I don’t believe in rating drafts until the players have a chance to develop because gems are often found in the later rounds and some highly rated players find it difficult to make the jump to the pro game. That said, I think it is valuable to compare the needs going into the draft to the players selected. So here are the top 5…

With their first pick the Bengals stayed with the program and selected a quick linebacker out of USC, Keith Rivers. They were decimated by injuries at linebacker last year and Keith Rivers gives them a potential franchise LB with great range, toughness and play reading ability.

Their second pick, 46th over-all, was somewhat off the board. Pre draft predictions had Jerome Simpson going late in the third round all the way down to the fifth. They must have seen something they liked in this small school prospect. Perhaps it was an insurance move in case Chad Johnson continues to push for a trade. Jerome Simpson runs a 4.57/40 with a great vertical and a penchant to make the spectacular catch.

With their first of two third round picks, the Bengals jumped on DT Pat Sims. He dominated as a junior and in a draft rich with ‘D’ linemen, this was a nice pickup. With good size and an explosive first step, he has the potential to be a solid interior defender.

Their second pick in the third round, 77th overall, was a bit of a head scratcher. While Andre Caldwell has the tools to be a solid kick returner with great change of direction, speed and nice size. His hands make him a bit of a gamble at WR. Furthermore stock piling at wideout continues to fuel the speculation of Chad’s future with the club.

Back to the game plan in the 4th round, the Bengals got a steal in OT Anthony Collins. He certainly has the potential to play in the NFL. He has good size at 6’5” 315lbs and is a solid pass blocker. He has the ability to play multiple positions and could fill a hole at guard with the Bengals.

The remainder of the draft….

Jason Shirley DT, Fresno State, 6-5, 329
Corey Lynch S, Appalachian State, 6-0, 205
Matt Sherry TE, Villanova, 6-4, 255
Angelo Craig DE, Cincinnati, 6-5, 235
Mario Urrutia WR, Louisville, 6-5, 232

So they didn’t address the void at safety left with the departure of Madieu Williams and they did spend 2 of their top 5 picks on WRs. On the bright side the Bengals add a possible franchise LB in Rivers and addressed a few holes in the trenches. Only time will tell how successful it was.