2011 NFL Draft: Bengals Should Grab Blaine Gabbert, Not A.J. Green

Every mock draft I have viewed has picked A.J Green to go fourth overall to the Bengals. I strongly disagree with that. People state that the team needs playmakers, players who can break the game open. 

Well, who's gonna throw it at Green? Carson Palmer is not going to return, so who doe that leave? Dan LaFevour? Jordan Palmer?

A weapon is only as good as its handler, and they don't have a handler in Cincy.

I think they should actually draft Blaine Gabbert.

The Panthers will draft Marcel Darreus.

The Broncos will draft Nick Fairley.

The Bills will draft Patrick Peterson.

So who's the best prospect available? Gabbert.

Ochocinco and T.O are gone next season, and that leaves your starters with Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson and Andrew Caldwell. Contrary to popular belief, that's a pretty good set. The three wideouts are very shifty, quick and hard workers. Shipley was a consistent slot receiver throughout 2010, Caldwell is a clutch receiver and Simpson broke out when he got his chance. They are also all under the age of 26. 

Gabbert's skill set is perfect for the west-coast style offense that the Bengals run. He has great accuracy and mobility and is highly intelligent, so it shouldn't take long for him to transition into the offense. Then he has Cedric Benson in the backfield. While production dipped last season, Benson will be able to improve and show why he's a great player.

Not only that, but he's a winner, something the Bengals haven't had since Boomer Esiason.

Gabbert is the most logical pick for the Bengals, and while he might not be getting many wins in 2011 (if there is a season), he will bring good fortune for the years after.