The Cincinnati Bengals landed the best tight end available in the NFL Draft and a top defensive end prospect in the first two rounds. Cincinnati’s remaining picks are a little suspect, from the third round on down but as with any draft, the decisions made in the NFL Draft cannot be proved wrong until a few years down the road.
Cincinnati Bengals first NFL Draft pick and overall Jermaine Gresham.
Jermaine Gresham, a big, menacing tight end from Oklahoma, has the size and hands to make it to the next level in the NFL. Gresham is not afraid to make contact after the catch and will be Carson Palmer’s best receiver across the middle if he can adjust to the speed of the pro game quickly. Gresham will start soon after the 2010 NFL season begins.
Cincinnati Bengals second NFL Draft pick and overall Carlos Dunlop.
Carlos Dunlop, a speedy defensive end with strength from Florida, dropped like a rock on NFL Draft boards because of his off the field issues. Cincinnati has never been shy taking players with questionable backgrounds and Dunlop’s issues are minor compared to most of the cast offs Cincinnati has signed in the past. Dunlop will quickly play his way into the starting line up and make an impact on the defensive line in his first NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals third NFL Draft pick and overall Jordan Shipley.
Jordon Shipley, Colt McCoy’s favorite receiver at Texas, was definitely drafted too early by Cincinnati. Shipley would have been available in the fifth round and possibly the sixth if Cincinnati would have been patient. Shipley will be on the Cincinnati roster opening day but will see only situational duty in his first NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals fourth NFL Draft pick and overall Brandon Ghee.
Brandon Ghee,a cornerback from Wake Forest, will be a work in progress for Cincinnati but they can afford to wait on the speedy back peddler. Ghee will see spot action in certain pass situations and will be given time to learn the ropes from his new teammates. Ghee will play in his first NFL season but sparingly.
Cincinnati Bengals fifth NFL Draft pick and overall Geno Atkins.
Geno Atkins, a defensive tackle out of Georgia, is another defensive lineman drafted for added depth on the D line. Atkins will be used to give breathers to the inside defensive lineman including the nose guard position. Atkins will play in his first NFL season and will see more than 15 minutes a game as a sub.
Cincinnati Bengals sixth NFL Draft pick and overall Roddrick Muckelroy.
Roddrick Muckelroy, a linebacker also from Texas, will most likely be a special teams addition considering all the talent Cincinnati has in the middle of the field on defense. Muckleroy is a talent and Cincinnati will not let him go if he is not on the defense. Look for Muckleroy to make special teams and play every game in his first NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals seventh NFL Draft pick and overall Otis Hudson.
Otis Hudson, an offensive guard from Eastern Illinois, adds possible depth to the offensive line if he can make the team. Hudson will have to bulk up and hit the weight room before training camp if he wants to make the cut.
Hudson will see action late in games in his first NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals eighth NFL Draft pick and overall Dezmon Briscoe.
Dezmon Briscoe, the second wide receiver chosen by Cincinnati, comes out of Kansas and will have his work cut out for him especially if Terrell Owens is signed in the next few months. Briscoe has the perfect frame for a wide receiver and has good route running skills. He dropped so low in the draft because of a poor performance at the NFL Combine. Briscoe will see time in special situations on offense and special teams in his first NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals ninth NFL Draft pick and overall Reggie Stephens.
Reggie Stephens, an offensive lineman from Iowa State, will also add depth to the offensive line if he can make the team. Stephens may not make the team but Cincinnati will try to keep him for the taxi squad.
sources:
NFL Network NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
ESPN TV NFL Draft live coverage April 22-24, 2010.
NFL.com player profiles.
