For 30 years I've been a Bengal fan.  Put up with a lot.  But picking a tackle at No. 10, when you could have traded down and still got him, makes no sense too me.  The Bengals don't need a QB!  The Bengals don't need a CB!  WHAT THE BENGALS NEED IS A NEW OWNER!  What a fool Mike Brown is.  So many great guys to pick from!  Don't want to trade down, because I'll have to shell out some of the money he's stolen from the Bengal fans over the years! It makes me sick.
-- Sam in New York

        Did we need an offensive lineman? YES. Was Levi the best one available? YES. Isn't this league loaded with tall receivers that can play keep away with 5'9" corners? YES. Didn't we just spend a ton of money singing Hawkins and Burris? YES. Am I an insane Bengals fan who thought Bruce Coslet could run the team? No comment.
-- L.C. in Cincinnati

        If you look the past 10 years, a lot of the so called experts gave the Bengals B and B+ on draft days, and the most of the players never started or were unremarkable. Only time will tell. But I do feel it is a safe pick, and your lines are the foundation of your team, no one can argue with that. How often have you seen a team that had a great offensive line and a great defensive line not make the playoffs?
-- John in Columbus

        Although I thouroughly hate Mike Brown, more than my love of the team, I woke up this morning with a raging headache (no doubt from draft aneurism) and I realized the point of his pick. We better shore up a good offensive line now, because he is gonna pick Gino Guidugli in 3 years and THEN we'll go to the Super Bowl. Or win 7 games.
  -- Disher in Virginia Beach, Va.

        It's just not worth it. Charlie (Mike) Brown is the laughingstock of the NFL. I gave up on this franchise 5 years ago and my Sundays are that much better!
-- Michael in Cincinnati

        As an outside observer, in Boston, I find the Bengals situation fascinating. They could have had Drew Bledsoe for that 10th pick and he really does seem like the missing link. He would be perfect in Cincinnati.  OL is always a safe move, but why not trade down? By the way New England, really needs a LB and Spikes for Bledsoe might make sense for both teams.
--Rob in Boston

        I have followed the Bengals for 20 years.  I feel I have a high level of knowledge from a spectator standpoint, but don't claim to have any skill at talent evaluation.  Levi Jones may turn out to be an outstanding tackle for many years to come.  I hope he is.  And I do know enough to know how important that position is in the NFL.  It certainly seems that they could have traded down, gotten an extra pick, and still gotten Jones.  Then when I heard they traded two picks to get one later to draft a tight end in the third round, that just topped it off.  All in all, it seems to be a pretty poor effort. 
  -- Robert in Columbus

        I believe the Bengals did very well in the draft. I get tired of the guys on TV saying trade this, or trade that, and get extra picks.  Levi Jones was a good solid pick, and he was next best tackle to chose from.    Lamont Thompson is a big strong safety that can make plays. Schobel is a tight end with size, and he can also hold on kicks. Maybe that could be a blessing in disguise.    To finish, I was glad to see Joey Harrington go before the Bengals selected, just to make sure the temptation to take him wouldn't be there.  In all honesty, I was hoping the Bengals would select Phillip Buchanan, but if Burris and Hawkins do the job, he would be sitting. The reserve corners are adequate, and a Levi Jones is probably more of a need than a corner.
-- Lee in Hagerstown, Md.

        I would grade out the Bengals at a "J". They "Just" don't get it! Or perhaps a "L". The "Laughingstock" of all profesional franchises! This is coming from a Cowboy fan who would like nothing more than to be able root for his hometown team. The Bengals brass wants to bolster their offense? Why did everybody in America have them going after Jeremy Shockey then? Hmmmmmm, let me see he scores points and makes first downs while Levi sits and watches an all pro left tackle for a year or two? Go figure.
-- J.B. in Cincinnati

