Bengals take a pass on Moss -- twice

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Decide defense more crucial now

Sunday, April 19, 1998

BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

After saying last week they would consider drafting star-crossed Marshall wide receiver Randy Moss, the Bengals passed up two chances to draft him in the first round Saturday.

Moss, plagued by off-field problems early in his college career, didn't go until the Minnesota Vikings took him with the 21st pick. "Where would I play him?" asked Bengals coach Bruce Coslet, who already starts two-time Pro Bowler Carl Pickens and freshly-signed $15 million receiver Darnay Scott.

"We'd have to go to a three-receiver offense, so who's the lead blocker for (running back) Corey Dillon? If we took him instead of one of the guys we've got, we're getting a second- or third-round linebacker instead of a first."

There was speculation the Bengals might draft Moss as insurance in case All-Pro wide receiver Carl Pickens leaves after this season -- he becomes a free agent after the Super Bowl.

Coslet said the team never even had to discuss Moss on Saturday because the linebackers the Bengals wanted were available.

But if Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons were gone when the Bengals picked at Nos. 13 and 17, Coslet said Moss' name would have come up. Many believe Moss will be the NFL's next star receiver, despite off-field problems. He was dropped by Notre Dame and Florida State and spent time in jail.

Bengals President and General Manager Mike Brown, who picked two troubled players last year in Dillon and safety Tremain Mack, said the club discussed Moss' problems but decided wide receiver was probably the team's strength.

"He's a splendid talent," Brown said of Moss. "I really do believe he'll be a very good pick for someone. It's been a couple of years since he's been in trouble."

Brown said he got only one offer for a trade before picking Simmons at No. 17, but didn't consider it because it involved a pick for next year's draft, "and we're trying to shore it up for this year."

So instead of drafting Moss, Brown said the Bengals will go to work on a contract extension for Pickens.

Bengals draft for speed
Brown says no Moss
Picks will have to win jobs
Some impact, some insurance

The players
1. Takeo Spikes,
LB, Auburn
1a. Brian Simmons,
LB, N.Carolina
2. Artrell Hawkins,
CB, Cincinnati
3. Steve Foley,
LB, NE Louisiana
3a. Mike Goff,
G, Iowa
4. Glen Steele,
DE, Michigan
6. Jason Tucker,
WR, TCU
7. Marcus Parker,
RB, Va. Tech
7a. Damian Vaughn,
TE, Miami U.

Columns
Sullivan
Daugherty

UC coverage
Five Bearcats drafted
Fabini, Ransom, Monroe taken on second day
Jackson taken by Dolphins