Making sense of the Bengals' decisions and acquisitions in Thursday night's first round of the NFL Draft requires neither a calculator nor deep analysis.
They just make sense.
The Bengals didn't go for a big splash. They put need before value, added a pick by trading down six spots with the Patriots and came away with two players who figure to be immediate starters, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and Wisconsin offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler, who figures to be a guard in Cincinnati.
After surprising just about everybody last year by winning nine games and making the playoffs with a rookie quarterback, the Bengals are trying to become legitimate contenders in a loaded AFC. They entered this draft with a few specific needs and plenty of options, and the way they ended up using pick Nos. 17 and 27 indicates they were neither surprised nor fazed by anything that happened in a trade-crazy first round and came away with guys they'd targeted days, weeks or even months ago.
Kirkpatrick's nickname, apparently, is "Swagga."
That's the kid of nickname you want your cornerbacks to have.
Kirkpatrick's Twitter bio says he hails from "Swaaggg Island." He'll need to bottle some of that island swag. Everybody's going to be looking to pick on the rookie corner.
The Bengals drafted him because they believe he's up to the challenge. He doesn't have top-end speed, but he's big (almost 6'2, 185) and was a two-year starter at Alabama, where Nick Saban likes guys who can thrive in multiple schemes and make big plays. He had 3 career interceptions in 25 starts and declared for the draft shortly after Alabama won the BCS National Title game in January.
Zeitler, apparently, has been known as "The Terminator" since his freshman year at Wisconsin.
That's the kind of nickname you want your offensive linemen to have.
He was a first-team All-American last year while playing at right guard. He flirted with a 100 percent score by someone's block-grading system last year, broke Wisconsin offensive line statistical marks previously held by Browns perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas and was a National Honor Society member while in high school in Milwaukee.
Zeitler's pre-draft bio had him at a shade over 6'3 and 322 pounds.
The Bengals' trade with New England, sliding down six spots from their original No. 21, indicated they were comfortable getting Zeitler at No. 27. They missed on Stanford's David DeCastro, the consensus top guard in the draft, and he went to Pittsburgh at No. 24.
The Bengals run their drafts a little differently; the trade says head coach Marvin Lewis and offensive coordinator Jay Gruden saw Zeitler as the best fit. On the other side, the Bengals knew they needed a corner and couldn't afford to wait.
"Zeitler comes out of that Wisconsin offensive line group which, as we know, has been outstanding year after year after year," Lewis said. "The guy has versatility. We can use him to play guard and as a backup at center. He really has done a great job in the gap-blocking, zone-blocking and pulling — he’s done a lot of good things on film. He’s one of those guys that, when you put the tape on, he really stands out."
They got two players at priority positions from big-time college programs. Both seem to be more football player than workout warrior. Both should be able to play right away.
“In both players, they have opportunities," Lewis said. "If they’re good enough to start, they will. If they’re in their (learning) process as they go, they’ll have an opportunity to work their way into the lineup. But we drafted them to play, and I expect them both to be able to.”
The Zeitler trade netted pick No. 93, late in the third round, for the Bengals. Lewis said that will be used to add a backup player.
It seems the first 22 is not only becoming a little more clear but a little stronger in Cincinnati. The chance to add some sizzle should come in Friday's second round if the Bengals want to explore a running back or a wide receiver to pair with rising superstar A.J. Green. Defensive end needs to be addressed and will at some point, and don't rule out another corner -- Janoris Jenkins immediately comes to mind.
On Thursday, the Bengals went the safe and solid route. They'll have three picks Friday and again have options.
In the grand scheme, they're still chasing. They're certainly building, though, and the first round of the draft should end up being a big part of that process.
