November 29, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals have installed some plays in the team's game against the Ravens for second-round pick, wideout Jerome Simpson, according to the Sporting News Today.
Our View:Simpson has lagged behind many of the other receivers that were taken in the second round of the draft, as he has only one catch for two yards in five games. The Bengals' coaches may want to see more from Simpson but that doesn't qualify him as fantasy-worthy.
October 26, 2008 Week 8 inactives: QB Carson Palmer (3rd), WR Jerome Simpson, WR Andre Caldwell, TE Ben Utecht, CB Jamar Fletcher, LB Corey Mays, DT Jason Shirley, and OL Andrew Crummy.
Our View:Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback again, and Reggie Kelly will start at tight end. T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Antonio Chatman are active, as is Shayne Graham.
August 19, 2008 Wide receiver Jerome Simpson will get more work with Cincinnati's first-team offense as the team's corps of wide outs, including Chad Johnson, is suffering from injuries, according to Sporting News Today.
Our View:Simpson made a good showing in the team's preseason game against Detroit, hauling in five passes for 114 yards. With the team possibly signing suspended wide out Chris Henry, however, his fantasy value is slim.
June 16, 2008 Rookie receiver Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina) continues to struggle in practice with the Bengals, according to the Dayton Daily News. Simpson is not suited to replace Chris Henry for the number three role at receiver, and fellow rookie Andre Caldwell is ahead of him for the job.
Our View:Simpson has solid hands and plays physical, but lacks good speed and needs work on his route running and blocking. He will likely see most of his action on special teams as a rookie.
April 27, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals selected Jerome Simpson with the 46th pick in the draft. Simpson's draft stock dropped with sloppy senior season. He showed he can be very productive as a junior and the Bengals believe he can be a better professional than college receiver.
Our View:Simpson was drafted because of his size and great hands. He has the overall tools to be an excellent possession receiver but his lack of speed won't allow him to replace Chris Henry or Chad Johnson. The draft pick was a bit of a reach considering the wide out comes from a small program, and doesn't have the top-tiered speed the Bengals offense leans towards.
