Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > March > 27 > Entry
Bengals draft buzz: 1st round OT a must
PRIORITY NO. 1: PROTECT CARSON PALMER
You name the area, any area, and the Cincinnati Bengals need help.
Not just at one position, but everywhere …
… everywhere except quarterback, where Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick are 1-2 with Jeff Rowe (I call him “Jethro”) and Jordan Palmer battling it out for No. 3.
Folks, I’m here to tell ya that I’m absolutely, positively convinced the Bengals should-must-will draft an offensive tackle with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft on April 26.
Why? Because left tackle Levi Jones and right tackle Willie Anderson are hobbling around on bum knees and likely won’t be able to play a 16-game season.
And because Stacy Andrews, anointed with the franchise tag ($7.455 million), refuses to sign a long-term contract and will likely leave in 2009 as an unrestricted free agent.
The team’s No. 1 priority must always be keeping Palmer well-protected. That’s why an athletic OT is the way to go in the first round. Other needs (DT, C, LB, FS, SS, KR) can be addressed later.
REPEAT OF LEVI IN 2002
Remember back in 2002? The Bengals got RIPPED by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman for selecting Levi Jones No. 10 overall. They needed a LT desperately, and Jones turned out to be an excellent pick.
It’s time to pull the trigger again.
Of course, conventional wisdom says to select the best defensive tackle available in the first round because the run defense is so weak.
Either LSU’s Glenn Dorsey or USC’s Sedrick Ellis should be there.
I say, “DON’T DO IT”
The top pick should be one of the following: Boise State’s Ryan Clady, Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams, Pitt’s Jeff Otah or Boston College’s Gosder Cherilus.
Readers should feel free to spank me if I’m wrong. But the more I look at it, the better an OT looks!
READERS WANT TO KNOW:
From DemolitionDan: “When is the NFL going to let the Bengals know about Odell Thurman’s 2008 status? Hopefully, it’s before the draft. If not, well, that’s just wrong.”
—-The Chickster’s response: Just like last year, I expect it’ll be THE DAY BENGALS PLAYERS ARRIVE AT TRAINING CAMP IN JULY. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will take it right up to deadline. Any missteps by Thurman and he’ll be out of the league for good.
From BengalBill in Hamilton: “Hey, Chick. I would like to see the Bengals trade their first-round draft for a couple of journeyman players in needed positions. They could apply the millions of signing bonus money they’ll save to the salaries of the new players. What say you?”
—-The Chickster’s response: I love ya, Bill, but there’s no way. The Bengals have already gobbled up journeymen LBs in Darryl Blackstock and Brandon Johnson. Both guys give the club added depth and will boost the special teams cover units. Bottom line: There are no “journeymen” that equate to a No. 9 draft pick.
From DemolitionDan again: “Chick, I just read your recent blog with the Marvin Lewis interview on NFL Network. I must say that for the first time in a LONG time I am impressed with the way Marvin answered questions in an interview. Maybe he is just so drained during the season from answering questions from the media that in the offseason he’s better. I don’t know. The comparison he made to Kobe/injured player was great. Kudos to him for that. And thanks to you for posting that interview because I don’t have cable or satellite, and so I didn’t see it!”
—-The Chickster’s response: I agree. It was great to see Marvin “shoot straight” instead of shooting himself in the foot.
From Deron in Harrison: “I watched a video interview with Chris Henry and you were right there. He sounded different than he did in his first year. Not as awkward and introverted during the interview. Do you get a sense that this kid has turned the corner? Does he sound different to you? On another note, I thought Marvin was as good as he’s ever been in his interview about Chad. I like the stance the team is taking. Somebody has to stand up to these Divas.”
—-The Chickster’s response: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes on Chris Henry. He not only sounds different, but looks different. Loose, relaxed, mature, and a lot more focused. After three years of turmoil that includes four arrests and two suspensions, Henry seems to have his act together. Being away from the game makes you appreciate it so much more. One of the beautiful things about being a Bengals beat writer is that we get to see young players grow up, mature and blossom as athletes and people.
THE CHICKSTER ON THE RADIO
—-Friday, March 28: I’ll be on WGRR (Oldies 103.5 FM) as a guest of the “Chris & Janeen-Married with Microphones” show at 6:50 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. (set your alarm clocks!)
—-Friday, March 28: I’ll be on WONE-AM (980), live in studio, with Mark Schlemmer from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Until next time, this is “The Chickster” saying: Make Love, Not War; Give Peace a Chance; and Strawberry Fields Forever.