        This pick tells me Mike Brown stopped and looked back at what got us to the Super Bowl. This is a great pick. We will dominate the line, just like the good old days. With Willy and Levi, Dillion will rush for 1,500 to 2,000 yards. Yes, they could have traded down probably, but still mark my words this is a smart and comfortable pick for the Bengals. Whine all you want about the big stars, but the o-line make and breaks you. And if you don't like it, go cheer for the Browns. See you in the playoffs.
-- Robert in New Concord, Ohio 

        I was surprised with the first pick of Jones. However, we have to have a great line to protect Dillon, our best offensive player. Maybe we could have traded down and still picked him.
-- Parker in Cleveland  

        I have felt for some time that the Bengals have not paid nearly enough attention to the OL when it comes to draft time. Maybe Jones is not a No. 10 pick, but it makes sense to me to draft one with Jones' tools given the age of Webb and Jackson. I remember well the hype heaped on loads of players by Kiper and his merry gang that were clear busts, lets examine his record a little closer before rating this draft as a mistake. High profile guys like Buchanon are not always the answer. I trust LeBeau's judgement more than some guys who have never played. Kiper and the gang can say whatever they want and no one remembers or calls on them to make an accounting for their gross misjudgements.
-- Jim in Ashland, Ky. 

        I'm furious. Sure, I understand that tackle is a growing need due to the ages of Webb and Jackson, but everyone agrees that under Coach Lebeau, this team is only a consistent quarterback and shutdown cornerback away from contending for the playoffs. What Mike Brown has done proves two sad facts:

        1. For reasons I can only guess, Bengals management isn't serious about contending now. Instead, they will forever be looking at the long-term picture, which will always end in frustrated mediocrity.

        2. Bengals management is completely outmanned by every other team in the league. From questionable scouting by an undersized department to a pathetic lack of savvy on draft day, Brown ensures that this team will continue be a source of frustration and embarrassment to its fans on and off the field. See: the still-employed Neil Rackers.

        In my mind, here's what we "accomplished" yesterday: 1. Chose a walk-on as the tackle of the future rather than a known Pro-Bowl and Super Bowl alum as the QB of today. Failed to address more pressing needs at conernback. Also outbid ourselves by not trading down to pick Jones.

        2. Selected a soft-tackling "good guy" at safety with a history of neck problems (bet the scouts didn't even know about that one)

        3. Had to TRADE UP (I'm in tears now) to salvage any TE in the top-five. The good news is that we didn't need that fifth rounder this year (and the salary outlay) because we were only one long-term left tackle away from winning it all and we had already fixed that.
-- Dave in Brunswick, Ohio

        Listen people, ESPN doesn't know everything. They aren't there at the practice field, they aren't there in player interviews and workouts all the time, and they aren't at Coach LeBeau's side on Sunday afternoon! They don't know what the Bengals need! The Bengals, and many others around the league (including Mel Kiper), had Jones ranked right up there with the other two tackles. The Giants' scouting dept. had Jones as the best left tackle - period! Why would we trade with them if they wanted Levi Jones? I've been through too many Dan Wilkinson's and Ki-Jana Carter's to have the Bengals again listen to the so-called experts' "can't misses!" I think the Bengals have, too! LeBeau hasn't let us down, yet, he didn't on Saturday either. Wait and see!!
-- Dan in Cincinnati

        Buchanon would have made a difference on a improving defense, but we decided to take a tackle that was projected as a 17th pick, with our 10th pick? Why not trade down and receive another later round draft pick and still get this tackle? Then we turn around and give a 3rd and 5th round pick for a tight end? This is why we get laughed at. Now let's sign the draft picks before the season starts, and try to get Drew Bledsoe. We're a QB away from a good season. If we cant get Bledsoe, bring Boomer back. Just win, Baby!
-- Robbie in Newark, Ohio

        I think it was a good pick. I was surprised, but I really didn't like last year's pick in Justin Smith. Turns out they were right and I was wrong so I think we should trust them on this one. If he is as good as they obviously think he is, then we should have a better team next year and down the road.
-- Tony in Cincinnati

