Draft Analysis: Cincinnati Bengals
Posted: Thursday June 11, 1998 05:20 PM
Takeo
Spikes 1st round, 13th overall
Linebacker, Auburn
Comments: Will step into one of the right inside linebacker
spots an provide an immediate impact to their poor run defense. Spikes is a
big-time hitter and solid wrap-up tackler. Immediate upgrade to suspect
defense. Brian
Simmons 1st round, 17th overall
Linebacker, North
Carolina
Comments: Will start at the left inside
linebacker spot on the strong side. Could project at one of the outside
linebacker spots in the future. Complete linebacker who can play the run or
pass. Brings a lot of athletic ability to the table. Artrell
Hawkins 2nd round, 43rd overall
Cornerback,
Cincinnati
Comments: Should add depth to the cornerback
spot. Will compete for starting spot at right cornerback opposite of Ashley Ambrose -- good
cover skills. Steve
Foley 3rd round, 75th overall
Linebacker, Northeast
Louisiana
Comments: Was a defensive end in college but
will be an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Has excellent pass-rush
skills, and could pass up last years first-round project Reinard Wilson and start
as a rookie. Mike Goff
3rd round, 78th overall
Guard, Iowa
Comments: Many projected him to go higher in draft. He is a good
football player and combines size, strength and toughness with good short
area lock-on skills ... very physical inside player who isnt real pretty
in his techniques but he gets the job done ... he will start as a backup
guard but could quickly challenge for starting position ... a player that
grows on you. Glen
Steele 4th round, 105th overall
Defensive end,
Michigan
Comments: Consummate overachiever who may have to
play early with the Achilles injury to John Copeland. Will compete
with Ray Seals to start for
injured Copeland at right defensive end. Jason
Tucker 6th round, 167th overall
Receiver, TCU
Comments: Did not play in 1997 because of suspension from
team for off-field problems. The Bengal front office is obviously
comfortable with their background research ... when he does play, he is a
big and talented receiver with good speed ... he also has some quickness
and can separate in coverage ... he will probably need some time to adjust
after a year off, but if he gets his act together, he could be a nice
sleeper pick and make this team. Marcus
Parker 7th round, 202nd overall
Fullback, Virginia
Tech
Comments: Has a chance to make the team as a backup
fullback because of lack of depth ... listed as fullback but has actually
played more like a running back in college ... not a great blocker and more
of a runner ... will need to improve in blocking area and have a good
training camp. Damian Vaughn 7th round, 222nd
overall
Tight end, Miami of Ohio
Comments: Will
compete for the No. 3 tight end spot but could be a long shot on making
this team, although he should at least be targeted for the practice squad
... good workout guy that also has some long-snapping ability ... more of a
movement-type tight end and catches the ball pretty well ... could fill an
halfback/nickel tight end type role ... Bengals like this pick as a
developmental-type player.
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