With the draft around the corner one of the Bengals biggest potential needs is at linebacker. Everyone knows we have not been exactly the poster child for linebacker play over the past 3-4 years. Vontaze (who is a mess right now) was once an absolute force back there but with little backup but has just fell off the map dealing with suspensions, injuries and apparently the buffet line. He is fat and slow at the moment. With that being said lets take a look at the prospects coming up in this years draft...
Devin White, LSU #40
First of all... holy shit. Devin White is intimidating. Smile or not he walks around with bazookas attached to his shoulders. On top of that he is the Dick Butkus award winner and an All-American. This beast of a man is a downhill player that will fill holes but also has the ability to go sideline to sideline. On top of that.. He can drop back and bat balls all day. This is my choice for the use of the Bengals first round 11th overall pick this coming year. IF we want him we will absolutely have to grab him at 11.
Devin Bush, Michigan (Garbage) #10
Devin Bush is another solid option at linebacker. He is not afraid to stop the run and will stick his head in to make a tackle. He had a solid season last year (except against OSU) which landed him in a spot to be the second linebacker taken in the draft behind Devin White. One thing to watch out for with #10 is his speed. He should put up a great number at the combine which would be a plus showing he can get after ball carriers. He missed the last game of his senior season due to a hip injury but he seems to be healthy now and it should not effect his draft stock. Would much rather see White but Bush would do nothing but improve our linebacking corps.
MAck Wilson, Alabama #30
Alabama's #30 has the experience of playing in some big games. He is sort of a Swiss Army Knife when it comes to lining up behind the defensive line. Wilson was used in a stance as well. He is a speedy linebacker who can turn his hips with runningbacks and receivers in order to get the job down. He has the ability to start in the middle of the field and swoop into the flats to grab ahold of any sweeps, tosses our other outside runs. Watch this kids 3-cone and short shuttle at the combine. Those will be his money makers as he attempts to get onto an NFL roster next year. Would he be a good fit for us, yeah I think so. Any help back there would be awesome. Also his speed to the flats could help make up for Dre Kirks inability to play football...
Germaine Pratt, NC State #3
Pratt is a solid tackler who also possesses the ability to go sideline to sideline. at 6'3" 240lbs he is a good size as well. Germaine is a guy that we could potentially get without using our 11 overall. Depending on h performs in the combine drills will determine where this NC State linebacker goes. Hell if we miss out on the top guys and #3 happens to fall we could use somebody who knows how to form tackle. Would not be disappointed if we picked him up in the right spot.
Sione Takitaki, BYU #16
Rey Mua...I mean Sione Takitaki is slowly climbing up the draft boards day by day. He is on the shorter side for an NFL linebacker at 6'1" but he did weigh in at 237lbs which gives him the girth to play ball with the big boys. Takitaki is a mobile linebacker with the ability to cover the field. He can take on the flats and is a proven pass rusher as well. The Bengals could benefit from a player with the ability to get to the quarterback. #16 is not going to be a top pick but he is the guy we can pick up in the middle rounds and hope he pans out. I would not be pissed if we missed out on the other linebackers and were forced to pick him up. I say miss as in other teams picked up the studs.. If we just pass on them and waste picks like the past tells me we will I will throw my clicker...
We the Men in Stripes draft a linebacker? Who knows... but we can all agree they need some help back there. Above where just a few options to look out for. The crew we have right now is serviceable but one injury or suspension and we are broken. Only time will tell if we jump at the chance to grab a tackler. In the mean time someone slap Burfict on the head for us...
WHODEY
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