Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 6
The Bengals’ draft has historically been among the most entertaining in the league, often leaving pundits shaking their heads and flashing derisive chuckles around the set. With that in mind, Chris Wesseling is thankful that he has been charged with what the Bengals should do as opposed to what they would do (cough, Connor Barwin, cough).
With the sixth pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Bengals (should) select Brian Orakpo DE / Texas.
Conventional wisdom has the Bengals’ most glaring need as offensive tackle, which conveniently ignores the defense’s 30th place finish in sacks last season. As if that wasn’t enough, Michael Oher is a reach at No. 6 and Andre Smith’s trail of red flags leaves him as a less than appetizing candidate for a mega-contract.
For a team that annually gets steamrolled by the more physical Steelers and Ravens, stout defensive tackle B.J. Raji is awfully tempting. The Bengals, however, are solid inside after Pat Sims emerged as a force against the run late in the season. Fellow starter Domata Peko is established as a solid pro, and the team recently inked the reprobate Tank Johnson for depth.
Texas’ Brian Orakpo is the most physically gifted sack-master in the draft and a perfect fit as a 4-3 defensive end. Better yet, he fills a glaring need: Robert Geathers has been exposed as a one-year wonder and Antwan Odom’s ideal position is role player.
If lady luck finally shines on the franchise, the Bungles can snatch up right tackle Phil Loadholt with the 38th pick and local-boy center Eric Wood from legendary Elder High with the 70th pick.
2009 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions (Sparty) - Jason Smith
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan) - Eugene Monroe
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Dude Abides) - Michael Crabtree
4. Seattle Seahawks (LunaticFringe) - Aaron Curry
5. Cleveland Browns (Thomas G.) - Aaron Maybin
6. Cincinnati Bengals (Wesseling) - Brian Orakpo
7. Oakland Raiders (Andrew W.) - On the clock.
Comments
The Connor Barwin comment was obviously facetious, but I'm on record as saying he goes WAY higher than expected come April 26. He's a stud.
FWIW, I remember watching him playing power forward as a true freshman for the Bearcats in 2005-2006. Power forward, tight end, outside linebacker, defensive end -- dude is an athletic renaissance man.
Posted by: Wess | April 14, 2009 11:10 PM
O.K. That's two of my Packer Wish List guys gone (Maybin and Orakpo). That leaves only Raji, who happens to be the number ONE wish.
Posted by: spookley | April 15, 2009 12:27 AM
Hey Mr. Draft Administrator, how did I get screwed out of picking for the Falcons?
I posted dibs damn near immediately. But whatever, it's always good business to alienate one of your charter members. Been reading as long as you've been posting.
And sorry Evan and Wesseling, the blog took a serious nose dive as soon as others started posting.
It's a fundamental tenet of blogging that its YOURS not multiple people. Get these dudes off your space.
Posted by: The Dox | April 15, 2009 08:46 AM
Just a guess but it looked like you posted "dibs" on the original post after there had already been an update post.
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I'll take the falcons if they are still available?
Posted by: Andrew | April 9, 2009 08:43 PM
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Didn't see a Falcons claim in there yet, soo..
DIBS
Falcons. Mine.
Posted by: The Dox | April 9, 2009 10:54 PM
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Posted by: Pudge | April 15, 2009 09:30 AM
OWNED DOX!!!!
Posted by: shortstackofpancakes | April 15, 2009 10:34 AM
ur asking for too much here wess.. two 1st round def picks in a row. not likely with this organization. i see them going OT here. one of our drafts top tackles may slide or they will just pick a.smith and destroy your world again. sadly.
Posted by: scott c | April 15, 2009 12:00 PM
HAHA...@DOX comments... ZING!!
Posted by: scott c | April 15, 2009 12:02 PM