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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > May > 07 > Entry
Bengals trade for Rams TB Brian Leonard
CINCY SHIPS DT HARRIS
OFF TO ST. LOUIS; BENGALS
NOW HAVE 8 RBs ON ROSTER
A SCARLET KNIGHT IS IN THE HOUSE;
PLANS TO SHOW RUN & CATCH SKILLS
In a move designed to help both teams, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired tailback Brian Leonard in a trade with the St. Louis Rams, who get defensive tackle Orien Harris in return.
The Bengals now have eight — count ‘em, EIGHT — running backs on the squad.
Cedric Benson, Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey, James Johnson, Bernard Scott, Marlon Lucky, Fui Vakapuna and Leonard.
Only three, maybe four, will make the 53-man roster.
Harris likely was not going to make the Bengals’ active roster. Tank Johnson, Domata Peko, Pat Sims and Jason Shirley make up the four-man DT rotation with Pernell Phillips also fighting for a spot.
The club figured it would take a chance on Leonard, a 6-foot-1, 229-pounder and third-year veteran who backed up Steven Jackson for two seasons.
After all, since they didn’t draft Jackson in 2004 — the Bengals traded down in the first round and grabbed Chris Perry — why not snag Jackson’s backup from St. Louis?
Leonard was the Rams’ second-round draft pick in 2007 (52nd overall). He played in 16 games with seven starts as a rookie, rushing for 303 yards on 86 carries (3.5-yard average) and catching 30 passes for 183 yards.
As a second-year man in 2008, Leonard played in just two of the Rams’ first five games due to a shoulder injury, recording two carries for seven yards. He was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Oct. 13, missing the remainder of the season.
Leonard possesses the two qualities the Bengals demand from their running backs. The ability to run the football with good contact balance between the tackles, and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Corey Dillon was a great runner and average receiver.
Rudi Johnson was a strong runner and lousy receiver.
Cedric Benson is umm, umm good at both.
The trade gives Leonard new life. Let’s see what he does with it.
Now it’s time for the Bengals to get out the knife and begin cutting.
For more on Brian Leonard, go to:
http://www.nfl.com/players/brianleonard/profile?id=LEO380682
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By TouchdownTroy
May 7, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this
A nice pick up for the Bengals, i saw him play for Rutgers. The ax is being sharpened in Bengaldom.By Chick Ludwig
May 7, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this
Touchdown Troy: Thank you for joining “Photoman” in Springfield, OH, and “The Fort Myers Foursome” as the most loyal Ludwig At Large readers. Cheers, ChickBy big burrito
May 7, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this
I like this guy, saw him play in college and he had a nice “bring your lunch pail to work” attitude…My four to keep…Benson,Vakapuna,Leonard and DorseyBy photoman
May 7, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this
Chickster!!! Where is MB in all of this off-season Bengaldom player movement? Is he still involved in the decision making or did he turn it over to wise council? Who is he listening to? This is the best action I’ve seen in Bengaldom since PB left.By jon
May 8, 2009 1:35 AM | Link to this
Did Mike Brown fall and hit his head? Or maybe he’s in coma. Anyway I’m getting excited, Maybe I hit my head for saying that.By Dana
May 8, 2009 4:04 AM | Link to this
I really like Brian leonard.. I’ve been a Rams fan since I was a kid in LA and I know they need D-lineman.. Being a Bengals fan also I hope BL makes the club and produces like he’s capable.. This guy is tough as they come. And a big time reciever out of the backfieldBy TechGuy
May 8, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this
Looks like Kenny Watson had better be reading the want ads. Outside of Benson, I have no idea who will stick, but the battle is going to be fun to watch! Photoman, I’m wondering the same thing. This off-season has been far more active than MB has ever been before. Has there been a quiet coup in the Bengals war room?By TechGuy
May 8, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this
Looks like Kenny Watson had better be reading the want ads. Outside of Benson, I have no idea who will stick, but the battle is going to be fun to watch! Photoman, I’m wondering the same thing. This off-season has been far more active than MB has ever been before. Has there been a quiet coup in the Bengals war room?By Larry
May 8, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
What about Gary Russell who they acquired from Pittsburg? Is he still on the team?By Antwan Odom in your face
May 8, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
Russell got knifed the same time as Perry. It seems the answer to helping the O-Line become a cohesive unit is acquiring power runners to bang through the line of scrimmage. Benson and Leonard are 230lb. backs. Potentially, they could keep Vakapuna as a RB, and at 245 lbs., that’s a battering ram. The FB should be the young and powerful Pressley per the Chickster’s lineup prediction earlier this week. Just keep pounding the rock on the ground. Also, the big backs help in Pass Pro. The speed backs may have a tough time making the roster. Bernard Scott would have to shine as a Special Teamer if he doesn’t wanna land in Practice Squadville. Keep the good news rolling Chickster. (any word on Rod Hood?) Cheers dude.