Bengals & Ravens Draft For Depth
Grubbs, Hall, Heisman Winner Smith Selected by Cincy & Baltimore
The Cincinnatti Bengals were in search of high character players and found a few as the Baltimore Ravens drafted to solidify the offensive line.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens went into the draft looking for offensive line help and depth, by drafting guards Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda, the Ravens may have accomplished that goal. Grubbs is a physical run blocker that may have the talent to take one of the guard positions by the beginning of the season. Yanda is a bit raw, and may need a year or two of coaching before he can compete for a starting job. Sandwiched between the offensive line picks, Ozzie Newsome picked the electrifying Yamon Figurs a wide receiver/kick returner out of Kansas State. Figurs fills a need for a game breaker in the return game, but he may be limited to what he can do on the offensive side of the ball because of his slight frame.
Defensive end/linebacker Antwan Barnes is an explosive edge rusher, but due to his lack of size may have to play standing up as a linebacker in order to continue his pocket pressing success. Fullback Le’Ron McClain is a tank of a man coming out of the backfield. The big question with McClain is will his lack of speed affect the timing of the blocking scheme? Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith is in the position in which he doesn’t have to play early, if he can get back to his pre-Heisman work habits, Troy may be able to salvage a career in the NFL, but this year nothing should be expected of Troy. Michigan linebacker Burgess Prescott has a chance to turn some heads, but at this level he has to realize that he can’t rely on his athletic ability alone.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals needed two things going into the 2007 NFL Draft, defensive help and high character guys. The latter will play out in time, but what we do know is by drafting Leon Hall, Cincy addressed a definite need. The secondary had major problems last year forcing turnovers, so with the smooth running Hall at one corner, the rest of the secondary can concentrate on covering the rest of the field. The drafting of Kenny Irons may signal the end of oft-injured Chris Perry’s stay in Cincinnati.
The Bengals drafted two safeties in Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White, both appear to be projects right now, but don’t be surprised if one(White) excels on special teams this year. Matt Toeaina is a live bodied defensive tackle that must work on his consistency level if he wants to make the squad. Dan Santucci has the potential to develop into a quality offensive lineman at this level, while strong armed QB Jeff Rowe will vie for time as a back up to Carson Palmer.
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