Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Draft Review

The Bengals' draft went big time:  big time players from big time schools. Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia were the schools from which Cincinnati plucked its talent. Jermaine Gresham, who fit a need as an explosive pass catcher and blocker, was probably an easy pick to make. Jordan Shipley is looked at as a slot receiver. Carlos Dunlap and Brandon Ghee are welcome additions to what already was the Bengals strong point - their defense. My favorite player of the Bengals' draft was Geno Atkins, an undersized hustler who could eventually grab the starting defensive tackle job. Even the late round picks of Muckleroy, Hudson, Briscoe, and Stephens all have some intriguing upside. The Bengals have done so well through the draft and free agency that they have allowed themselves some room to take risks, and many could pay off in this draft.


Round 1, Pick 21

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Ht: 6’ 5 ¼” Wt: 261

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gresham is a no-brainer pick.  After losing T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry, the Bengals were lacking a downfield passing game.  Hopefully Gresham will open up the outside for OchoCinco and Antonio Bryant.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: May require an adjustment period after missing a season of football and would be best matched with a patient TE coach, but possesses all the physical ability to become a very solid starter in the pros, capable of contributing on every down, and has great upside to develop.

NFL projection: First-round pick

GM Jr’s scouting report:  There are a lot of things to like about Gresham because he has the size, strength, athleticism, hands and playing speed make big plays as a receiver and to be a solid blocker when he uses good technique.  He definitely looks the part on the “Hoof” and has the natural size, strength and athleticism that few NFL tight ends have.  My biggest concern with his on field play is that his upright playing style (both running routes, running after the catch and as a blocker) remind me a little of Leonard Pope who was a 2nd round pick by the Cardinals and has struggled to become a good NFL player.  Overall, Gresham has worked out well this spring easing concerns about the knee injury that caused him to miss his senior season, but I still am concerned about his long term durability because it seems that a number of players who have had the micro-fracture surgery have struggled to get back to their pre-injury form and have been hindered for a few seasons after the surgery.  If he is able to stay healthy then he will become a good starting tight end who makes plays as a receiver, but will likely always be an inconsistent blocker.  However, if he does not play more aggressively and with better technique in the NFL then he will always struggle to play up to his natural talent level. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Gresham missed the 2009 season following September surgery on his right knee.  If he checks out medically and proves he is back to full strength, Gresham remains the clear No. 1 tight end in this draft.  Before the injury, he displayed the height, strength and speed to be mismatch for linebackers and safeties. 

Round 2, Pick 54

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Ht: 6’ 5 ¾” Wt:  277

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Bengals are not afraid to take players who are are superior athletes but have motivational issues.  Dunlap is the perfect case of a first-round athlete with mid-round results in his play.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Inconsistent, enigmatic, developing pass rusher who is still growing into his frame and dripping with potential. Possesses a unique combination of size, length and athletic ability to disrupt offenses, but has unnerving underachiever traits that make him a big-time boom-or-bust investment. His mental fortitude will be tested, and he easily could be chewed up by NFL offensive linemen upon his arrival. Has some similarities to Arizona Cardinals 2008 second-rounder Calais Campbell but is not as big and even more unrefined at this stage in his development.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Being suspended just days before the SEC title game last year clouds Dunlap’s status.  Scouts are giving him a high grade due to his rare frame and versatility, but his alcohol-related arrest, and the timing and details of that event, might give some teams pause.

Round 3, Pick 84

Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

Ht: 5’ 11 ¼” Wt: 193

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another receiver who shows ability to get open in short areas, Shipley is an excellent addition to the Bengals.  If you combine him with the potential impact of Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals could have a much more effective pass game in the upcoming 2010 season.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A very tough, productive, quicker- than-fast slot receiver whose career has been marred by injury, Shipley also has proven to be a dependable return man and has the potential to develop into a solid starter. Must prove that he is strong and durable enough to work the middle of the field consistently at the pro level.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Shipley’s underrated quickness and ability to find holes in zones and gain yards after the catch make him a perfect slot receiver candidate – as does his toughness over the middle despite only adequate size for the position.  Adding his return skills to the mix makes him a likely top 75 pick.  