Contact Chick Ludwig at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Halftime
March 27, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Chick, I think you are forgetting about Andrew Whitworth. He was drafted as Willie’s heir apparent and has played well. No need to take a tackle in the 1st round, especially if Stacy Andrews signs long-term. It is much easier and cheaper to find a guard to replace Whitworth and move him back to tackle where he belongs. Save the 1st rounder for something more pressing.By Jonathan
March 27, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Chick, I have to agree with the previous comment. Whitworth can play OT at a high level. He was drafted in the 2nd round. If there is enough depth at OL, it would be easier to draft another Andrews or Whitworth later (in which the bengals have done well with OL) than to pass up on a guy like Ellis. Also, why wouldn’t Andrews sign long-term? Money or more playing time away from Anderson? I think we need to see how Anderson and Jones respond to having semi-healthy off-seasons this year before making a decision on our tackles. We can always draft a replacement next year.By Jonathan
March 27, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Chick, I have to agree with the previous comment. Whitworth can play OT at a high level. He was drafted in the 2nd round. If there is enough depth at OL, it would be easier to draft another Andrews or Whitworth later (in which the bengals have done well with OL) than to pass up on a guy like Ellis. Also, why wouldn’t Andrews sign long-term? Money or more playing time away from Anderson? I think we need to see how Anderson and Jones respond to having semi-healthy off-seasons this year before making a decision on our tackles. We can always draft a replacement next year.By no way
March 27, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
We currently have four guys that can play OT; Levi, Willie, Stacy, and Whitworth and you think we should use our 1st rounder on a OT. That is insane! Why don’t we just cut Willie and sign Stacy long-term. If Ellis and Dorsey aren’t there, then take Mendenhall or trade down…period.By VegasBurk
March 27, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Chick, I understand your thinking, but its wrong for a couple of reasons. First, this team hasn’t had interior defensive line playoff talent in over a decade. It doesn’t matter how good your DB’s and LB’s are if your D-line is sub par. We need a pro-bowl type player at the DT position and we need it now. Any pick other than Dorsey or Ellis would be misguided. Having said that, Mike BRown will probably ignore what is obvious and select Desean Jackson…and we will all go on shaking our heads…By m
March 27, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Chickster…I can agree with you and your readers…The Bengals do already have 4 or 5 guys that can play Offensive Tackle and yes they do need a D-Tackle but as you pointed out..they also need help at 5 or 6 spots so anywhere you start will help…Do any of the good teams have 6 or 7 needs ?? No…It is a gamble to pass on a top O-Tackle but the defense needs big help and some playmakers….Yes keeping Carson upright is important but the one spot you failed to mention is Center…Guichec stinks and is the weak link of the line…The club has him and Santucci only at Center and that spells trouble…All of you are right..pick a position and they need help…but O-Tackle I’m not sure about…and Glen Dorsey is Dan Wilkinson waiting to happen….Same old Bengals…By m
March 27, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Chickster…I can agree with you and your readers…The Bengals do already have 4 or 5 guys that can play Offensive Tackle and yes they do need a D-Tackle but as you pointed out..they also need help at 5 or 6 spots so anywhere you start will help…Do any of the good teams have 6 or 7 needs ?? No…It is a gamble to pass on a top O-Tackle but the defense needs big help and some playmakers….Yes keeping Carson upright is important but the one spot you failed to mention is Center…Guichec stinks and is the weak link of the line…The club has him and Santucci only at Center and that spells trouble…All of you are right..pick a position and they need help…but O-Tackle I’m not sure about…and Glen Dorsey is Dan Wilkinson waiting to happen….Same old Bengals…By Brian
March 27, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I’m fine with drafting an OT only if Dorsey, Ellis, and Gholston are off the board, which seems more and more likely by the day. Do any of the top OTs have a wrestling background? If so, Paul Alexander is probably lobbying hard for him.By Mike
March 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
How do you protect Carson Palmer? Run the Ball. When the opposition knows you are passing 85% of the time, they will kill you with the blitz. Use a 2nd, or 3rd round pick on an OT sure, but at No. 9, you can still find playmakers. I would love to trade a 3rd round pick and Deltha O’Neal to move up, but thats a whole different topic.By Chris
March 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Chick, gotta say you are my favorite Bengals beat writer. Love the way you get after Marvin and ask the questions real fans want answered. That being said, Marvin might be right about you not being able to understand simple football concepts in light of this last posting. We want to win now and the only way we do that is by improving our defense. Get some hogs on the d-line that can occupy blockers so LBs and DEs can make plays. When was the last time the Bengals spent a first day pick on a DT? The only weakness on the O-line I see is at center. Levi and Willie should have a couple more years in their tank and with Whit and Stacy we also have good depth. The first round pick should be used on a player who can make an immediate impact and help get us to the playoffs, not on a backup offensive lineman.By ed
March 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
We have talked about this before…….If Big Stacy does not sign a new deal by the draft, trade him for the best pick you can get and draft a tackle with the extra pick..Don’t waste salary cap on someone that will not sign now………..By Scott
March 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
