual side of football. Also with his impending Drug Trafficking Trial should be let go and replaced.
Bobbie Williams: A very sound OG who is 35 years old. I think Williams has one more season and his leadership skills should not be ignored.
Reggie Nelson: Nelson stepped up this season and showed talent. Whether he can do this again I do not know but the Bengals are already struggling in the secondary and his departure would not help.
Manny Lawson: Showed to be a solid 2 down LB who is good at everything but excels at nothing. I think the Bengals should bring him back cheap.
Mike Nugent: A solid Kicker who has limited range. Bengals should bring him back.
Current Mock
1. Stephon Gilmore CB SC
1. Mark Barron SS Alabama
2. Doug Martin RB BoiseState
3. Brandon Boykins CB Georgia
4. Travian Robertson DL SC