-I had the great opportunity to do an interview with one of the most knowledgeable Bengals fans out there. Not only is he a Bengals fan but he is also a main contributor for www.stripehype.com
In this interview I got to talk with Vance Meek (can be followed on Twitter (@vancemeek) and ask him for his thoughts on the Bengals Draft.
Q: The Bengals addressed alot of their needs in the draft selecting a CB in the 1st Round, OG later in the 1st, DT in the 2nd and WR in the 3rd . How do you feel about the Bengals job of addressing their needs, and if they prioritized it in the right way?
VM: Going into the draft, I thought the Bengals absolutely had to address G, CB, WR, and S. Secondary needs were getting some pass rushing help and another RB. They addressed the two biggest needs immediately with their pair of 1st round picks, getting a CB and a G. Then they proceeded to address every other pressing need they had throughout the remainder of the draft. I think they did things in the best order possible, and I don't think I would change much at all.
Q: Of the Bengals 10 Draft Picks. Which is your favorite pick, your least favorite, and the one that surprised you the most?
VM: .It's hard to pick a favorite, they did such a good job. As far as a pick, I would actually say the Zeitler pick simply because we traded back and not only drafted a guy who will immediately start at G, but we also got an extra pick which turned into Brandon Thompson, another great value in the 3rd round. I liked all of the picks, to be honest. There's not really a least favorite. Boom Herron will probably have the hardest time getting on the field, but I don't think he was a bad pick in any way. As far as surprises, I would have to say Orson Charles, just because I wasn't expecting a TE. However, he was an amazing value pick. At one point, he was considered by some to be the best TE in the draft.
Q: The Bengals got plenty of praise for their draft class, how do you feel about the Bengals draft. Despite the season not even starting yet, what would your post draft grade be?
VM: Like pretty much everybody, I loved the job the Bengals did. I think they nailed it in every way. They filled holes with solid players and great value. I've been as hard as anybody on the front office, but they are to be commended for this class. You don't know how things will turn out until the games are played, but at face value, without seeing them play in the NFL, I give the draft an A.
Q: Who do you believe will be the Impact Rookie of their class? Which player do you think will need to develop more before they start producing?
VM: With the youth on this team, all of the draft picks will get a chance to make an impact. I think Zeitler starts from day 1 though, and will make an instant impact. The Bengals want to run the football first and foremost, and struggled last year. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was brought in to carry it, but needs better blocking. Zeitler is a fantastic run blocker from a school who has produced a few good linemen over the years. The Bengals running backs are going to love that pick. Also, don't sleep on Charles at TE. If the Bengals work in some offense like the Patriots use, he's a weapon. Cornerback is a position that often finds players taking a year to become ready at in the NFL. Even guys like Patrick Peterson last year struggled at times as a rookie. Dre Kirkpatrick and Shaun Prater are both very good players, but will need to adjust to this level.
Q: It seems like of all the divisions, the AFC North had the best overall draft haul. What did you think of the Bengals rivals picks, and do you think the Bengals have closed the gap or moved ahead of teams like the Steelers and Ravens?
VM: It seems as though the AFC North did have the best draft as a division. Pittsburgh had one big need, and that was on the offensive line. Ben needed better protection, so they got the highest rated guard in the draft, and a solid tackle in the 2nd round. Then, no surprise, they addressed the defense, getting some good value at both lineback and on the line. The Ravens also did a good job, trading back and still getting a guy they liked in Courtney Upshaw, and also got some guys to try and replace Ben Grubbs at guard. I do think the Bengals potentially closed the gap on the other two teams. The Bengals are a very young team, and should only get better. I think the Bengals are legitimately contenders in the division, and potentially the NFL
Q: Prediction time, in 3 years who will be the best player from this Bengals class and why?
VM: In 3 years, I think several of these guys are going to be big contributors. The safe pick is Zeitler, because, barring injury, he's going to be starting at RG for several years. I think Marvin Jones is going to be a very good WR and could put up some really good numbers if he wins the #2 spot across from AJ Green. The same holds true for Mohamed Sanu if he wins it as well. Green and Jermaine Gresham are going to command extra attention and the #2 guy could find himself with a lot of opportunities.
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