The Bengals were widely expected to take a defensive lineman in Round One, but when the Saints traded up to No. 7 for USC DT Sedrick Ellis and the Jaguars moved into the No. 8 pick to select Florida DE Derrick Harvey, the team turned its attention to USC LB Keith Rivers. Far and away the top prospect at his position, Rivers is likely to start immediately, perhaps in the middle, with massive Ahmad Brooks moving to the strong side. Rivers has exceptional speed, strength and instincts, and he is of strong character. He has the natural ability and football intelligence needed to make a swift transition to the professional game. The Bengals are hoping he can have the impact MLB Odell Thurman had on the defense three seasons ago. The Bengals followed the Rivers pick with the selection of Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson, a player who turned heads with his play at the East-West Shrine game. Simpson could become a key part of the Bengals’ passing game in short order. He has excellent hands and ball skills and a burning desire to improve. But he could stand to get stronger, and he must become a better route runner. Florida’s Andre Caldwell is a little faster than Simpson but doesn’t have his ball skills. Caldwell’s greatest value in Year One could come on special teams; the Bengals have been looking for a playmaking returner. They also were looking to bolster their overall WR depth: Chad Johnson wants to be traded, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the final year of his contract. In between the selections of Simpson and Caldwell, the Bengals selected Auburn DT Pat Sims. Sims has better quickness and pass-rush ability than you might expect out of a 310-pound man. The knocks on Sims are about his physique and lack of strength and conditioning. Also, a good deal of his production came when he was unblocked. Kansas OT Anthony Collins needs work on his technique but has the natural ability needed to eventually become a starter. For now, he’ll settle into a reserve role. In something of a surprise, the Bengals — who avoided character risks in the ’07 draft after the infamous Thurman and Chris Henry picks two years earlier — took a flier on Fresno State NT Jason Shirley in Round Five. Shirley is big and quick, but he doesn’t often play to his ability, and his senior season was marked by off-the-field issues. Appalachian State’s Corey Lynch, who might be remembered best for blocking Michigan’s game-winning FG attempt to clinch the Mountaineers’ historic upset, will try to make it as a backup safety and a special-teams coverage player. Villanova’s Matt Sherry will compete to be the Bengals’ third tight end. Cincinnati DE Angelo Craig has some pass-rush ability but followed up an impressive Hula Bowl performance with a disappointing Combine after bulking up too much. Louisville WR Mario Urrutia is a big possession receiver who lacks speed.
