Over the course of their franchise history, the Cincinnati Bengals have rarely been relevant in terms of the playoffs or winning seasons.

Lately though, the team has had a major turnaround making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. This turnaround is largely credited to the offensive play of Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback, Andy Dalton.

In the three seasons the two have been on the Bengals, they have improved their record each season going 9-7, 10-6 and finally 11-5 this past season. Despite the regular season success they’ve had, the Bengals have failed to win a playoff game. In fact, the franchise hasn’t won a postseason game in almost 25 years.

Could 2014 finally be the year Andy Dalton leads the Bengals to a playoff win?  By emeybee (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

The 2014-2015 season will mark the fourth year of the Dalton era. While the signal caller has played well during the regular season, he and the rest of his team have faltered come playoff time. The Bengals front office has shown general improvement in getting productive players onto the field. What success the Bengals have had can be attributed largely to the draft. The 2014 NFL Draft was no different as the Bengals drafted very well, yet again.

Draft Picks

The Bengals’ first pick (Round 1, 24th overall) was cornerback, Darqueze Dennard, aka “No Fly Zone,” from Michigan State who will most definitely shore-up their secondary. The defensive backfield has been the only thing keeping the Bengals from being a top-five defense.

In the second round (55th pick overall), the Black and Orange made a surprising selection by taking LSU running back Jeremy Hill. Hill’s combination of ground-and-pound style of running and speed will make for a great duo with Giovani Bernard. The Bengals’ entire draft can be seen here, but the most intriguing draft pick was the fifth-round selection of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.

Coming into the draft it was speculated the Bengals would select a quarterback in case Dalton messed-up again in the postseason. McCarron won two titles while at Alabama and is considered one of the smartest and most accurate passers in the draft. The Bengals got a steal of a player at quarterback by selecting McCarron in the fifth round and he will play with a chip on his shoulder after dropping so low.

Outlook on the 2014-2015 season

The Bengals won the AFC North division in 2013-14, but repeating won’t be an easy task. The Ravens, Browns and Steelers all improved their teams from a season ago and the Bengals play a tough schedule. Their October could be considered the month of death for the Bengals as they play at New England, at home against Carolina, at Indianapolis and finally home against Baltimore. Despite it being early in the season, that month could determine the Bengals’ fate as it pits them against three top teams in the AFC.

Although the Bengals play a tough schedule, they are playing it for a reason and that is because they are a good team. Based on whom they play and where they play the games, my prediction for the Bengals is an 11-5 record for the second straight year. They have their bye week early-on in the season (week 4) so the end of the season will be a grind, but maybe this is the year that they finally win a playoff game for the first time since 1990.

Sullivan Grosz (#94) was the Big Sky Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year. By Owen Main

In 2013, Sullivan Grosz was the co-defensive player of the year in the Big Sky Conference — not an easy feat for an interior lineman.

Now, Grosz is training in hopes of being drafted by an NFL team in May. I caught up with him at a local deli during lunch and found out what a day in the life of an NFL hopeful looks like. We also found out what happens when you call a 300-pound defensive lineman “Sally.”

As the NFL draft approaches many NFL scouts and GMs are trying to prepare themselves for the chance to select a prospect that could potentially change the history of their franchises. Each year there are many mock drafts and analysts trying to predict what teams will do with their pick and I am no different. So here is my mock draft for the first round of the 2014 NFL draft:

Whoever the Texans select with the 1st overall pick will call this field home. By “krisandapril”,  via Wikimedia Commons

1. Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina.

Clowney is a special talent that doesn’t come around very often so the Texans would be making a mistake if they overlooked him and took a QB. I mean just imagine a defensive line where JJ Watt and Clowney are each coming off the ends, thats just scary for opposing offenses.

