Mock Drafts

[Tubbs1518]

Clements is an above average tackler and above average ball skills. He just doesn't have the speed to be a CB anymore.

 

[DanBengalfan]

So Clements is worthless now?

what?

I'm so confused.

 

[bengaldoug]

This.

What a bunch of homers. Clements isn't better than average at anything he does. Not tackling, not covering, nothing. And that's at his niche position. He isn't a safety, nor will he ever be.

Clements IS an above average tackler, not sure what you are talking about.....would you prefer Crocker have another year at safety?

 

[vancelot23]

Clements was actually known more for his physical style of play, and tackling than he was for his coverage skills.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Clements has registered more than 60+ tackles every year except in 2009, injury, and last year. Twice he has had tackles stats in the 70's, and twice he has registered more than 80 tackles with 82 in 2010 and 99 in 2005.

 

[flamingrey]

Clements IS an above average tackler, not sure what you are talking about.....would you prefer Crocker have another year at safety?

Over Clements? What is this a joke? Of course I'd rather have an actual safety - no matter how bad he is - than try to convert a backup CB to be my starting safety.

If it were that easy for a past-his-prime CB to convert to safety to prolong his career, it would be happening all the time. But it doesn't.

 

[flamingrey]

Clements has registered more than 60+ tackles every year except in 2009, injury, and last year. Twice he has had tackles stats in the 70's, and twice he has registered more than 80 tackles with 82 in 2010 and 99 in 2005.

More than anything else, that means he's giving up way too many receptions to the receivers he's covering. That, and/or players are getting passed the first 2 lines of defense forcing the secondary to make additional tackles. You cannot tell how effective a tackler someone is just by looking at their number of tackles in a season.

Not once watching a game last season did I think, oh good, Clements was there to save the blown tackles by other players. Not once.

Furthermore, Leon Hall is hands down the best secondary tackler on this team. He's probably top 5 in the league at his position. He's never had more than 57. In 2010 in 16 games, he had only 29. The low numbers do not suggest he isn't a good tackler. He's just really good at what he does and keeps his man from getting a reception, and in general, teams throw away from him.

 

[Cincyfan78]

More than anything else, that means he's giving up way too many receptions to the receivers he's covering. That, and/or players are getting passed the first 2 lines of defense forcing the secondary to make additional tackles. You cannot tell how effective a tackler someone is just by looking at their number of tackles in a season.

Not once watching a game last season did I think, oh good, Clements was there to save the blown tackles by other players. Not once.

Furthermore, Leon Hall is hands down the best secondary tackler on this team. He's probably top 5 in the league at his position. He's never had more than 57. In 2010 in 16 games, he had only 29. The low numbers do not suggest he isn't a good tackler. He's just really good at what he does and keeps his man from getting a reception, and in general, teams throw away from him.

Actually, I was just pointing out that he's agressive enough, and a good enough tackler to actually accumulate some stats. A lot of CB's can't tackle worth a darn. At least Clements can make a tackle.

 

[Be Weary of Query]

Nate Clements is as sound a tackler as there is on this team.

I can't predict the future but I would say the odds are in his favor of effectively transitioning to Safety sooner than later.

 

[Cincyfan78]

More than anything else, that means he's giving up way too many receptions to the receivers he's covering. That, and/or players are getting passed the first 2 lines of defense forcing the secondary to make additional tackles. You cannot tell how effective a tackler someone is just by looking at their number of tackles in a season.

Not once watching a game last season did I think, oh good, Clements was there to save the blown tackles by other players. Not once.

Furthermore, Leon Hall is hands down the best secondary tackler on this team. He's probably top 5 in the league at his position. He's never had more than 57. In 2010 in 16 games, he had only 29. The low numbers do not suggest he isn't a good tackler. He's just really good at what he does and keeps his man from getting a reception, and in general, teams throw away from him.

Leon Hall Stats - Cincinnati Bengals - ESPN

Leon hall has had plenty of tackles:

68-75-71-44-32(injury)

His high of 75 was part of a 61-solo tackle season. I'd say that those numbers are pretty good and are on-par with what Clements has done over the years, no?

 

[vancelot23]

Nate Clements is known, and has been for his career, as a great tackler. Every scouting report you can find says: strengths- great tackler.

 

[flamingrey]

As I said in my previous post, just looking at the total number of tackles doesn't indicate effectiveness as a tackler.

That said, I use pro-football-reference for my stats (though the tackles are pretty similar on both sites).

 

[flamingrey]

5 years ago, he was also known as "a great cover corner."

10 years into the league, he's not the same player.

He's an average tackler now. You would never put him on an island like Leon often finds himself.

 

[cincygrad]

Two issues..... 1) he's probably our best corner until Leon is ready to return. 2) He's never been a safety.

I have no idea why people think changing positions is easy. I'd rather just select a rookie or sign someone who doesn't make the cut.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Don't disagree with either point. It was just speculation on my part (and some other) with the Bengals seemingly targeting so many CB's. With a lack of true impact safeties on the market, and in the draft, one might wonder if they were thinking of taking a CB they had/signed and moving them to Safety in a pinch.

Clements, by his skill set, would seem to be the best match for such a move. Not that it's easy, or that he would be an all-pro. But, the guy is a good tackler, has good ball skills, and great awareness. He's also a smart player, and probably could learn the position as well as anyone.

Does that mean it will happen, or I think it will happen? Nope. Just throwing it out there. Could be an instance where on a clear passing down, they could slide one of the CB's with better ball skills to Safety to play a CF type of position. Again, just throwing stuff out there. Who knows.

 

[vancelot23]

Also never said he would easily move to safety. Just speculation. My point is he has always been know as a hard hitter and good tackler. Always.

 

[Tubbs1518]

Jesus Christ, you'd think with the way people are freaking out we were saying he was the next Ed Reed.

 

[flamingrey]

Yeah....5 years ago.

 

[flamingrey]

Is that kind of like people being "whiners" for not agreeing with you?

 

[Cincyfan78]

Jesus Christ, you'd think with the way people are freaking out we were saying he was the next Ed Reed.

Well, I for one think he has a chance to make this move, and have a Ronnie Lott type impact!