Mr. Fantasy
02-06-2005, 11:21 AM
Better option than Vinny or Bledsoe...
Trading Kitna is a good idea
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
The question comes fresh out of the skillet on the NFL's hot stove: Will the Bengals consider trading quarterback Jon Kitna during or before the April 23-24 draft?
Yes. Of course. Absolutely.
Here's why: Although Kitna offers stability with his veteran leadership, the Bengals would love the chance to add a pick in the draft's top three rounds. They could do it by swapping Kitna or trading down from the 17th spot.
That way, they can address their biggest needs — defensive line, wide receiver, strong safety and center — with four picks on the draft's first day.
"You're talking about things way on down the line," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "It would have to be something that's good for us. As you saw (in season-ending wins over the Giants and Eagles), we are in pretty good shape (at the No. 2 QB spot) in comparison with some other teams."
Money isn't an issue. Kitna is due to make $1 million in base salary in 2005, a reasonable price for a veteran backup. And the Bengals would be forced to acquire a new backup if they traded Kitna, because Casey Bramlet isn't ready for that role.
Even if Kitna is worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick, the Bengals should jump at the chance to trade him. By giving him the opportunity to start elsewhere, and getting an extra draft pick, they'd be helping Kitna and themselves.
"If there was a situation out there that was going to make this team better by trading me away, that would be wonderful," Kitna said. "I would love a chance to go play and be a starter somewhere. That's my desire. But that's not up to me.
"There are a lot of positives about Cincinnati. I don't mind being here. I will continue to openly accept whatever role I'm given in this league and in my life."
The hard truth
The Bengals won't end a 14-year playoff drought until the 26th-ranked run defense improves and a dominant pass-rusher emerges. More beef is needed in the middle of the defensive line to stuff the run, and more consistent pressure on the quarterback must be generated off the edge.
Adding a tackle and end in free agency and the draft are moves that must be made. LSU's Marcus Spears (6-4, 295), who has the versatility to play tackle and end, would be an ideal fit. He was a Tiger in college and could be a Bengal in the pros.
The only positions to rule out for the Bengals in the draft's first round are quarterback (Carson Palmer) and cornerback (Tory James and Deltha O'Neal are solid starters, and Keiwan Ratliff is physical with good ball skills.
'Tomorrow' duet
A commercial that includes Lewis and wide receiver Chad Johnson singing Tomorrow from the Broadway musical Annie will air at halftime of FOX's Super Bowl broadcast today.
The 60-second spot for the NFL Network features players and coaches from around the league disappointed that they are not in Super Bowl XXXIX. They take consolation that on Monday all teams are undefeated and dreaming of Super Bowl XL in Detroit.
Quick-hitters
•Question: Who did the Bengals obtain by trading tailback Corey Dillon to the Patriots? Answer: Free safety Madieu Williams (56th overall pick, Round 2 of 2004 draft).
In 16 games with 13 starts, Williams finished fourth on the team in tackles with 95 (71 solos). He had three interceptions, including a 51-yard TD, two sacks, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
•Palmer, who missed the last three games with a sprained left knee suffered at New England on Dec. 12, has been given medical clearance to begin running. He plans to be ready when offseason workouts begin on April 3.
Trading Kitna is a good idea
By Chick Ludwig
Dayton Daily News
The question comes fresh out of the skillet on the NFL's hot stove: Will the Bengals consider trading quarterback Jon Kitna during or before the April 23-24 draft?
Yes. Of course. Absolutely.
Here's why: Although Kitna offers stability with his veteran leadership, the Bengals would love the chance to add a pick in the draft's top three rounds. They could do it by swapping Kitna or trading down from the 17th spot.
That way, they can address their biggest needs — defensive line, wide receiver, strong safety and center — with four picks on the draft's first day.
"You're talking about things way on down the line," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "It would have to be something that's good for us. As you saw (in season-ending wins over the Giants and Eagles), we are in pretty good shape (at the No. 2 QB spot) in comparison with some other teams."
Money isn't an issue. Kitna is due to make $1 million in base salary in 2005, a reasonable price for a veteran backup. And the Bengals would be forced to acquire a new backup if they traded Kitna, because Casey Bramlet isn't ready for that role.
Even if Kitna is worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick, the Bengals should jump at the chance to trade him. By giving him the opportunity to start elsewhere, and getting an extra draft pick, they'd be helping Kitna and themselves.
"If there was a situation out there that was going to make this team better by trading me away, that would be wonderful," Kitna said. "I would love a chance to go play and be a starter somewhere. That's my desire. But that's not up to me.
"There are a lot of positives about Cincinnati. I don't mind being here. I will continue to openly accept whatever role I'm given in this league and in my life."
The hard truth
The Bengals won't end a 14-year playoff drought until the 26th-ranked run defense improves and a dominant pass-rusher emerges. More beef is needed in the middle of the defensive line to stuff the run, and more consistent pressure on the quarterback must be generated off the edge.
Adding a tackle and end in free agency and the draft are moves that must be made. LSU's Marcus Spears (6-4, 295), who has the versatility to play tackle and end, would be an ideal fit. He was a Tiger in college and could be a Bengal in the pros.
The only positions to rule out for the Bengals in the draft's first round are quarterback (Carson Palmer) and cornerback (Tory James and Deltha O'Neal are solid starters, and Keiwan Ratliff is physical with good ball skills.
'Tomorrow' duet
A commercial that includes Lewis and wide receiver Chad Johnson singing Tomorrow from the Broadway musical Annie will air at halftime of FOX's Super Bowl broadcast today.
The 60-second spot for the NFL Network features players and coaches from around the league disappointed that they are not in Super Bowl XXXIX. They take consolation that on Monday all teams are undefeated and dreaming of Super Bowl XL in Detroit.
Quick-hitters
•Question: Who did the Bengals obtain by trading tailback Corey Dillon to the Patriots? Answer: Free safety Madieu Williams (56th overall pick, Round 2 of 2004 draft).
In 16 games with 13 starts, Williams finished fourth on the team in tackles with 95 (71 solos). He had three interceptions, including a 51-yard TD, two sacks, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
•Palmer, who missed the last three games with a sprained left knee suffered at New England on Dec. 12, has been given medical clearance to begin running. He plans to be ready when offseason workouts begin on April 3.