Bengals Add Top-Line Talent to Lines

Who moved to the head of the NFL class during the draft? Find out with FanHouse's team-by-team 2009 Draft Grades.

All joking about character risks aside, the Cincinnati Bengals needed to have a good draft. They've had some misses -- through bad scouting and bad luck -- with top picks in recent years, and they had to hit on their top pick this year. You can take as many shots as you want at his weight and conditioning, but when you watch a tape, there is no question the Bengals' first-round pick can play football.

Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith didn't impress at the combine, and he failed to bring the "wow" factor to his individual workouts. That said, he can play football. He's a superb blocker, protects the passer well and should be a presence on the Bengals' line for many years.

Unless, of course, concerns about Smith's character and weight come to fruition. It's a high-risk, high-reward kind of pick.

The Bengals took less of a chance in the third round, burning the 70th-overall pick on Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson. While Johnson has impressed everyone with his measurables and athleticism, he also hurt his stock with an effort that was, at times, inconsistent. Using a third-round pick on such a player is hardly a big deal, but this could be a major coup for Cincinnati if it pans out. Johnson has elite pass-rushing skills and a huge body. It's just a matter of him putting it all together.

Draft picks

1 (6) Smith, OT, Alabama
2 (38) Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
3 (70) Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
3 (98) Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
4 (106) Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
5 (142) Kevin Huber, P, Cincinnati
6 (179) Morgan Trent, CB, Michigan
6 (209) Bernard Scott, RB, Abilene Christian
7 (215) Taufui Vakapuna, RB, BYU
7 (249) Clinton McDonald, DT, Memphis
7 (252) Freddie Brown, WR, Utah

GRADE: C. If Smith works out, the team did address a need along the offensive line, and Maualuga could be a nice value in the second round. After all, he was a guy thought by most to be a solid first-round pick. However, Coffman was the only pass-catching addition when the Bengals needed help. Even though I like Brown, he's more of a long-term prospect, and can't be expected to play a significant role this season.

Scott's situation has already been discussed, but it's worth noting that - like many high-risk players this franchise has drafted over the years - he could be a really good pickup if his head is screwed on straight.

Huber has a big leg, and Trent should be a solid player.

All in all, it was an okay draft for the Bengals. They addressed a significant need on the offensive line in Smith, grabbed defensive prospects that were probably too good to ignore in Maualuga and Johnson, but did not address their miniscule depth at wide receiver.