Draft Grades: Bengals

If nothing else, give the Bengals credit for taking risks... lots of them.

Andre Smith has a ton of potential, but no 1st-round pick has as many red flags as Smith. His work ethic is a serious concern and he very well could fold once he receives his first NFL contract. Its a risky pick and one that would only by made by a coach on the hot seat such as Marvin Lewis.

Rey Maualuga is also a risky pick. Many believe that he is only a two-down player, which led to his fall out of the 1st round. Like Smith, however, its a pick that could have a ton of upside.

The Bengals took a leap of faith with their first two picks, so why should the third be any different. Michael Johnson is the most athletic defensive lineman in this draft class, but he was only a full-time starter for one year and failed to live up to expectations as a senior. That said, he's probably worth the risk in the 3rd round.

Chase Coffman is a great fit in Cincinnati. He could be the receiving threat at tight end they've been looking for. He should see significant playing time from day one.

Jonathan Luigs is another solid pick. The Bengals have a serious hole at center and Luigs will be give the opportunity to step in from day one.

Kevin Huber was the top punter in this year's draft class and should be the Bengals starter. Punters are hard to judge though, and I think the 5th round is almost always too early to select a special teams player.

Morgan Trent will add some depth to the Bengals weak secondary, but he doesn't have much upside. He struggled as a senior at Michigan and I don't see him making an impact in Cincinnati.

Bernard Scott is a shot in the dark. He's a decent small school running back that will be given a chance to make the team as the third string running back.

Fui Vakapuna will compete with Daniel Coats and Jeremi Johnson for playing time at fullback. Fullback isn't a strong point on the team, so he's worth a shot.

Clinton McDonald doesn't have much upside, but he'll some depth the Bengals depleted defensive line. He won't be a starter, but could work into the rotation.

The Bengals needed a receiver in this draft, but I'm not sure why they waited until their last pick. Freddie Brown will struggle to make the roster and even if he does, he won't fill the hole left by the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

The Bengals landed some very talented players in this draft, including three potential 6 potential starters (including Kevin Huber). However, each of their first three picks come with some baggage. If all three live up to potential, this will be an elite draft. However, this is the Bengals, and they don't exactly have a good track record developing young talent.

Grade: B

Draft Visit Tracker: Andre Brown

One of the hottest prospects in recent weeks has been N.C. State's Andre Brown. Despite a disappointing career with the Wolfpack, he's impressed teams in his workouts and now looks like a 2nd-round lock.

He's a big back (6'0", 224) and has the ability to be a workhorse at the next level. Its rare to find a guy with his size and athleticism, which is why so many teams are showing an interest despite his very mediocre collegiate numbers.

At least 12 teams have reportedly met with Brown, so here's the list:

Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Cardinals, Chargers, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots and Chiefs.

I currently have Brown going to the Cleveland with the 50th pick in the draft. He would the ideal running back for the Browns to groom behind Jamal Lewis for the next year before he takes over the starting job.

Visit Tracker: Jeremy Maclin

Ed Thompson of Scout.com is reporting that Jeremy Maclin has or will visit the Browns, Bengals, Lions, Jets, Rams and Raiders (his current destination in my latest mock draft ).

There aren't any real surprises on that list, except perhaps the Lions. However, if Maclin were to fall to No. 20 I don't think anyone would fault Detroit for selecting a wide receiver. The Jeremy Maclin-Calvin Johnson combo could be special.

There is one notable team missing from that list, however: the Jacksonville Jaguars. I have been harping on this all offseason, perhaps too much, but I am convinced that the Jaguars have no interest in taking yet another receiver in the 1st round. After watching Reggie Williams and Matt Jones flame-out, there simply isn't a desire to dip back into that well.

At this point, its looking like Oakland is the most likely destination for Maclin. Al Davis loves speed, and we know Maclin's got it. Don't count out the Bengals, however. Two of their top intersts, Andre Smith and B.J. Raji may have too mcuh baggage to bring into Cincinnati, thus making Maclin the safe choice.

Myth Busters: Why Andre Smith Won't Be A Top 10 Pick?

For full disclosure, I didn't give Andre Smith a top 10 grade even before the combine. Offseason mishaps aside, I believe he lacks the quickness and general athleticism to play the left tackle position. He could be a very good right tackle or guard, but the money rewarded to top 10 picks is well above the pay grade for those positions.

However, even if you believe he can play left tackle and was deserving of a top 10 pick, his postseason workouts and shenanigans at the combine should have convinced you otherwise. In the end, Smith will fall out of the top 10 and possibly all the way into the late first round.

Here's why...

1) The supply outweighs the demand. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe have already solidified their place in the top 10 and Michael Oher isn't far behind. Any team that is desperate for a tackle - perhaps the Bengals, Raiders or 49ers - should be able to get their hands one of those three players if they want. A simple trade up or a reach for Oher would get the job done. There is no need to take a major risk on a boom-or-bust prospect like Smith.

2) The character red flags are all over the place. He isn't the next Pacman Jones, but there is definitely reason to question his commitment to the game. When asked why he chose to play left tackle, he said it was because he learned it was the most well-paid position in the NFL. Smith has lacked the motivation to get in shape this offseason during the most important time of his life. Do you really believe he'll suddenly find motivation after he signs a multi-million dollar contract?

3) A combination of the first two: the teams that could make him a top 10 pick should know better than to take the risk. As I mentioned, the three teams most likely to make him a top 10 pick are the Bengals (can't take on another "character concern" for obvious reasons), the Raiders (want to avoid the next Robert Gallery) and 49ers (have experienced far too many 1st-round busts in recent years: Woods, Smith, Davis).

The earliest Smith will come off the board is No. 13 to Washington, but even that is no guarantee. His next best options are No. 16 to San Diego, No. 20 to Detroit (if they pass on Jason Smith) and No. 21 to Philadelphia.

Bengals Want A Running Back

The Bengals are showing a clear interest in running backs this offseason, and could be targeting one with their second-round pick. The Bengals have either met with, or will be meeting with, Chris Wells, Donald Brown, Rashad Jennings and LeSean McCoy.

While the Bengals are clearly doing their homework, Donald Brown appears to be the favorite and the mostly likely be available and worthy of their 2nd-round selection. The Bengals have reportedly mentioned him as a player they have been impressed with and will strongly consider selecting him 38th overall selection.

Brown's stock is rising, however, as he has/will meet with the Chargers, Eagles and Jets as well. Its possible that he could come off the board in the late first round.

Pro Days: Baylor

According to Gil Brandt of NFL.com 15 teams showed up for Baylor's pro day on Tuesday, including three offensive line coaches (Cincinnati, Seattle and Jacksonville) which put Smith through drills.

Obviously the Bengals, Seahawks and Jaguars are potential suitors for Smith. The only top candidate to land Smith, the Rams, will hold a private workout with him on March 12.