With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why. Well, it has been a very interesting offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has had to deal with Chad Johnson's nonsense, they've cut Chris Henry after an arrest for assault and last night, word came out that Domata Peko and Chris Perry were involved in trashing a nightclub. Needless to say, Cincy needs something to feel good about right now.
Sedrick Ellis is a guy they can feel good about. He's one of those rare guys that is a playmaker at the defensive tackle spot. He's also a prime guy to play the nose guard position if Cincinnati does decide to transition to a 3-4 defense.
Ellis brings something that the Bengals don't have ... a pass rushing defensive tackle. This alone will help the entire defense so much. Sure, the defense isn't very good, but they are talented and very, very young. Adding a guy who can get pressure up the middle helps the coverage teams and makes the secondaries job so much easier (the Bengals were starting three rookies and a 2nd-year guy in the secondary at the end of last year).
He's also, by all accounts, a good guy who works hard and has leadership skills. Hmmm. That may be a need in the Bengals locker room right about now. Cincinnati already added Antwan Odom in free agency after losing Justin Smith at the defensive end spot. Adding Ellis gives the Bengals a defensive line that may actually sniff the quarterback once in a while.
Cincinnati certainly has some other needs to address. The linebacking corps is very questionable, but they could get Odell Thurman back at some point. They need to look at offensive tackle because the once durable Willie Anderson is showing signs of age and Levi Jones can't stay healthy. Adding another running back would be nice. Oh, and the receiver spot really, really, really needs a look-see ... probably in the 2nd round.
The Skinny:
Team Needs: DT, LB, WR, RB, OT, C
Player Selected: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Also Considered: Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt; Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Previous Pick: No. 8, Matt Ryan, Ravens
Next Pick: No. 10, New Orleans Saints