2. St Louis Rams: Greg Robinson,  OT Auburn

Thank you RGIII. Trading with the Redskins two years ago has given the Rams two first round picks this draft and they should use this one of an offensive tackle. Keeping Sam Bradford upright could help the Rams improve on their 7-9 record in 2014-2015.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida

The Jags need a quarterback. In fact, the Jaguars need many positions but those can be addressed later in the draft. I think Bortles could be the franchise QB that could possibly bring the Jaguars back into somewhat relevance and maybe even get fans in Jacksonville to attend the games.

4. Cleveland Browns: Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

Oh boy where do I begin with this train wreck of a team? The only bright spot for them is wide receiver, Josh Gordon, who is proving to be a star. Adding Bridgewater might help change this team and its image around, plus who wouldn’t want to see Bridgewater throwing bombs down the field to Gordon? I know I do.

5. Oakland Raiders: Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M

Johnny Football would look good in the silver and black — yeah I said it. He is the perfect quarterback for this team that has been trying to find a stable signal-caller for years now. His passing skills and mobility would be perfect for the style of offense the Raiders run. This is a perfect fit for both Manziel and the Raiders.

6. Atlanta Falcons: Khalil Mack, DE Buffalo

Derailed by injuries and poor play, the Falcons took a step back in 2013. Health and some defense, though, could bring the Falcons back to the winning level they were at just a year ago. Adding Mack to the defense would be a big step to improving a poor defense in 2013-2014.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

The Buccaneers think they have found a franchise quarterback in Mike Glennon who showed some signs of promise last season. Adding a player like Watkins would seriously improve a lackluster offense. Plus having Lovie Smith as the new head coach isn’t too bad either right?

8. Minnesota Vikings: Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M

Adding an explosive and extremely tall wide receiver to the Vikings offense that has speedster Coradarrelle Patterson and former MVP Adrian Peterson, could help them formulate into a dynamic force if Christian Ponder could get his act together. New head coach Mike Zimmer is known for getting the best of his players so maybe that will translate well for the Vikings.

9. Buffalo Bills: CJ Mosely, LB Alabama

The Bills already have standout player Kiko Alonso on their linebacking core and drafting a playmaker like Mosely could put together a dynamic LB core for years to come in Buffalo. People might think this is too high for Mosely but he is a NFL ready talent.

10: Detroit Lions: Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

The Lions might have been one of the biggest disappointments last season by blowing their division lead in a pathetic way. Their biggest problem was Matthew Stafford and his interceptions. Part of the reason for all Stafford’s picks was that their offensive line was abysmal. Working on it through the draft might help lower the number of interceptions Stafford throws this coming season which could equal the playoffs again for the Lions.

11. Tennessee Titans: HaHa Clinton-Dix, S Alabama

Having Bernard Pollard and Clinton-Dix as their safeties would make it difficult for opposing teams to throw the ball against the Titans. Clinton-Dix is an NFL ready talent who would bring his football smarts from Alabama over to Tennessee.

12: New York Giants: Anthony Barr, LB UCLA

Barr might be the best defensive player in the draft that isn’t heavily known. His ball-hawking and tackling abilities are astonishing and would be a huge boost to the Giants and their normally strong defense.

13. St Louis Rams: Aaron Donald, DE Pittsburgh

The Rams, with their 7-9 record last season, have two first round draft picks and will look to improve their defense with one of them. Adding Donald through the draft would immensely help and improve the Rams defensive line.

14. Chicago Bears: Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

Over the past few seasons one of the biggest problems for the Bears has been keeping Jay Cutler up on his feet. They will look to improve that in the upcoming year and selecting an offensive tackle with their first round pick will be a step to doing so.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darqueze Dennard, CB Michigan State

Ahh the Steelers who barely made history and almost made the playoffs despite starting off the season 0-4. They will look to add to an aging defense and going with Dennard would be a start move. His skills are just what the Steelers look for in a defensive player so its kind of a perfect fit.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Gilbert, CB Oklahoma State

How bout them Cowboys!? Missing the playoffs yet again….but they will look to add to a defense that struggled mightily in 2013 and adding Gilbert would improve it very much so.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina

Joe Flacco didn’t exactly earn his huge contract in 2013 but he is still a very good quarterack — he just needs more weapons. Many teams are trying the new two tight-end offensive schemes, copying the Patriots, and the Ravens fit exactly into the mold. They already have Dennis Pitta and adding Ebron could provide a very scary offense if Ray Rice ever wants to stop beating up his fiancee and get back to his Super Bowl winning ways.

