Draft prep: Who dey? Bengals in trouble

When training camp started, Rudi Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh were full of optimism. They were ready for the new season.

Johnson was feeling good following last year's injury woes. Houshmandzadeh was ready to build off a solid 2007 when he tied Wes Welker for the NFL lead in receptions.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have a hard time matching last year's production. (US Presswire)

Then it all fell apart. Neither player saw action in the four preseason games due to hamstring problems, although Houshmandzadeh appears ready to go.

He was in uniform for the final preseason game against the Colts but was held out to keep him healthy. Coach Marvin Lewis needs Houshmandzadeh on the field for Week 1 against Baltimore.

With the Bengals already dealing with Chad Johnson (shoulder) at less than 100 percent, Houshmandzadeh needs to be ready. Fantasy owners feel the same way because Houshmandzadeh is a No. 1 option. He should be drafted with a pick in the first four rounds coming into the year.

"I'm looking forward to another good year," Houshmandzadeh said in an interview with CBSSports.com. "I want to go out and make plays again and help us get into the playoffs."

Houshmandzadeh became a Fantasy star last year when he tied Welker with 112 catches. He also set career highs in yards (1,143) and touchdowns (12).

Houshmandzadeh went from a No. 2 Fantasy receiver to a No. 1 option and deserves the same consideration this year. He said last year Welker robbed him of the receptions title, and Houshmandzadeh dropped a short pass in the season finale, which would have given him the outright lead.

"I should have had it," Houshmandzadeh said. "I can't say for sure, but I know New England had to throw the ball more than 200 times more than we did. I mean, they're up 50-0 and still throwing the ball. So he probably had a few more chances."

In Welker's defense, Houshmandzadeh was targeted 169 times last year compared to Welker's 145. But don't tell that to Houshmandzadeh.

This is also a contract year for Houshmandzadeh, so he has something to prove. The hamstring injury during training camp was a nuisance, but Houshmandzadeh has extra motivation to earn money.

That's always something that Fantasy owners like to hear.

"I don't put too much into it," Houshmandzadeh said. "I'm going to go in there and do the same things and more. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about it. But it's not going to change what I do."

Houshmandzadeh also wants to see Chad Johnson healthy for a full season. Johnson had ankle surgery prior to training camp and then suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Johnson expects to play, but he could need surgery at some point. Without Johnson, Houshmandzadeh could struggle with extra attention from defensive coordinators. It would make it rough for Houshmandzadeh and quarterback Carson Palmer.

"Without Chad, I'll get double teams on every play," Houshmandzadeh said. "I still see double teams, but it's not the same when Chad is in there. Having him opens up things for me, for the running game, for Carson. When he's on the field, you can only take away so much, and that allows all of us to make plays."

Houshmandzadeh was impressed with Rudi Johnson coming into training camp. He said Johnson was in great shape and ready to go.

Last year, Johnson played in only 11 games due to a hamstring injury and finished with 497 rushing yards and three touchdowns, his worst stats since 2002. Fantasy owners were leery about taking Johnson coming into the year, and his current hamstring problems only made that worse.

The Bengals then reportedly put Johnson on the trading block to seek help at receiver because they were encouraged with the play of Chris Perry, who is coming back from injury. Kenny Watson also played well in place of Johnson last year.

Johnson still has a chance to start for the Bengals in 2008 and is worth drafting as a low-end No. 3 option with a middle-round pick. But it's obvious his days in Cincinnati are near an end.

Johnson will also be 29 during the year, so he's getting close to the point when running backs start to decline.

"It doesn't worry me," Johnson told CBSSports.com. "I stay in shape, and you can look at what I do. I know what I can do and what I will continue to do."

Johnson felt confident this year before the injury because he was back at his normal playing weight. Last year, Johnson felt he was too light, so he gained more muscle and is back at about 225 pounds.

Now if he could only get back on the field and show Fantasy owners he is ready to go. Maybe then everyone can share in Johnson's optimism about this season.

"Everybody respects my game," Johnson said. "I know I'm going to go out and help my team. The numbers don't lie. I've been doing it for years now. I'm going to continue to produce like I always have. ... It's going to be a good year. I'm looking forward to it, and you're going to see the Rudi Johnson you're used to seeing."

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