When Marvin Lewis arrived in Cincinnati back in 2003, the Bengals had been clamoring for a franchise quarterback since Boomer Esiason was run out of town back in 1992.
David Klingler, Neil O’Donnell, Akili Smith and Jon Kitna couldn’t fit the bill, so Lewis looked for a clean slate at the position 15 years ago.
As it turns out, the then-new coach used a No. 1 overall pick at the position in Heisman Trophy winner, Carson Palmer. Lewis’ very first draft pick as an NFL head coach ended up becoming one of the best selections the team has ever made.