The Cincinnati Bengals are in a very unique position entering the 2011 NFL draft. They have a former No. 1 overall pick on the team -- QB Carson Palmer -- but he has threatened to retire if the team doesn't release or trade him. Most NFL folks think he's serious about that but the Bengals reportedly aren't yet convinced.
NFL Draft 2011: Bengals Working Out Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton This Week
If Palmer is serious about it though the Bengals will need to select a signal-caller in the NFL draft next week. It’s possible they’ll be looking at QB Blaine Gabbert with the fourth overall pick. If they don’t go that route, then guys like QB Christian Ponder and QB Andy Dalton will come into play in the second round.
With some last minute preparation, the Bengals will be working out both Ponder and Dalton this week. NFL teams can’t bring players in for visits anymore -- the deadline was Wednesday night -- so they’ll travel to Texas to work them out.
Ponder is gaining some buzz as a possible late first round pick so it’s possible he’s not around when the Bengals pick in the second round. Meanwhile Cincy has been connected to Dalton often and he’s expected to draw serious interest from them. (Of course, the interest in Dalton is all based on whether the Bengals are afraid of his red hair or not.)
The Bengals have been doing their due diligence on quarterbacks -- both at the top of the first round and the second round. The Palmer situation is a fluid one although it’s looking like he simply won’t play for the Bengals this year.
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