As the NFL Combine focuses our attention on the draft, we have spent a lot of time talking about the guys we want to see the Bengals take high in the draft to address the big needs they have. And wow are there plenty of needs. Quarterback. Tailback. Guard. Safety. Wide Receiver. (Too bad the Bengals don’t have 6 picks in the first 3 rounds like the Patriots do.)
But there is one more position of need that we aren’t talking about but should be: Linebacker.
For as much investment as the Bengals have put into LBs over the last few years, this should be a strength by now, not a need. Keith Rivers, #9 pick in 2008, has yet to make a real impact. Rey Maualuga, #38 pick in 2009, has been pretty productive but has not been the force we thought he would be.
Dhani Jones was the team’s leading tackler in 2010. As the MLB, he should be. He is an asset in run coverage but a serious liability in pass coverage. As an aging free agent this year, it is likely he will be looking for employment elsewhere in 2011. And the team’s best backup linebacker, Brandon Johnson, wants a chance to earn a starting gig… a shot he ought to get here but probably won’t.
If Johnson does leave to try to land a starting spot and the Bengals let Dhani go, they are left with Rivers, Maualuga, Muckelroy, Michael Johnson (who I prefer as a DE), and Dan Skuta. That’s it. Look through that list again and tell me that doesn’t concern you a little.
Am I calling on the Bengals to change gears and draft Von Miller at #4? No. (But it wouldn’t shock me if they did.) I would rather that they re-sign Brandon Johnson and draft another stud D-lineman. But keep your eye on this position, because a couple of moves need to be made here.
Original Story:
http://stripehype.com/2011/02/24/the-...