Round 3, Pick 96

Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

Ht: 5’ 11 5/8” Wt: 192

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Ghee is a classic example of having exceptional track speed but the game tape not confirming that speed.  I suspect the Bengals will try to make him a nickel corner and that is what best suits his game.  Being matched up against the second or third best receiver on the other team will play to Ghee's strengths.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A former track standout with big-time speed, Ghee’s best season came as a sophomore, and his inconsistent, undisciplined play the last two seasons is unnerving. A finesse man- cover corner with moldable talent, Ghee lacks ball skills and does not play to his workout numbers, based on which he will be overdrafted. Could bring early value as a gunner but has bust potential.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Ghee is athletically gifted, but seems more interested in making the big hit than the interception.  In fact, some scouts feel his pro best position will be safety.  There is merit there, considering his production as a tackler and lack of big plays in coverage. 

120.)  Cincinnati Bengals
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 293

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  One of the most underrated players in this draft, Atkins will make up for his small stature with his playmaking ability and incredible hustle.  Another great athlete selected by the Bengals, their defense has become very deep with talent.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Atkins had his best season as a freshman, but he does have NFL talent.  Atkins may have to be used on a rotational system early in his career – not just because he tires quickly but to use playing time as a motivator.  

131.)  Cincinnati Bengals

Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas
Ht 6' 2"  Wt  246
EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Muckelroy is the first Bengals draft pick that is not a freak athlete.  He is, however, a great candidate for special teams and could provide depth to an already deep linebacker core.    

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Active, disciplined, assignment- sound “Will” linebacker whose football character and solid intangibles buoy an average athletic skill set. Competes, gives consistent effort and puts the time in to get better. Has traits to be a core special-teams player.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

152.)  Cincinnati Bengals
Otis Hudson, OG, Eastern Illinois
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 312

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Hudson is another athlete who's not translated that to the field completely.  He's a developmental prospect with big upside but if he can't get enough snaps, he may never reach potential.  The Bengals have been consistent in their drafting where athleticism has trumped immediate impact.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Hudson is a player I knew nothing of when I began to evaluate LT Campbell, but within just a few snaps it became clear that he is as good an athlete as Campbell, if not better, and has the physical tools to play in the NFl.  He began his college career at Minnesota where he was a backup DT who got legitimate playing time, but he transferred to EIU before the 2008 season and ended up starting 9 games of 2008 season at RT and then started the entire 2009 season at Rt.  There is no doubt that he is a better athlete than OT right now, but his combination of foot quicks, athleticism, flexibility and excellent natural strength is very hard to find.  Overall, I doubt Hudson is going to be drafted as he was not invited to the Combine or one of the major All Star Games, but he is definitely a better athlete than many of the big school OL who will be drafted.  he is an ideal practice squad, developmental prospect who has all the talent to become a good starting RT in a few seasons which is why he is worth a 5th/6th round selection (he may be the type of player who impresses enough in pre-season games that he cannot be cut and  slipped thru to the practice squad so he may have to stay on the active roster while he develops).  

191.)  Cincinnati Bengals
Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 207

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Briscoe was highly rated coming in to last season, but did nothing to increase his draft stock.  A good route runner with NFL size, Briscoe lacks the top end speed to be an elite receiver.  He could contribute as a returner.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The lack of national publicity, a new coaching staff and the graduation of QB Todd Reesing made Briscoe’s decision to head to the NFL an easy one.  The Jayhawks’ career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, he is a highly productive player with good size and playmaking skills.  But concerns about his lack of top-end speed and playmaking skills will likely keep Briscoe out of the top 50.  

228.)  Cincinnati Bengals

Reggie Stephens, OL, Iowa State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 333

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Stephens is a versatile lineman.  He has played all three interior line positions and started for three plus seasons at Iowa State.  His pass blocking footwork needs to be coached up, but he's a good run blocker.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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