For the Cincinnati Bengals, the main question lies with Carson Palmer, who’s theme this year could be The Clash hit “should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble, and if I stay it will be double.”
This NFL draft, do they take a franchise QB (of which there actually are zero, but they could find a project)? Or do they look for a wideout to pair with Palmer and make more content? What about Chad Ocho Cinco? He’s not leaving them for a soccer career anymore, but is he going to stay in Cincinnati?
The Bengals have needs aplenty, including 4-3 ILB, 4-3 DE, DB, in addition to the passing game. Here’s what I have mocked to Cincy.
By Paul M. Banks
4. Cincinnati Bengals AJ Green, WR, Georgia
Green is a guy who can be both dangerous underneath, and stretch the field. Forget that whole jersey-selling incident; the NCAA needs to relax when it comes to situations like that. And Mr. Green is about to get a lot more stuff that is commonly referred to by his last name in slang terminology. That same stuff is also called “cheddah, bread, paper, c.r.e.a.m.” etc.
For the whole first round mock draft go here
And the second round! go here to check that out.
Round three here
For our 2012 Mock Draft go here
ROUND TWO
3. Cincinnati Bengals Christian Ponder, QB, Florida St
Ponder is probably the third best prospect in a very weak QB class. Still no time like the present to start grooming start grooming Carson Palmer’s replacement. If indeed he does come back, which is still not set in stone. Ponder had a tremendous pro day, no doubt partially augmented by the presence of Isaac Bruce, who came in to catch his throws.
ROUND THREE
2. Cincinnati Bengals, Greg Jones , LB, Michigan State
Rivals.com lists him as the 39th best player in college football, Sporting News picked him as the Big Ten’s “hardest hitter.” Jones is also ESPN.com’s 11th best player in the Big Ten. So obviously lots of football geeks think he’s a great linebacker, but how does he define what makes a linebacker great or not?
“The same thing you would see, a guy who makes plays every time, he’s consistent, he’s burning down the field, he’s everywhere. The guy who never takes a play off and if he does miss a tackler, he’s the guy who’s right there getting a tackle for a loss or a sack on the next play,” Jones responded.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest webzine. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports
He does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and Facebook