18. New York Jets: Derek Carr, QB Fresno State

Geno Smith didn’t exactly impress a lot last season but he did have some nice moments. Bringing in another young QB could put pressure on Geno to improve and one that is more of a pocket passer could be good for competition.

19. Miami Dolphins: Zack Martin, OT Notre Dame

The Dolphins owned their own fate sitting at 8-6 last season but dropped the final two games resulting in another non playoff season. Keeping Ryan Tannehill upright and after losing Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito makes room for Zach Martin to step in and earn his first-round money quickly on the offensive line of the Dolphins.

20. Arizona Cardinals: Odell Beckham Jr, WR LSU

The Cardinals were the surprise team of last season and they almost made the playoffs in the strong NFC West. Adding another weapon to compliment Larry Fitzgerald will help the Cardinals chances of making the playoffs in 2014-2015. Beckham Jr could be that complimentary weapon who could mold into the wide receiver of the future.

21. Green Bay Packers: Jimmie Ward, S  Northern Illinois

The Packers for years have been lacking a strong defense even when they won the Super Bowl. Adding a defensive player would help the Packers chances to reach the playoffs yet again. Ward is a great fit as he helps out a weak secondary.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dee Ford, DE Auburn

The offensive side off football comes easy enough for the Eagles and Chip Kelly, but defense is what wins championships. Ford has proven that he has speed to get to the quarterback, which could be beneficial for the Eagles to improve their defense.

23. Kansas City Chiefs: Marquise Lee, WR USC

The Chiefs surprised everyone last season by making the playoffs due to good quarterback play, a good defense and actually having a decent head coach. But even with that success, there is room to improve, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Adding Lee would give Kansas City and Alex Smith another weapon to compliment Dwayne Bowe.

24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Verrett, CB TCU

The only part of the Bengals stellar defense that was lacking was the secondary and they will look to improve on that this season. They have the depth as they showed with all the injuries last year but getting Verrett would improve an already-great defense. He is an aggressive defender who can jump routes with consistency and has a knack for making plays even when the ball goes away from the man he’s covering.

25. San Diego Chargers: Louis Nix III, DT Notre Dame

San Diego shocked many people last season and they will look to add to that success and it starts with its defense. Nix has the ability and speed to make plays and that’s something that can help any team. If they draft him, he’d join former teammate Manti Te’o on the Chargers’ defense.

26. Cleveland Browns: Kelvin Benjamin, WR Florida State

After already drafting a quarterback earlier in the first round, the Browns should want to add more weapons to surround the rookie signal-caller. Wide receiver Josh Gordon is a clear number-one, and pairing him with Benjamin could pan out to be one of the best moves the Browns have made in years.

27. New Orleans Saints: Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

We all know that the Saints have no problems on offense but their defense could use some work. Fuller, who was hurt in his senior season showed at the combine that he is back and ready to help improve any defense and the Saints should look his way.

28. Carolina Panthers: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

The Panthers have a good defense and it showed in 2013. Pairing standout Greg Hardy and Hageman could be even scarier for opposing offenses.

29. New England Patriots: Bradley Roby, CB Ohio State

We all know that Bill Belichick likes to take random players and turn them into something special. Roby is no different. Personally, I think he is the most underrated cornerback in the draft. Belichick and the Patriots get another steal in Roby.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State

Adding depth to a wide receiver core is never a bad thing, especially for the 49ers. Cooks has impressive speed. It would be fun to see Colin Kaepernick unleash the ball down the field more often in the 49ers’ new stadium.

