Bengals speak to multiple RB prospects at Senior Bowl

[augustisback003]

Its been reported that the Bengals had interviews with multiple RB prospects at the Senior Bowl. The Bengals set up interviews with Isaiah Pead, Doug Martin and my favorite Chris Polk. All three would be huge upgrades over the talent currently on the roster and may be a tipping of the Bengals drafts plans as only Polk is considered a 1st Round pick.

Excerpt~

Yesterday we informed you all of the Bengals scouts and coaches speaking with a couple of prospects at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. First, it was leaked that the Bengals seemed heavily interested in hometown running back out of the University of Cincinnati, Isaiah Pead.

Then it became public knowledge that the team also spent some time chatting with Boise State University running back, Doug Martin. It's becoming obvious that the Bengals are highly interested in taking a running back in this year's draft.

Shane Hallam of 2012 NFL Draft - DraftCountdown.com has a breakdown of who each team spoke to on day two of Senior Bowl week, and the Bengals spent time with two intriguing prospects (QB Russell Wilson and RB Chris Polk).

The second prospect that they were linked to on day two is much more telling. Chris Polk of the University of Washington is an exciting player who would fit the West Coast Offensive scheme well. He has good speed and good hands, though durability concerns and a slow start to the week for Polk are knocks on him. He is the third running back prospect that the Bengals have spoken to in two days and will be on the Bengals radar when they pick in the first and second rounds.

Senior Bowl 2012, Day Two: Bengals Continue to Make the Rounds With Prospects - Cincy Jungle

 

[kramer1]

We need 2 new RB's. Scott must go as well. He's thru in this league. It's an insult to see him out there.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Maybe it's the homer in me, so let me get that out of the way right now...but I wouldn't mind seeing Pead in a Bengals uniform.

From what I saw this year, he showed toughness between the tackles, an ability to make the cut-back and make defenders miss, he's got really good explosiveness and agility. His top end speed may not be "break away" speed at the NFL level, but it's good enough to get more than his fair share of long runs. He's got above average hands for a RB.

I think the knocks on him will be some durability questions, blocking (though he did improve on this his senior year) and maybe his continued toughness between the tackles, as UC played in a spread offense, forcing most of his runs off tackle and outside.

I would be ok with any of the backs mentioned above, Wilson, or Miller. But, as I keep saying, the OL has to be a priority. It won't matter who the RB is if this line is not better next year.

 

[cincygrad]

I'd love to pick Pead..... But I'm a homer so I admit to not being objective.

 

[kramer1]

I want him to have "I. Pead" on the back of his jersey. Plus, all of the jokes during game threads.....screw wins and playoffs..I want the entertainment of his name over that. I'd use a first rounder on him.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I want him to have "I. Pead" on the back of his jersey. Plus, all of the jokes during game threads.....screw wins and playoffs..I want the entertainment of his name over that. I'd use a first rounder on him.

Every score from Pead gets a "You got Pead on" chant.

 

[vancelot23]

Is this going to be Mardy Gilyard all over again?

 

[vancelot23]

I want him to have "I. Pead" on the back of his jersey. Plus, all of the jokes during game threads.....screw wins and playoffs..I want the entertainment of his name over that. I'd use a first rounder on him.

Rep'd

 

[Cincyfan78]

Is this going to be Mardy Gilyard all over again?

I don't think so. Pead has a legit shot of being a 2nd-3rd round RB in this years' draft depending on how he does at the combine and such.


Gilyard, as exciting as he was, is not an NFL WR. At least, not a starting one. Maybe he can return punts and kickoffs and fill in at the slot position, but overall, his skills don't really translate to the NFL level very well, which is unfortunate because he's a guy that's really easy to root for with all he went through to get back into football at UC.

 

[vancelot23]

Oh I agree Pead is a better prospect but the UC homers were all over Gilyard saying we needed him.

 

[kramer1]

Oh I agree Pead is a better prospect but the UC homers were all over Gilyard saying we needed him.

I'd take him over Tate right now.

 

[cincygrad]

I'd take him over Tate right now.

I completely agree..... Then again, I'd take most receivers/returners over Tate right now.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Oh I agree Pead is a better prospect but the UC homers were all over Gilyard saying we needed him.

Point taken. I'm not here to state that at all. I was just stating that if we upgraded the OL and went with a defensive pick early and waited on RB until the 2nd round or 3 round, I wouldn't be upset with the Pead pick.

besides, he has a penchant for sporting the high-top fade. That's got to be worth something, right? House Party, anyone?

 

[cincygrad]

Point taken. I'm not here to state that at all. I was just stating that if we upgraded the OL and went with a defensive pick early and waited on RB until the 2nd round or 3 round, I wouldn't be upset with the Pead pick.

besides, he has a penchant for sporting the high-top fade. That's got to be worth something, right? House Party, anyone?

This is as good a reason as any..... I'd love to see a Kid N Play style touchdown dance. I tried to post the video, but it didn't seem to work.

 

[ckhokie]

Oh I agree Pead is a better prospect but the UC homers were all over Gilyard saying we needed him.

Agreed.

Pead is alright, but we would be better to try to steal him late. He is reasonably the 7th-9th or so best RB in this class

 

[kramer1]

I completely agree..... Then again, I'd take most receivers/returners over Tate right now.

I'd take you over Tate right now.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I'd take you over Tate right now.

Please tell me you mean as a punt returner....and...yeah, well....

 

[Cincyfan78]

On twitter, it says that Pead is catching some looks today. Showing good exceleration and "pull away" speed in 1-1 drills.

Wolfe also impressing, and had a sack fo Russel Wilson.

 

[augustisback003]

Maybe it's the homer in me, so let me get that out of the way right now...but I wouldn't mind seeing Pead in a Bengals uniform.

From what I saw this year, he showed toughness between the tackles, an ability to make the cut-back and make defenders miss, he's got really good explosiveness and agility. His top end speed may not be "break away" speed at the NFL level, but it's good enough to get more than his fair share of long runs. He's got above average hands for a RB.

I think the knocks on him will be some durability questions, blocking (though he did improve on this his senior year) and maybe his continued toughness between the tackles, as UC played in a spread offense, forcing most of his runs off tackle and outside.

I would be ok with any of the backs mentioned above, Wilson, or Miller. But, as I keep saying, the OL has to be a priority. It won't matter who the RB is if this line is not better next year.

Well you have to figure if the Bengals are looking at 2nd Round talent at RB that they probably are planning on spending one of their two 1st Round picks on a quality O-line if one is available. With Running-back, Interior Linemen, Safety and Cornerback all needs and with the Bengals looking at the 2nd tier RB's does this tip the Bengals hand in that they're looking at OL, CB, and Safety in the 1st Round?

 

[Cincyfan78]

They could still sign a F/A and then look to grab another complementary back in the 3rd or 4th round if a guy they really like and grades out well slides down for one reason or another.

But, the glaring needs are pretty evident across the board. F/A will answer some of those ?'s.