Bengals Draft Reaction

I would grade the Bengals draft as a 'B' overall.

Here is a quick run down and a line or two on players reported strengths:

Keith Rivers 6-2 241 OLB Southern California: accelerates to the ball quickly and has the speed to chase down ball carriers. Should be an every down linebacker and a cornerstone for our defense. Consistently pressures the quarterback and is never out of position in zone coverage.

Jerome Simpson 6-1 199 WR Coastal Carolina: has the largest hands in the draft and was state tournament MVP on his basketball team in the North Carolina 2A tournament. Will not be utilized as a kick returner but catches anything thrown his way.

Pat Sims 6-2 310 DT Auburn: The Sporting News rated him as the hardest hitter of all the defensive tackles in the draft. He does a very good job of exploding into the quarterback or the ball carrier. Consistently shows aggressive closing burst to the ball.

Andre Caldwell 6-0 204 WR Florida: Has the hands to reach out and catch tough passes. Runs sharp routes and has the burst to seperate. Is explosive, elusive and fast.

Anthony Collins 6-5 317 OT Kansas: They will let AC play some guard to I believe. He shows the quickness to meet speed rushers on the outside. Shows strength to drive defensive linemen down the line on side blocks.

Jason Shirley 6-5 335 DT Fresno State: Has a massive frame, is agile and athletic. Can control the line of scrimmage and plays well in the one gap system.

Corey Lynch 6-0 205 S Applachian State: Michigan football fans will always remember this guy. But he also blocked a couple more kicks and made plays at his level. Has good size and is physical and should be an asset to special teams.

Matt Sherry 6-3 245 TE Villanova: He is the first tight end Lewis has drafted. He is known as more of a pass catcher. Offense looks to mixing it up next year for #9 with addition of Utecht and Sherry.

Angelo Craig 6-4 252 DE Cincinnati: He is a 'hybrid' and will have to earn a spot on special teams. He could be a valuable addition if we do in fact play some 3-4.

Mario Urrutia 6-6 220 WR Louisville: Nice big possession receiver. Another former basketball player who will handle the crossing routes and possibly be the guy for the jump balls in the end zone.