NFL draft

Less than a week until the 2010 NFL draft. The best time of the year!

We'll see if any of these rumored blockbuster trades come to fruition. I heard on the NFL Network that both the Browns and Steelers are considering trying to trade up to the first pick.

I'm not sure what the Browns really have to offer, other than a figurative boatload of picks over the next few years that could entice the Rams to trade down with them.

The Steelers, though, if they were to offer Big Ben, well, that might be enough to get the Rams thinking. And kudos to the Steelers too for taking a hard stance on Santonio Holmes and Big Ben for their off the field troubles. I wish Mike Brown would step up like that.

Speaking of the Bengals, Marvin Lewis hinted that the Bengals might make a trade for a veteran tight end (one of the biggest needs right now) prior to the draft. The possible targets are Tony Scheffler from Denver and Greg Olson from Chicago. I prefer Scheffler because he seems to be a complete player - a quality receiver and blocker while Olson is a superior receiver and an average blocker. The Bengals could probably land one for a third round pick and maybe one of their tackles.

That would free them up to really draft the best player available, regardless of position, at 21. I doubt that Dez Bryant would fall all that way. Besides him, and if they trade for a tight end, Jermaine Gresham would be a nice choice. But, again, if they trade for a veteran, there is no need to go for a tight end in the first round. After that, they could take a look at Taylor Mays, the safety from USC. This kid is a physical freak (6'3'' and 220 plus a sub 4.4 40 yard dash) and would be a wonderful addition to our secondary. I'd like to see them go for Brian Price, the junior DT out of UCLA. This kids is a fireplug. He'd fit very well with Demato Peko to give the Bengals a great DT tandem. If they don't go that direction, I think Everson Griffen, DE out of USC, could be another option. Robert Geathers is just okay at one DE and Atwan Odom was leading the league in sacks before rupturing his Achilles tendon. Will he be healthy? The Bengals can stop the run and cover well. But the pass rush is very pedestrian.

If those guys are off the board, or a group of them (Mays, Price, and Griffen) happen to still be available, they could trade down and pick up an extra pick (a third fourth round pick would be nice).

In the second round, the Bengals have several options here too. My money is on the ILB from Florida, Brandon Spikes. If he's gone, I could see them looking at WR. To their credit, the Bengals have had some incredible luck in the second round with receivers (Chris Collinsworth, Carl Pickens, Darnay Scott, and Chad Ochocinco). If Golden Tate or Mardy Gilyard are there, they could be great additions. Personally, I'm pulling for Gilyard (from the University of Cincinnati) would be a great fit.

Fortunately, Thursday evening, the first round will be resolved. Then by Friday night, I'll have all these questions and scenarios resolved.