        As a former Cincinnati resident and Cleveland Browns fan, I'd like to thank Mike Brown for assuring me that the "team from up north" will continue to finish above the Bengals in the AFC North. Jones at 10?  OUCH!  What an awful draft strategy!  I feel sorry for the few, remaining Bengals fans that have to watch Brown run his franchise into the ground.  The entire organization is a disaster!
-- Brian in Akron

        With few exceptions over the past dozen years, the Bengals have fared better in the second round than in the first. This year, they appear to have selected two second-rounders with first and second round picks. This makes sense. Perhaps they've gained two solid players while sparing us another season of those low-down, first-round, boon-turned-bust blues.
-- Everett in Mt. Jackson, Va.

        I must admit that I was frustrated with the pick at first. Then after cooling off and looking at the Bengals situation as a whole (unlike Mel Kiper and others), each pick made sense. Think about it, after quarterback the next important position is offensive line- they dictate everything. Jones is a beast and he has the intangible that Justin Smith has - Fire! Look at the caliber of player the Bengals drafted - Tough, smart, humble and for goodness sakes few if no off-field problems. Since LeBeau has become coach, our picks have been hard-nosed competitors, not some hyped-up prima donnas (Carl Pickens). We have a great talent at safety, a huge tight-end who can run and a monstrous run-blocker. Not bad for a day's work. Listen, I've got my gripes about Mike Brown, but a short cornerback and a non-physical tight-end aren't my ideas as "locks" for success in the NFL. But what do I know, I'm just a guy who gets up every morning and prays that my hair only looked half as thick as Kiper's. GO BENGALS!!!!
-- Wes in Columbus

        Wow!
-- Will in Winston-Salem, N.C.

        The Bengals should have traded with the Giants at 15 and got the extra 2nd rounder and still have gotten Levi. There was no way that he was not going to be there. That is the difference between teams like Dallas and Cincinnati. They would have traded down and still got the guy they wanted.
-- NJ Bengal

        The Bengals needed 3 players to help this team and should have traded down the 10th pick and would still gotten the player they picked, plus an another later round pick. All month they said they needed a quarterback, a tight end, and a cornerback; well, they had a chance at a better cornerback and tight end than what they picked in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. This team needs Drew Bledsoe to have any chance this year. Give New England what they want.
--Dave in Newark, Ohio

        I'm not delusional or anything but I think Mike Brown respects Dick LeBeau's opinion when it comes to talent.  I believe last year's first round pick, Justin Smith, can be directly attributed to Dick LeBeau's nose for toughness as well as Mr Brown's willingness to let him call the shots on draft day.  This pick is no different. It's LeBeau's, so I trust and fully back the pick. I just wish Drew Bledsoe would come to Ohio. Then we'd be in the Super Bowl next year instead of 2006.
--Larry in Dayton

        Unbelievable.  Phiip Buchanon is there and they "reach" for Levi Jones. Buchanon or Haynesworth would have been value picks and also filled needs. Jeremy Shockey would have also been a good selection.  But instead, the Bengals insist on once again being the laughingstock of the whole NFL.
--The Beaner

        Can you believe this?  Mike Brown could quite possibly be the dumbest owner of a sports franchise in the history of professional sports.  It is too bad that us 'true Bengals fans' can't find a way to boot him out and bring in new ownership.  Once again he dazzles us with his stupidity by selecting a backup offensive tackle with his first round pick while glaring needs remain in the secondary and at the quarterback position.  Unbelievable.
--Alex

        Does anybody ever review the picks the so-called "experts" make? Didn't Mel Kiper and all the "experts" have Dan Wilkinson, Ki-jana Carter and Akili Smith as selections the Bengals should take? I would like to see their can't miss picks a year or two down the road. When will the "experts" learn that the game is won on the line of scrimmage. Guys who are 210 Lbs and run a 4.4 40 are a dime a dozen. Big Fat Guys that can move are hard to come by.
--Eric in Waynesville