31. Denver Broncos: Calvin Pryor, S Lousiville

The Broncos looked crazy-bad in the Super Bowl. Adding some defensive help could give the Broncos another chance to shore-up a weakness that was exploited in the Super Bowl.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Coleman, WR Rutgers

There aren’t many positions or areas where the Super Bowl champs need to improve. Last week, they released Sidney Rice and replacing him will be a priority. Since the Seahawks like the tall players Coleman, listed at 6’6’, would be the perfect fit.

Founded in 1960, the Raiders have moved from Oakland to Los Angeles and back and during that span they won three Super Bowl championships, 15 Division championships and made it to the playoffs following 21 of their 54 seasons. Yet since the Super Bowl loss in 2002, the Raiders have been really bad, with their best record coming in the 2010 and 2011 seasons at 8-8, when they still missed the playoffs. Since Bill Callahan left the team after the 2003 season, the Raiders have had six different head coaches most notably Norv Turner, Lane Kiffin and current head coach Dennis Allen. In addition to the constant coaching change, the Raiders have suffered from having 15 different quarterbacks start for them in that time period. 15. One-Five. The most notable of these are Carson Palmer, draft-bust JaMarcus Russell, and Jason Campbell.

The Raiders should take an early chance on another USC quarterback. By Neon Tommy, via Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, the Raiders have tried to find a winning recipe with a focus on the quarterback. Rich Gannon left the team after the 2003 season.  They drafted LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the top pick in 2007. Russell thrilled in his time at LSU, posting a 21-3 overall record, but he wasn’t cut for the NFL and the Raiders soon found that out. He had a record of 18-23 with only 18 touchdown passes through three seasons when the Raiders finally cut him.

Former Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell was brought in. During his tenure in Washington, Campbell put up successful numbers, going 12-10 as a starter before suffering an injury six games into the 2011 season. He was replaced after the team traded for long-time veteran Carson Palmer. Palmer led the team to another 8-8 record in 2011 and by the end of the 2012 season the Raiders were 4-12 and at the bottom again. The Raiders went with two dual option quarterbacks in Russell and Campbell, then decided to try and work around a pass first type quarterback in Carson Palmer. Although Palmer didn’t have an impressive 2012, I believe a pass-first quarterback is best for the Raiders. Rich Gannon could move well, but he was an accurate passer and the Raiders should look to stick with that type of player instead of going back to a quarterback who runs fast and has a strong arm. The Raiders currently hold the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and I believe they should use it on a quarterback.

What they should do in the draft: 

The Raiders have had what bad teams would call success recently, posting two 8-8 seasons out of the last three. Recently it has come out that the Raiders are interested in the number one ranked quarterback in this years class, Geno Smith. But the Raiders should be looking elsewhere for their savior. The Raiders have six draft picks throughout the draft yet most of the mock-drafts available don’t have the Raiders taking a quarterback in the first round. I’m no Mel Kiper, but I disagree and I believe that the Raiders should take a quarterback in the first round and it should be Matt Barkley.

During their collegiate careers, Geno Smith and USC quarterback Matt Barkley had simlarly great statistics. Geno Smith finished his college career throwing for 11,662 yards, 98 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, while Barkley threw for 12,327 yards, 116 touchdowns and 48 interceptions. While their individual stats are close, Smith is ranked far ahead of Barkley as the number one ranked quarterback in the draft but I don’t understand why. Both Barkley and Smith’s team had down seasons this past year, both finishing 7-6 although Barkley’s team did start the year ranked number one in the nation.

Barkley, I think, is a better version of Carson Palmer and could thrive in Oakland. He is a West coast guy and would fit right into Oakland’s system with a fellow Trojan to groom him.

