Simply put: Yes.
USC Linebacker Keith Rivers fits in perfectly to a position that absolutely killed the Bengals last year. The linebacker corps for Cincinnati was plagued by injuries last season and Rivers, who missed one game last season (due to a sprained ankle), adds durability and power.
The 6′2, 241-pound Rivers can play all three linebacker spots, but is a natural fit at weak side. The weak side, however, is where the Bengals’ most experienced linebacker Dhani Jones currently resides. Projected starters middle linebacker Ahmad Brooks and strong-side Rashad Jeanty have combined for a total of 39 games and have proved to have health concerns. With Odell Thurman being reinstated, assuming he returns to his 2005 form, it is not a stretch to assume that the starting linebackers will be Jones, Thurman, and Rivers.
Not only does Rivers bring experience and power to this defense, but he is a proven run stopper. While the are ends solidified inAntwan Odom and Robert Geathers, the Bengals needed to focus on the rest of the front seven: Linebackers and Defensive Tackles. Instead of reaching at #9 and taking a lower DT, the Bengals decided to take who many had labeled the top linebacker in the draft, just ahead of Jarrod Mayo out of Tennessee.
Rivers also brings great attitude and character, a type of player that the Bengals are in dyer need of in their locker room.
“He’s a face of the franchise,” said new linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald.
Other Needs: I look for the Bengals to take a hard look at WRs in the 2nd Round today. In my opinion, if he is still there, Texas WR Limas Sweed would be a perfect fit for the Bengals. Sweed is a tall receiver who reminds me physically of Chris Henry, without all of the legal problems.
With the Bengals losing out on DT Ellis in the first round, they must draft a DT with one of their remaining 9 draft.
I also look for the Bengals to address the need of KR/PR.
Very well put GD, the bengals had a lot of trouble shutting down the run last season and a big part of it had to do with injuries and Thurman being suspended for the year. Although the Bengals drafted players who were projected lower than where they were actually picked they did a nice job at drafting what they needed not best availible.