Analyzing Second-Year Leap Scenarios for the Bengals' 2011 Draft Class

Few realized just what was going to come out of the Cincinnati Bengals' 2011 draft class. They were embarking on a nearly-wholesale rebuild of their offense while in a lockout year and coming off of a 4-12 2010 season.

It seemed that, no matter what they attempted in that draft, it would take more than a single offseason to blossom into anything worthwhile. Instead, those moves helped propel them to a playoff berth in the 2011 season.

Let's take a look at the eight players the Bengals selected in last year's draft and see what they may accomplish in their second year on a team that's poised to only get better in 2012.

WR A.J. Green

The Bengals went into the 2011 draft desperately needing two key offensive components: quarterback and wide receiver. Though there was decidedly a run on quarterbacks in the first round, none, save Cam Newton, would have been all that compelling for the Bengals with their No. 4 overall pick (and, obviously, they couldn't land him).

So, of course, it made sense for the team to take a top-tier wideout with this pick. A.J. Green proved invaluable to the team in his rookie season, catching 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven scores. He's leading the youth movement in the Bengals' receiving corps and should have another 1,000-plus yardage season in 2012. He's spending the offseason working out with the Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald; if Green keeps up this kind of production, he'll be considered one of Fitzgerald's true peers in no time.

QB Andy Dalton

The smartest quarterback selection of the entire 2011 draft came in the second round when the Bengals selected Andy Dalton 35th overall. Despite a lockout-shortened preparation time, the learning curve seemed extremely short for Dalton in his rookie season. He completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 3,398 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Green was instrumental in Dalton's success, and he'll be a major reason why both he and the team's entire offense progresses in the upcoming season.

Certainly, Dalton has areas in which he can improve—he has just one year in the NFL under his belt, after all—but I don't anticipate a drop off or a plateau for him this year. He's the ideal quarterback for the Bengals right now; another playoff appearance looks likely with him at the helm.

LB Dontay Moch

Dontay Moch was drafted to be a pass-rusher, but he didn't play a snap in 2011 thanks to a foot injury and recurring headaches. As long as Moch is healthy enough to take the field in 2012, he should get rotational work on passing downs.

He has the skill set to make an impact, but without playing time, he may fall to the wayside in the future.

OG Clint Boling

Clint Boling won't likely be a starter on the Bengals' offensive line, considering they took guard Kevin Zeitler in the first round of this year's draft. However, Boling is valuable for depth purposes, and it's not likely he will spend the entirety of 2012 on the sidelines.

FS Robert Sands

Safety Robert Sands saw the majority of his playing time come on special teams, and that's likely where he'll again make the most impact in 2012. It's becoming a crowded crew of safeties on the Bengals roster, with the team taking George Iloka in this year's draft. He'll battle for a backup spot at his natural position but probably land on the practice squad.

WR Ryan Whalen

Ryan Whalen caught four passes in his rookie season for 27 yards total. He didn't see any on-field action until December, and now he's but one member of a crowded receiving corps.

If he can hold onto a spot on the 53-man roster, he may see a few additional looks, but he'll have to fight it out in camp for that to happen. I see the practice squad in his future, but he could get a chance in a season or two.

CB Korey Lindsey

Korey Lindsey, a seventh-round pick last season, was cut from the Bengals during the preseason. He's currently a member of the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad.

RB Jay Finley

Jay Finley was another Bengals seventh-rounder from last year who didn't make it through roster cuts. He's on the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad presently.

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