The Raiders have young talent at both the running back and receiver positions in Darrius McFadden and Darrius Heyward-Bey. I believe that the Raiders should also draft a tight end and another receiver to match with Heyward-Bey. As for the tight end, I suggest they look into the senior from San Jose State, Ryan Otten. He caught 12 touchdowns in his four years and racked up 1,760 yards. One of the highest ranked tight ends, Tyler Eifert caught 11 touchdowns and 1,840 yards. The stats are pretty similar, yet the Raiders could get Otten later in the draft as he is projected to go sometime in the fifth or sixth round. With the other four draft picks the Raiders could focus on the offensive line, another receiver and maybe a defensive player or two.

Final Word:

It all starts with drafting Matt Barkley with the third overall pick though for the Raiders. Having a franchise quarterback is very important in the NFL and the Raiders could get one by drafting Barkley. The Raiders tried two dual-threat quarterbacks and the first one failed while the second one had some success if not for an injury. I believe in patterns in sports, and the next pattern in the Raiders quarterback shuffle would be to go with a passing first quarterback in Barkley. I may be wrong about Barkley but what I’ve seen from him throughout his college career and the Raiders recently, they would be a great pair. Also don’t forget that Barkley is just a year removed from being a “lock” for the Heisman Trophy and possibly being the number overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft if he had chosen to go into the NFL early. He has the credentials and the “it factor” that could really work in Oakland.

A week ago, former Mustang running back Deonte Williams was named to College Sporting News 2012 Fabulous Fifty FCS All-America Team, which is a list of the top 50 players in the FCS. This past season, Williams rushed for 1,506 yards, falling just 72 yards short of the school record. I recently spoke to the former Cal Poly star about his offseason schedule and NFL aspirations.

Deonte Williams ran for the second most yards in a single season in Cal Poly history. By Owen Main

Here are some bullet points to skip to certain parts of the interview:

What was your reaction to being named to College Sporting News 2012 Fabulous Fifty FCS All-American Team? (0:17)

Did you set any goals regarding yards, touchdowns, or a specific award at the beginning of the season? (0:58)

What are your current goals, moving forward towards the NFL? (1:48)

Would you be willing to look at multiple positions if that is asked of you? Maybe play some special teams? (2:20)

There’s been a few former Mustangs who have made the FCS’s All American Teams, like Asa Jackson with the Ravens and Ramsus Barden with the Giants…. Have you been talking to any former teammates or current friends in the league for advice in these upcoming months? (2:59)

Finally, what’s your mindset going into these next couple of months leading up to the NFL draft? What emotions are running through your head? (4:15)

According to nfldraftscout.com, Williams is ranked 44th out of 196 running backs considered for the NFL Draft. In less than three months, we will see where he lands.

It’s safe to say now that he chose wisely.

A “good decision” in this case is to choose the sport that you are best at and that you have the most chance to make a career out of. Kemp, who recently signed an 8-year, $160 million contract clearly made the right decision. Kemp was probably better at baseball than basketball at the time, but all else being equal, baseball is always the right choice.

With ESPN piercing my eyes all last week with the over-hyped NFL draft, I am also reminded that — all else being equal — choosing to play professional football would be the wrong decision.

Professional football and basketball demand a certain amount of athleticism, but baseball has always required a specific and unique skill set. Athleticism in a baseball player is a benefit, but it’s not a necessity. When a baseball player is dominant AND a dominant athlete, you end up with guys like Matt Kemp, Ken Griffey Jr., and Torii Hunter, among many.

If you can hit a baseball and are a freak athlete, there is a pretty strong argument that baseball is the sport for you.

Dodger fans are glad that Matt Kemp made the decision he did.

Granted, there aren’t very many young athletes who have a real choice or guarantee of stardom in the professional ranks of multiple sports, but here is some food for thought:

The one positive about the NFL is that there may be more opportunities. With 53 players on any active roster, there are nearly 1,700 jobs available at any time plus the players that are on any team’s practice squad. This makes the NFL more “possible” for any given athlete in comparison with the NBA (about 360 players) and even Major League Baseball, where there are 750 players on active rosters.

While there are only 360 NBA jobs, an NBA player’s career averages over six years and NBA players’ average salaries were, as of April of last year, $4.79 million per year.

