Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:00 pm EDT
I
want to be careful about this, because I don't want to paint the individuals
listed below as bad people, because I certainly don't think that's true.
Everyone's got their flaws, and the fact that these guys have overcome them to
accomplish as much as they have in football says a lot of them, too.
But from the standpoint of the Cincinnati Bengals, with all the issues with character that they've had on their football team ... wouldn't you like to see more quotes in here like, "great motor, loves playing football, works hard on and off the field, never takes a play off, a tremendous natural leader, and stays out of trouble off the field"?
Instead, here's what they have so far:
1st round: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
National Football Post: "Maturity is a concern, showed up at the NFL Combine overweight and left without warning; there are big red flags in that area." Pro Football Weekly: "Too soft-bodied and soft-minded. Does not play hard every down and effort is too inconsistent. Makes little effort after the initial block and too often gives up after taking one shot. Does not like to work and relies too much on his natural ability. Loves to eat, and his weight has fluctuated throughout his career. Lacks discipline and does not play smart." ... "Has not proven he can handle the trappings of success. Very immature. Questionable character. Turned off teams in interviews at the Combine with his lack of energy and soft temperament." ESPN: "We also have questions about whether the Bengals' locker room is a good fit for Smith -- a team with more leadership would have probably been a better fit."
2nd round: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
Wikipedia: "Off the field his career started with occasional spirited and reckless partying that led to an October 2005 incident where he got into a fight at a Halloween party and was arrested for misdemeanor battery. He agreed in an arraignment diversion program that included counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and community service resulting in the charges being dismissed."
3rd round: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech:
National Football Post: "His production has never come close to matching his amazing athletic skill set. Takes too many plays off and lacks power and strength in his lower half." Pro Football Weekly: "Does not show a desire to play the run and can be blown off the line. Packed it in against better competition. Not a finisher." ESPN: "More importantly, there are concerns about his work ethic and dedication to improving his game." ... "There are some that question his physical and mental toughness."
And again, I stress, I'm not saying these are bad people. I'd invite any of them over for Christmas dinner, and if you only listed the negative qualities about anyone, you could paint a bleak picture of them. Obviously, they're all very talented, too.
My point is about the Cincinnati Bengals, the character problems that have plagued the team, and how they might occasionally want to think about that during the NFL draft.
Shutdown Corner is an NFL blog edited by Matthew J. Darnell. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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268 Comments
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You could read 15 different sources and get 15 different summaries about the same player.
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I note that we're told about Mauluga's "incident", but not what actually happened ... am I to infer that he's a thug with an alcohol problem or something? Is there some particular reason we're not being told what really happened, like maybe he wouldn't look so bad if the whole story was told?
Honestly, sometimes I think sportswriters are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to journalism.
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The Bad: Lacks an explosive first step off the edge and will never be a sack artist at the next level. Lacks any kind of pass rush variety and is simply a push/pull type of rusher. Doesn’t display much closing speed when he disengage
Negatives: Motor runs hot and cold. Instincts are off and does not always find the ball or shed quickly enough to make plays. Lacks explosion and is by no means an upfield, speed rusher off the edge. Struggles to recover when out of position or off balance. Finishing ability leaves something to be desired. Was used primarily to occupy blocks and did not make an abundance of plays. Played on one of the most talented defensive lines in college football, and action was funneled to him. Legs appear thin and needs to spend more time in the weight room and get stronger.
This is the scouting report of Tyson Jackson, taken 3rd overall by Kansas City. Is it much different than that of Michael Johnson, who was taken in the 3rd Round?
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Look at the character of the guy running the organization and you will see quickly why our team makes these picks.
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Watch this season maybe the Bengals will suprise
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