        Even at 50 years old, out of shape and never played the game beyond high school, I was clearly a better choice than another throw away OT. I'm still waiting for the punch line. Can't wait to see what they have to pay him. The team deserves every ounce of criticism it gets for both their ineptness and lack of good common sense. It ain't easy being a bengals fan, but I cling to the hope that the dominant football genius gene skips a generation. Boomer forever!! Akili who?
-- Tom in Seattle

        The impression I have is that hardly any of us fans really know anything about the draft, other than parroting whatever the talking heads on tv are saying. word for word, often. I know I don't have any idea what works in the draft, and I've been a sportswriter and football watcher most of my life. I think the Bengals would do well to simply focus on getting the best players coming out of Ohio State every year. Build up the fan base fantastically, and take advantage of a school that turns out as many NFL players as any other in the country. And please get a kicker! --Mike in Athens

Mike Brown just doesn't get the "maximize your value" concept - there are yearly examples - this choice is just the latest. As in the case of the Akili Smith draft pick - Mike "falls in love" with a particular player and won't take the chance to trade down, still get the player, and get extra draft choices besides. This weakness is further magnified by the fact that Mike Brown has shown repeatedly that he is not a good judge of talent. So the players he "has" to draft - that he drafts too early because he's afraid to trade down - don't turn out to be good players besides.
--Doug in Atlanta

       Once again, Mike Brown had shown his ineptitude in the draft. The man really has no idea how to run a franchise. As a lifelong Bengal fan this is more than frustrating, it is ridiculous. I honestly feel he didn't want to trade down because then he would have to SPEND MONEY and we all know how Brown feels about his money. Do you hear that Mike Brown, that is everyone laughing at you AGAIN!!!! How do you look at yourself and say I am doing what is best for this club, instead of what is best for you.
--Gina in Orlando, FL

       As a 30+ year Bengal fan (from Iowa), I am absolutely fed up with ESPN's constant campaign to bash the Bengals. Today, I believe that having Jimmy Johnson (who has a long history of trade wheeling and dealing) tainted ESPN's objectivity and had their so-called experts believing that viable trade options existed for every NFL club. Not true.

        The fact is: Mel Kiper and his cast of analysts who never played the game didn't prepare well enough to consider that Levi Jones makes a great deal of sense for the Bengals considering the ages of Richmond Webb and John Jackson. In all of their smugness, ESPN, and especially Chris Berman, don't like the fact that they can be fooled from time to time with conventional draft wisdom. Berman has been a constant critique of the Bengals and anyone who has watched NFL Primetime with any consistency would know what I am talking about.

        My suggestion is for the Bengals to put an embargo on the network and not participate in any of their pregame broadcasts. It can begin with the Sunday Night game that ESPN will be airing this year. I say give them only the bare minimum information and support for what is needed for the broadcast crew to do its job. Nothing more.

        Mark my words, when the Bengals take the NFL by storm in 2002, ESPN will be quick to jump on their bandwagon (just as they were when the Bengals started the 2001 campaign at 2-0). Through the first two rounds, the Bengals have done a very solid job and it won't take too many games to substantiate this. Ultimately, the Bengals don't have to defend their draft picks -- only the teams in the AFC North!
--Kurt in Iowa

Bengals Stories

Good draft can help Bengals right away New kicker should give Rackers the boot What do you think of the Bengals' picks With Bledsoe on Bills, Bengals need backup QB Bengals foes reload in draft Draft Notebook: Jones gets first lesson Surprise, Bengals take tackle Experts rip Bengals pick DAUGHERTY: Bengals spoil the party again SULLIVAN: Bengals' timing might be right Jones combines brains and brawn Nose for ball Thompson's key strength Trade yields TE Schobel 6th: Marquand Manuel 7th: Joey Evans Draft picks by team Draft picks by number First round goes to linemen Harrington surprised by Detroit

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