I know the popular thing is to say that your team had the best draft of them all, unless you're a Jags fan. However, we need to stand back and analyze how our draft. Don't be an OSUfan and tell the FO that their crap doesn't stink. This is not what we'd call a "sexy" draft, but this is a draft that you can hang your hat on and smile about. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
1. Jermain Gresham:
Gresham was one of my favorite players in the draft. I liked the guy, but I obviously had my concerns over his health. His blocking is another matter. One site will tell you that his blocking is atrocious, one tells you that he's the best blocker, and the final one gives you a middle-of-the-road explanation. I will not lie, when I saw Dez Bryant's name at #21, I wanted him to be our pick. However, we did something that we haven't done since 2003, and that was make the smart pick. Tight end was our #1 need and we got the #1 player. Will Gresham finish his career as a Bengal? Most likely not. Will he spend the majority of his career as a Bengal? Yes.
Plus, you know it was nice sticking it to the Pats and Baltimore.
Grade: A
2. Carlos Dunlap:
After letting the Gresham pick set in for a day. I was excited when our pick approached in the 2nd round. I was amazed at the talent that was falling. I had printed out the nfldraftscout.com rankings and was crossing off names as they were picked. I didn't know who we would pick. When I crossed Jimmy Clausen's name off, I decided to flip though and see who was still there. Ben Tate, Jon Asamoah, Golden Tate, etc. One name did stick to me. Carlos Dunlap. I had seen some mocks give us Carlos because of his "issues" and how he fit the Bengal mold. I did keep his name in the back of my mind and sure enough, he's in stripes. I wasn't thrilled with the pick, but I have faith in Zimmer to get him going. He could be a solid run stopper for us, who can also get to the passer. Obviously the DUI arrest made him look foolish, but his knack of taking games/plays off is concerning. If he does live up to the hype, then quarterbacks beware.
Grade: B
3. Jordan Shipley:
I honestly didn't see this pick coming and I damn near missed the announcement, while setting up dinner. When I heard that the Browns traded up, I thought it was with us and we acquired more picks, but it wasn't to be. I looked back up and saw that the Browns had their selection in. I happened to look down and catch Shipley's name linked to us. I'd be lying if I said I didn't raise my eyebrow. I figured we'd go with a WR, but not a slot guy. Oh well, the guy looks like he's going to give us something special over the middle. I did have to let this pick digest some because I felt that we could've taken a better slot WR, but it's hard not to like him.
Grade: B
3c. Brandon Ghee:
I loved this pick, but it probably had to do with him actually being at the draft and going up on stage. He's a bit of a project, but he's a 3rd rounder, who is behind 2 great starters. He is under the Johnathan Joseph mold of being a raw CB, who has speed. Whether he actually plays CB or S is up to Zimmer, but I am excited for this guy. I know Joseph is a FA, but I'm sure we'd tag him if an extension isn't worked out. So he has two years to develop into a solid player for us. Welcome Brandon.
Grade: A
4. Geno Atkins:
Still not thrilled that in the new format, I still have to wake up at 7 am to watch the last day. I was also hoping for us to grab our safety. We get to our pick and Geno Atkins name pops up. I am tired of our DEs playing DT on 3rd downs. Atkins may be a little undersized, but he's a pass rusher and that is going to help us. Most DTs do very little in their first year, but we don't need Geno to do much, except rotate in with Tank. We needed help on the pass rush and we took a pass rushing DT, hard to dislike that pick.
Grade: A
4c. Roddrick Muckelroy:
Again, no safety. When I first saw him come up, I just shrugged my shoulders. I had heard of him, but didn't see much of him in Texas games. Started off as a WILL, played at MIKE, and appears to have some ability at playing SAM. Brandon Johnson (W), Dhani Jones (M), and Reshad Jeanty (S) are all FAs after this season. We have a guy who can backup all the spots and has a good shot at starting at one next year.
Grade: B
5. Otis Hudson:
Without a doubt, my least favorite pick of the draft. It's nothing against Otis, he has one of those feel good stories, but it just seems like no one actually believed that we took him. Otis and his agent couldn't believe he was selected. Alexander seemed amazed by the pick, and I'm pretty sure he pushed for the guy. People who read my posts on the boards know that I don't have high hopes for any of Marvin's 5th rounders, except Huber, but this might be the lowest. I figured that our 5th-7th rounders would probably get waived after camp, but it feels that Otis is a guarantee for the practice squad. I understand that he's a project, but I would've really liked to have been in that war room when this pick was discussed.
Grade: D
6. Dezmon Briscoe:
Another WR? That was my first thought. I had seen his name mentioned on the boards, but didn't think much of it. I am having the same trouble as many people when it comes to finding negatives about him. His 2007 Wal Mart arrest seems to be the only thing. I swore that his route running was questioned, but that may have been someone else. At this point, this guy very well could be a steal for us. He comes off as a guy who would fill that Chris Henry role. No problems getting a player like that in the 6th round.
Grade: A
7. Reggie Stephens:
My biggest issue with Stephens, what does this guy weigh?!?! I have seen him at 312 pounds all the way up to 344 pounds. I'm sorry, but that's not a give-and-take situations. He may be an athletic guard, he may be a bulldozer. Hard to tell. I watched a little of him in the bowl game that Iowa State went to. Didn't really give up any pressure. That's all I got for him.
Grade: B
My overall grade of this draft is a B, and like David said, it's because there's no safety. I know people say that a great pass rush can hide sub-par safety play. That's true, but guess what? There are plays out there where an OL can completely block a pass rush. Then your sub-par safety is exposed. The Otis Hudson pick is also questionable, but only time will tell.
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