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Andrew Whitworth to Bengals: Drafting my replacement is a mistake

Frank Victores / US PRESSWIRE

Offensive tackle is a popular selection for the Cincinnati Bengals in mock drafts. It makes a lot of sense, as the team's two starters at the position, Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith, are set to become free agents after 2015. 

Just don't tell Whitworth it makes sense. 

The 10-year pro thinks spending a high draft pick on his replacement would be a waste.

"Mess up and draft somebody at my position because you are going to sit around and watch him sit (on) the bench," Whitworth told Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "That's always been my mentality. I see it as a challenge."

Whitworth softened his stance when asked if he would be willing to mentor a young lineman. 

"I want them to bring in anybody that makes our team better," Whitworth said. "I don't care if it's my spot or not. When we talk about that challenge of taking that on that's just me personally at my spot. I love any guy that has a chance to help us. Truth is, eventually they have to find a young guy that one day can be that position barring injury and those things. I understand that part and any kid that comes here with the hunger to be good, I want him in this locker room."

Of course, mentoring is one thing. Ceding your starting job to a rookie is something entirely different.

The Bengals will likely love Whitworth's attitude here. Competition, even when it gets a little on the wrong side of friendly, is a good thing in NFL locker rooms. 

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