A sampling of how others graded the Bengals' draft:

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More than 150 fans responded to our invitation to sound off about the Bengals draft. See what they had to say.

DRAFT POLL

What do you think of the Bengals' draft strategy?

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        Len Pasquarelli — ESPN.com

        The choice of offensive tackle Levi Jones with the 10th overall selection in the draft made more sense than some critics will concede. Jones in time will assume the left tackle spot currently manned by Richmond Webb, 37, and even Bengals bashers will admit he was the third-best player in the draft at his position.

        But where the team's rationale falls apart is when you consider all the predraft hype about how the club needed just a few more puzzle parts to achieve respectability. If that was the case, and not just empty rhetoric, cornerback Phillip Buchanan would have been the choice. Cincinnati has moaned for years over its inability to land a “shut down” corner. Yet when they were staring at one, on the clock, team officials blinked. Grade: C-minus.

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        Dallas Morning News

        The Bengals threw the rest of the NFL a major-league curveball by reaching for Jones that high in the first. But Cincinnati was solid thereafter with Lamont Thompson, Matt Schobel, Travis Dorsch and Marquand Manuel. All could contribute as rookies. Grade: C

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        Brian Delucia — FOXSports.com

        “Leave It To The Bengals,” starring Mike Brown as “The Bungle.” The Bengals should have taken a player who would make a bigger impact, but they also feel they won't have a chance at a top left tackle in a couple years when Webb retires. Still, they could have traded down a few spots.

        Thompson and Manuel could be stabilizers inside. Thompson gives them a much needed playmaker at free safety. Grade: B

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        Chicago Tribune

        Nobody knows why they didn't trade down, but Jones will start right away. Thompson and Schobel might, too, and the addition of Dorsch doesn't look good for former Illinois kicker Neil Rackers. Why the Bengals didn't get involved in the Drew Bledsoe sweepstakes also is a mystery. They see more in Jon Kitna than most people do.

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        USA Today

        Provided first reach of the day in Jones, then added productive Lamont Thompson. Can a team that keeps getting in top 10 be trusted? Bengals receive two stars. (Key to USA Today's ratings:)

5 stars: You're an official draft wizard ... at least until training camp starts.
4 stars: Splurge on free pizza and cash bonuses for deserving scouts.
3 stars: Go ahead, prove the doubters wrong.
2 stars: Every dog has his bad day ... or three.
1 star: Start planning for top-five pick in next year's draft.

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        Peter King — CNNSI.com

        Cincinnati. Moral of the Draft: Never take a first-round pick 10 spots above where he deserves to go. Get value for him. Taking Jones is fine. Taking him at 10 is absurd. (King ranked the Bengals' draft last among the 32 teams.)

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        Pete Prisco — SportsLine.com

        Best pick: The Bengals need a pass-catching threat at tight end, and they got one in Schobel in the third.

        Worst pick: Jones. He's a good player, but was he worth the No. 10 overall pick?

        Interesting pick: The Bengals lost faith in Rackers last season, which is why they took punter/kicker Dorsch in the fourth round.

        Overall grade: C.

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        Dan Pompei — Sportingnews.com

        Jones, Thompson, Schobel and Dorsch are solid prospects who should develop into reliable starters. The Bengals didn't get good value with their first pick. They had offers to trade down but didn't, even though Jones would have been available later. Grade: C+

Still wanted: backup quarterback Bengals notes: Picks' brains were considered, too Bengals tried to deal What they're saying about Bengals' draft Jets sign free agent cornerback Abraham

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