Going into the 2005 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals stacked up well against the rest of their competition, although their strengths weren’t evenly distributed. Their offense was built strongly around Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, and Chad Johnson. They finished the season ranked 18th offensively averaging 321 yards and 23.4 points per game.
On the defensive side they struggled a bit. Although they finished 19th in total yards allowed per game, they finished 26th in rushing yards allowed per game, allowing an average of 129 yards.
With that being said, Coach Marvin Lewis went into the draft thinking defense. He knew he needed something major! The Bengals used their first two draft picks to grab the heart and soul of Georgia’s tough defense, picking defensive end David Pollack and Odell Thurman.
The Bengals used the 17th overall pick to draft Pollack, a defensive end (DE) that they are in much need of.
The 6’2″, 261 lb. Pollack is undersized for his position in the NFL. During two of his years at Georgia, he managed to earn two of the nation’s most coveted college football awards. He was a two-time winner of the Ted Hendricks award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive end, along with winning the Lombardi Award, which goes to the nation’s best lineman.
During his senior year, he was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year. Pollack is an excellent pass rusher, who will most likely be put on the defensive line for only third down passing situations, helping to take the pressure off well-known sack specialist Justin Smith.
According to Cincinnatibengals.com, “His natural feel for the ball in the short area is likened to that of Indianapolis’ Dwight Freeney, as he always seems to gain proper position before making the hit.”
With the team’s second round pick, the Bengals took Georgia’s Odell Thurman, a 6’1″ 237 lb. middle linebacker. Thurman received All-SEC first team honors twice, leading the Bulldogs in tackles in 2003, and was a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker.
He is a very productive tackler, which is exactly what the Bengals need, after watching their defense miss numerous tackles due to mental mistakes. Thurman has become known for his ability to fill and stuff the runner in the hole, while also being able to slip blocks and make the tackle in the backfield.
Not only can he stop the run, but he can also defend the pass. He is considered to have above average ability to cover tight ends and be able to reach the outside.
Having a player with Thurman’s ability puts a lot of pressure on the veterans. Kevin Hardy, who holds $3 million in salary cap space, and Nate Webster, last year’s pick who got hurt, are going to have to step it up to keep their position as Bengals.
Finally, to add some spice to the Bengals’ already strong offensive attack, the team drafted Chris Henry, a wide receiver out of West Virginia. He is a big play receiver, a perfect mix of size, speed, and strength.
During the draft, he was said to be an awful lot like the Oakland Raiders’ Jerry Porter. He has an outstanding frame with extremely long arms. His ability to defeat the jam using his quickness enables him to get into his routes quicker and make them crisper. Cincinnatibengals.com compares him to Chad Johnson, as well as past Bengal receivers such as Carl Pickens, Darnay Scott, and Cris Collinsworth. He is a very tough receiver. Henry isn’t afraid to compete for the ball in a crowd and has the leg strength to run through poor tackle attempts.
With the additions of just these first three picks, the Bengals are already looking to be better off than they were last season. Both sides of the ball have been strengthened. What else is to be said except “Who-dey?!