For the longest time the Bengals were one of the worst drafting teams in the NFL. However, over the last few years they have been one of the best. The Bengals were one of the best teams in the AFC last year, but they fell short in the first round of the playoffs against the Chargers. The Bengals have gone with the best player available model the last few seasons and it has worked out quite well for them. The Bengals started the draft with 9 draft picks, let’s take a look at how they used them.
1.. Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Michigan State
Dennard is the best pure cover corner in the draft. He can step in right away and give the Bengals playing time if any of their veteran starters get hurt. Dennard may not have the top end speed and athleticism as Justin Gilbert or some of the other top corners, but he can placed on an island and be fine. Dennard can also hold up well in the run game and won’t be a liability. Dennard was the best player available, but also fits a big need.
Final Grade: A
2. Jeremy Hill, Running Back, LSU
Hue Jackson has stated that he wants to run the ball more this year and Jeremy Hill will help do just that. Hill has a blend of size, speed and athleticism that coaches dream about when they try to find a running back. He has good hands and will be an asset in the passing game as well. He needs to work on his pass blocking some, he is a willing blocker, but just doesn’t have sound technique. Hill is one of the most talented backs in this draft and this will almost surely spell the end of BenJarvus Green-Ellis time with the Bengals.
Final Grade: A-
3. Will Clarke, Defensive End, West Virginia
The Bengals lost Michael Johnson in free agency to the Buccaneers and needed to add more depth and talent to the defensive line. The Bengals like to have a rotation on their defensive line and they had to add another defensive end to their rotation. Clarke has the prototypical size that the Bengals like in their defensive ends and has skills that are similar to Johnsons. Clarke will be able to step in right away and give the Bengals another talented defensive end.
Final Grade: A-
4. Russell Bodine, Center, North Carolina
The Bengals recently released Kyle Cook and the Bengals don’t know whether T.J. Johnson or Trevor Robinson are the answer. The Bengals gave up one of their sixth-round picks to trade up and get Bodine. Bodine is extremely strong, as he showed by doing 42 reps at the combine. Bodine shows good athleticism, being able to get to the second level and block well there. Bodine anchors well against the bull rush and can hold up well against bigger nose tackles.
Final Grade: A- Final Grade with Trade: B
5. A.J. McCarron, Quarterback, Alabama
This was the pick that everyone was talking about, despite only being a 5th rounder. McCarron led the Crimson Tide to two national championships in his there and was one of the winningest quarterbacks in college football. McCarron didn’t turn the ball over and was a very good game manager for Alabama. The question for McCarron will be if he can ever be more than a game manager. With Daltons contract up next year, if Dalton doesn’t play better in the playoffs, we may get to see what McCarron has.
Final Grade: B
6. Marquise Flowers, Linebacker, Arizona
Flowers brings a lot of speed and athleticism to the Bengals linebacker group. Flowers is a converted safety who has the ability in coverage from the linebacker position. He showed the ability to use his speed to chase down ball carriers and make the tackle. He has excellent range and can play sideline to sideline as well as to get into the backfield. Flowers could put on some weight so that he can get off blocks better. He needs some time to develop, but his athleticism makes him an interesting prospect.
Final Grade: A-
7. James Wright, Wide Receiver, LSU
Wright didn’t play much at the receiver position, having 0 catches his senior year and only 25 receptions in his career. That being said, Wright was a special team standout who led his team in special teams tackles his senior year for LSU. Wrights best chance to make the team is as a gunner on special teams.
Final Grade: C+
7. Lavelle Westbrooks, Cornerback, Georgia Southern
Westbrook has played both cornerback and safety while in college. He has the size to play either position in the NFL, though he will have to carve out a place on special teams to begin his career. Westbrooks has good length and is a very good tackler. He may not have the speed to be a cornerback in the NFL and may have to switch back to safety.
Final Grade: B+
Overview
The Bengals had a very good first three round. They filled needs with players that were extremely talented. Dennard will be a future number one in the league, while Hill will make an immediate impact as a rookie and help the run game. Clarke will be able to step in straight away and be in the Bengals pass rush rotation. After that they missed need with best player available. The Bengals had a very good draft, but only time will tell what the real grade for this draft will be.
Final Overall Grade: B+