Major League Baseball players are second on the highest-paid list for major American sports. Hardballers averaged a little less than $3.1 million in 2011. There are more than twice as many Major League Baseball jobs than the NBA, plus more players injured at any one time, still earning their money. A 2007 study found that Major League Baseball careers average 5.6 seasons.

In contrast, NFL players have an average salary of just $1.9 million and an average career of only 3.5 seasons.

Also of note is the concept that NBA and MLB contracts are guaranteed. Unlike the NFL, a player cannot just get cut in the NBA or MLB.

Here’s a good article that helps me make my point. As you can see NFL players are paid less than even hockey players, on average.

When I see the NFL draftees get so much attention and media hype, I can’t help but think that they should do everything they can to enjoy themselves now.  In 5 years, most of them will be out of the league. Andrew Luck, the number one overall pick is “only” making $22 million over the next four years. If the Colts don’t cut him.

_______________

Dodger fans know that Matt Kemp fancied himself a two-sport prep athlete in Oklahoma. At 6′ 3″, Kemp had enough height to probably play at least college basketball and may be athletic enough to have been a wide receiver in the NFL. According to this article, he was heavily recruited by many schools, including Oklahoma, to play basketball. Instead, he chose to chase his baseball dreams. At the age of 28, Kemp is a “bargain” for the Dodgers — only costing them $160 million over 8 years.

VinScullyIsMyHomeboy.com posted this video on YouTube of Kemp throwing down.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRkvrgmh68M

The point is that, if you have the real option to focus on a single sport, chasing a baseball dream may be the way to go. While every sport has stories of guys who never made it, the combination of ridiculous athleticism and baseball skill is especially unique. When you factor in how much baseball players get paid, the length of a typical career, and the physical beating that a football player takes in comparison, baseball comes out head and toes above the rest.

That being said, I found a few non-sports-related items I thought were interesting early this morning.

One is that a Dutch soccer team signed a toddler to a 10-year deal. I love soccer. Lane Kiffin, where you at?

The other fun thing to read this morning (and hopefully for a while) is the public battle over the Dodgers. While the franchise shouldn’t be fought for like this, in public, what we’re getting now is more transparency than ever before. Us Dodgers fans just want to know what’s going on, even if it’s really bad. Here’s to a fresh start sometime between now and what could be 5 years from now.

I wonder what the Vegas over/under is on the timing of this whole mess being over with. If McCourt wanted to win the hearts of Dodgers fans, he’d take the $30 Million and bet it on the Dodgers winning the World Series. With the 35/1 odds, he could really get the team out of the financial hole they’re in and prove his metal…

NOTE – I know that scenario is impossible, but it would make for a sweet storyline for a movie…

And, finally, an excerpt from Bill Simmons’ article on ESPN.com today. This is why he’s the Sports Guy:

In baseball, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt ran out of money to pay for stuff. There were two big reasons for this: He was going through a nasty divorce, and he never had any money in the first place. How can you buy one of the most famous baseball franchises without any money? It’s a great question. But when McCourt went behind Bud Selig’s back and tried to secure a $30 million personal loan from Fox (his television partner), an enraged Selig seized the team from him last week under the rarely seen edict, “You Can’t Pay For Stuff Anymore.”

Only Southern Californians fully understand what happened to the Dodgers during the McCourt Error. Six decades, Dodger Stadium, Vin Scully, Koufax and Drysdale, Garvey-Cey-Lopes-Russell, Fernandomania, Orel’s streak, Gibson’s homer, Gagne coming out of the bullpen breathing fire, Dodger Blue … the McCourts were crapping on all of it. Desecrating the brand. Maybe it took a sneaky loan and a poor Giants fan getting senselessly beaten into a coma for Selig to finally intervene, but he did. To his credit. When a commissioner keeps siding with owners over fans, he becomes nothing but a puppet with strings trickling out of his back. Selig stuck up for Dodgers fans. He did the right thing.