2005 Record: 11-5
Points For: 421
Points Against: 350
Rushing Yards PG: 119.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 115.6
Passing Yards PG: 238.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 223.1
Drafted:
1.24 (24) - Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina  
2.23 (55) - Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU  
3.27 (91) - Frostee Rucker, DE, USC  
4.26 (123) - Domata Peko, DT, Michigan St.   
5.25 (157) - A.J. Nicholson, LB, Florida St.   
6.24 (193) - Reggie McNeal, QB, Texas A&M
7.1 (209) - Ethan Kilmer, DB, Penn State (from Houston) 
7.23 (231) - Bennie Brazell, WR, LSU
Comments:
Joseph has the size, speed, and athleticism to succeed in the NFL.  However, he may be relying too much on his talent and physical skills.  Joseph will need to improve his technique to really do well in the league, but that will inevitably come with experience.  He could push for a starting spot in the defensive backfield and not just as a nickelback.

Whitworth has the desirable long arms for an offensive lineman and is very athletic for his position.  He’s an excellent run blocker and the thing that has me thinking he’ll be pretty good is that he’ll be learning form Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, the incumbents at the line right now.  Whitworth has a good head on his shoulders, so I’m sure any lesson will not be left unlearned.

The Rucker pick could be a very good one for the Bengals.  He’s a high motor guy that can close space in a hurry.  Rucker is effective against the run and can use his speed to his advantage in rushing the passer.  Peko is just a big guy that can collapse and push the pocket to free those behind him to make plays.  Because of his ability to affect the pocket, Peko is a good run defender.

Nicholson might be the best value pick for the Bengals as he has the ability to knock someone out with his hard tackles.  However, Nicholson had some off-the-field issues and his stock inevitably dropped.  He’ll probably be looked on to contribute to special teams at this point until he can get straight.  McNeal probably won’t be a quarterback in the NFL and I would expect he’ll be converted to the wide receiver position.  Kilmer and Brazell will both contribute to special teams if they stick with the team, particularly Kilmer.                                                         
ENDSCORE GRADE: B