Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team’s draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.
Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft war room
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Offensive scheme: The Bengals have one of the league's biggest offensive lines and like to use it in their power running game. The team got away from that philosophy some in 2010, and the offense struggled. Play-action is one of the key components of the Cincinnati offense, which should suit new quarterback Andy Dalton nicely. The team's new West Coast philosophy should also suit his skills. The system is based on timing and accuracy, which are Dalton's strong points.
Defensive scheme: Defensively, Cincinnati has built its defense to handle the run-heavy AFC North. Running out of a 4-3 scheme, coordinator Mike Zimmer likes big ends and gap-penetrating tackles up front. The linebackers for the Bengals are active and athletic. The Bengals have been able to rely on cornerbacks Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph to man up on the outside.
Thoughts: The Bengals have shown plenty of times in the past that they don't mind taking a chance on players with character and work ethic issues. Although that philosophy was tempered some in the 2011 NFL Draft, the reputation is justifiable. Cincinnati has one of the smaller front offices in the NFL and relies on its assistant coach to do a good deal of evaluation. Owner Mike Brown is also involved in the football decision making, for good or bad.
The Bengals rarely make moves to add picks or move up in the draft. The last “big” move the team made was in 2004 trading with St. Louis, which drafted Steven Jackson.
Five-year record: 33-46-1
Coach: Marvin Lewis
Recent draft history: Click here to see the complete draft history
Best pick: Carlos Dunlap
Worst pick: Andre Smith
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