[More Cowbell]

The only way the Bengals could justify drafting a running back early is if McFadden's available, which he won't be. They need to take defensive players in the first three rounds (at least), and maybe even trade their first round pick for two lower picks so they could take defenders.

I believe you trade Rudi for some solid defenders, start Watson because he's a back who stretches the field, which fits right in to our offensive scheme. Spend a lower pick on a power back who won't need to be the feature back but who can just pound it for solid gains for the red zone and short yardage.

Our offense has enough talent to win a lot of games if our defense would just stop people, and having a pound it back would help, too.

I agree with you that the Bengals definitely do not need to draft another running back, at least not until the second day. The high picks need to go toward the defense.

However, i'm still not convinced Kenny Watson is the answer as an every-down back. He looked great against the Jets, and I know his per-carry average is better than Rudi's this year, but I would have to see more to believe he can do it for a whole season.

On the contrary, I'm actually excited to see Kenny Irons next year (after I roasted the Bengals for drafting him back in April). I think he could be the #1 back next year, and I wouldn't be opposed to trading Rudi. However, with the way he's looked this year, I don't think we would get much for him.