While I agree that the Bengals will need to address OT soon, I would hate to see them do it at slot 9 this year. They need to win NOW. An OT in the first should be contributing to the team this year. I realize you need to spend a 1st round pick on a tackle for him to be worthy, but I don’t think this is the year to do that.By Mark
March 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Big guys are the teams foundation. Either offense or defense linemen are #1 pick material. All other positions can be built around the main strength of the big men ! They make or break cornerbacks and running backs.By Stripes
March 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
You are right on with an offensive tackle at the 9 pick. Protecting Carson is the #1 priority for this team. And I’m all for you being the GM for a day and trading away Chad for Tito plus a pick on the first day of the draft.By Mike
March 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
C’mon Chick. You are better than that. Everyone’s already said it above but our defensive has been in need of a D-tackle for as long as I can remember and a stud D-tackle has the potential to help the whole defense. I think we need some time to elapse in the OTackle front. Drafting one with the second pick or in the later rounds wouldn’t be bad but with Jones, Anderson, Andrews and Whitworth, we could potentially draft a guard as well and let Whitworth play the position he was drafted for…tackle.By Mike
March 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
C’mon Chick. You are better than that. Everyone’s already said it above but our defensive has been in need of a D-tackle for as long as I can remember and a stud D-tackle has the potential to help the whole defense. I think we need some time to elapse in the OTackle front. Drafting one with the second pick or in the later rounds wouldn’t be bad but with Jones, Anderson, Andrews and Whitworth, we could potentially draft a guard as well and let Whitworth play the position he was drafted for…tackle.By Mike
March 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
C’mon Chick. You are better than that. Everyone’s already said it above but our defensive has been in need of a D-tackle for as long as I can remember and a stud D-tackle has the potential to help the whole defense. I think we need some time to elapse in the OTackle front. Drafting one with the second pick or in the later rounds wouldn’t be bad but with Jones, Anderson, Andrews and Whitworth, we could potentially draft a guard as well and let Whitworth play the position he was drafted for…tackle.By stewdog
March 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
The Bengals do need help up front. In football it’s whats up front that really counts, and the Bengals have been weak up front for years. Work on both sides of the line first, then build outward. Without a strong foundation; the house will collapse.By John Adams
March 27, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Chick, I’ve been saying the same thing for some time. But I really like Brandon Albert, OG/OT out of Virginia. He’s 6’6, 335 and he plays guard most of the time but he can play OT, too. Agile, long arms and quick feet, he has ideal size and very athletic. This would be my pick at #9. I don’t believe Andrews is going to sign a long-term deal with us, he wants to play with his brother is Philly. If we don’t get Offensive Line help early, we are screwed. Willie and Levi are on their last legs.By Voice of Reason
March 28, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
The last thing we need to do is draft an OT. We should draft Ellis or Dorsey if they are there. If they are already taken, then we should draft Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. If all of those players are gone, then we should draft Darren Mcfadden or Rashard Mendenhall.By Bengals Fan
March 28, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
We have much greater needs than OT. Last year, Carson Palmer threw for the most attempts in team history. He got sacked for a franchise record low number of times. Explain to me how he wasn’t well protected even though Willie and Levi sat out most of the season??? Meanwhile, we couldn’t generate any kind of pass rush. What good does it do to have 1st round corners if they have to cover for 8 seconds per play??? We need to improve our defense and acquire someone with the ability to rush the quarterback. For someone who covers the team every year, you should be aware of these facts.By Todd
March 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
So wait a second you want dudes to spank you? Interesting.By Todd
March 28, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s play tummy sticks Ludwig.By rangerstyeL_2008
March 29, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
chick what good does it do if you can score but than you let your opponent run all over you. Because your defense SUCKS! Suprisingly the coaches and you (chick) that claim you know football miss the very fundamentals of football, which is DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE. The Bengals will put points on the board be up by atleast two touchdowns in some cases, but yet by the fourth quarter they end up losing the game not because of offense but because their defense SUCKS! I love the Bengals but their Defense should be called the BENGIRLS. This should be a embarrassment to the coaching staff sense Lewis got his job because of the good defense that the raven had when he was defensive coach. or should I say the defense was good because of the talent natural talent they had and Lewis defensive coaching skills had nothing to do with it because he (Lewis) is sure not sharing his defensive coaching skills with the Bengirls. So say build the offense all you want but if you can’t stop the other team from out scoring on you (what does improving the OT position is going to do for you)? Everyone knows the bengals have a explosive offense (News Flash) that is to be feared but at the same time coaches and player and fans alike laugh at the Bengirls Defense(No Worries there) This Defense have not been able to stop the run for years. Is Marvin Lewis that retarded that he can’t see that. Maybe he should take off his OFFense Hat and put on his Denfense hat. meaning at practice he needs to be with the defense more. Hell if they need a defensive coach I will put in for it and do a much better job then what they have and i would do it for free. But you can’t win games no matter how many points you put on the board with a high school defensive team at best. Now I said IT.