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In March 2006, the linebacker position was the strongest and deepest on the Cincinnati Bengals ' defense. Of their three starters, two (David Pollack and Brian Simmons) were first-round selections, while the other (Odell Thurman) was a runner-up for defensive rookie of the year in 2004. Only a year later, what was once the pride of the defense has arguably become the weakest link on the entire team. What a difference a year makes.
Thurman was suspended prior to the '06 opener, and the only people who know if he'll play for the Bengals again are he and Marvin Lewis. Even if Thurman does return, he is a mere jaywalking citation away from helping Stanley Wilson bag groceries. Besides, how can the 23-year-old be counted on to lead a defense when he can't lead himself down a trouble-free path? Pollack, meanwhile, suffered a career-threatening neck injury in the first game of the season. Though the surgery on his neck went well, it's still uncertain whether he'll ever be able to play again. If Pollack does make it back, the odds of him performing at the same level are slim. We're talking about a serious neck injury to someone who plays one of the most bone-jarringly brutal positions in all of football. Then there's Simmons. After dealing with his own injury issues throughout 2006, the veteran linebacker was unceremoniously released last week, and the Bengals have yet to make a move to replace him. Perhaps they feel that their current crop of players are good enough to step in next season, but as was mentioned above, neither Thurman nor Pollack should be expected to shoulder a load for a defense that struggled all last year. That leaves the Bengals with several players set to fill the void. Just for argument's sake, let's break them down and give these players a letter grade to see where the Bengals stand. Ahmad Brooks Brooks has all the talent you could ask for and has shown flashes of greatness during his time in orange and black stripes. His 11 tackles and a pass defensed against Tampa Bay last season impressed everyone in Bengaldom; however, he regressed after that and was eventually benched. Brooks, a third-round pick in last summer's supplemental draft, is undisciplined and some scouts say he lacks the desire to realize his potential. As the saying goes, only time will tell. If Brooks dedicates himself to film study and developing his immense talent, the former Virginia Cavalier could turn out to be one of the best linebackers in the league. Then again, he could be just another Steve Tovar. Grade: Somewhere between a C-plus and an A. Landon Johnson A player who is about as solid as they come, Johnson excels at chasing down ball carriers and making tackles, but that's about it. In three seasons he has recorded 285 tackles, but in that time he has just 2½ sacks, only one interception, and a mere eight passes defended. He's played in all 48 games in his career and is the likely choice to replace Simmons, yet the Bengals only tendered Johnson as draft-pick (third round) compensation in the restricted free-agent market. That kind of tips you off that they feel he's not a long-term answer. Grade: B-minus Caleb Miller Another linebacker tendered as draft-pick (third round) compensation, he is little more than depth chart fodder who can occasionally step in and make a few tackles. Miller is not particularly fast, and he rarely makes any sort of play in pass coverage. His stats for 2006? Ninety-nine tackles, one sack, no picks and three passes defensed. He's also been injury plagued throughout his career. Grade: C-plus Rashad Jeanty Jeanty, an undrafted free agent the Bengals signed from the Canadian Football League, is a converted defensive end and is still learning his position. He plays with maximum effort at all times and is a decent strongside linebacker. With a bit of polish and experience, his grade could be higher. Grade: C-plus AJ Nicholson Did not play a snap for the Bengals in 2006. Grade: Undetermined. As you can see, the Bengals are in need of a linebacker who can do more than provide them with depth. They need someone who can step into the starting lineup in training camp and contribute to the defense. With the free agency market as crazy as it is, they should look to the draft to find someone who fits their needs. Patrick Willis is that player.
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