Bengals take LSU OT Whitworth

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

The Bengals used their second pick on an offensive player, LSU's Andrew Whitworth, in the second round of the NFL draft today.

Whitworth is 6-6½, 328 pounds and runs a 5.3-second in the 40-yard dash.

He started 52 consecutive games in college at tackle and is a right tackle prospect in the NFL.

"He's gone two years without giving up a sack," Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander said.

Actually, Whitworth gave up one sack in 2004 and committed just five penalties. He has gone 22 consecutive games without allowing a sack.

Whitworth is intelligent and mature, exceptionally strong and good with his hands, but he is a classic over-achiever who lacks natural athleticism and struggles against faster defenders.

The selection of Whitworth this early suggests the Bengals might be planning to move on from Willie Anderson after the 2006 season. Anderson's contract expires after the season, and the team is trying also to re-sign the starting left side of its offensive line, tackle Levi Jones and guard Eric Steinbach, both younger than Anderson.

Coach Marvin Lewis, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and Alexander all said that fans should not read anything into the selection of Whitworth in the second round as a sign that Anderson or Jones might be replaced soon.

"You can never have enough good offensive linemen," said Bratkowski, who also explained that Whitworth was the most impressive scouting combine interview he conducted in 15 years.

Whitworth had no specific expectations for his rookie season, even as a second-round pick.

"I will dedicate myself to help our team win the Super Bowl," he said. "I credit myself for leadership and character."