Did the Bengals just have a good draft?

The Rays were in the World Series last Fall, we elected an African-American president, Arizona made the Super Bowl, and now...the Bengals had what can only be termed as a "smart" draft. The Mayans might be a couple of years late! Contrary to recent form, the Bengals draft this weekend a) actually addressed positions of need b) contained picks in which they got exceptional value for the position, and c) contained no "reaches" or players thought to be picked way beyond their draft slot. In other words, the Bengals braintrust actually resembled a solid professional football franchise. Yes, their second sixth-round pick has some "baggage," but even he has been clean for two years while attending a Christian college. No Chris Henry's or AJ Nicholson's in this draft for the Bengals.

I'm encouraged especially by the first three rounds. They got a potential Pro Bowl offensive tackle, a stud middle linebacker who could anchor the defense for a decade, the best past rushing defensive end in the draft, and the Mackey Award winner at tight end. Then, in the fourth round, they addressed a glaring need at center with the kid from Arkansas. They picked up Huber, a local product, to compete at punter, and got some guys who will actually compete at training camp rather than just be training camp practice fodder. For the first time in a long time, I'm actually encouraged about training camp.

But if the Cubs win the World Series this year, I'm heading for the hills.