Draft Grades

[sparky151]

Burkhead is a blue collar guy. I'd be willing to bet he proves to be a special teams commodity ( not as returner ).

I'm sure Rex would be a willing cover and blocker on the return units. What was unusual about Herron is he seems to have a knack for punt blocking. He blocked a punt vs Philly and tipped 2 vs Dallas. And that was in only a few games. A guy who can get his hand on a couple punts a season is well worth a backup RB slot.

[Bengals1181]

ESPN's Todd McShay evaluates the NFL draft for each AFC North team , giving his take on the best and most questionable picks. It's an Insider article, so you'll need a subscription to view the entire post. But here are McShay's picks and my take on them:

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Best pick: Tight end Tyler Eifert, first round. 

Questionable pick: Safety Shawn Williams, third round. 

My comments: Eifert should be the best player drafted in the last dozen picks of the first round. The Bengals took the best player available rather than addressing a bigger need. As McShay points out, there are differing opinions on Williams, the eighth safety drafted. If he isn't starting by next season, the pick looks even more questionable.

 

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/69690/mcshays-best-worst-picks-for-afc-north

[Bengals1181]

AFC North draft grades: Cincinnati Bengals clean up once again

 

Tyler Eifert interview in the link.

 

 

MOST SURPRISING PICK: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
Cincinnati Bengals, Round 2, No. 37 overall

It's not a surprise to see Bernard land with the Bengals, based on the love affair between Cincy's offensive coaching staff and the running back at North Carolina's Pro Day. But it is a bit surprising that the former UNC standout was the first running back chosen in a draft where many declared Eddie Lacy as the top dog at the position. Cincinnati believes Bernard is a better fit in its offense, though, due to his unique skills as a runner and receiver. Bernard thrives as the feature guy in a one-back set, which will enable the Bengals to run their "11" (one back, one tight end, three receivers) and "12" (one back, two tight ends, two receivers) personnel packages to maximize their explosive collection of players on the perimeter. With the Bengals on the verge of contending for the AFC crown, the addition of Bernard could push them over the top in 2013.

 

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS: It's no coincidence that the Bengals have emerged as a perennial playoff contender in recent years, having strung together a series of productive drafts. This season is no exception, with Cincinnati adding explosive playmakers in Tyler Eifert and Bernard to an offense brimming with talent. Defensively, Marvin Lewis scooped up a few intriguing pieces in DE Margus Hunt, S Shawn Williams and LB Sean Porter. Those three might start the season in backup roles, but their collective talent upgrades the depth of the defense and gives coordinator Mike Zimmer options for exotic sub-package looks. With the Bengals stacking another solid class on top of an already loaded roster, Cincinnati is in position to be a legitimate contender in the AFC for years to come. GRADE: A

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000165691/article/afc-north-draft-grades-cincinnati-bengals-clean-up-once-again?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

[Bengals1181]

Round 1, Pick 21 Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame Ranked #26 in our Top 100 Prospects List
The Fighting Irish have another great tight end prospect for the 2013 NFL Draft. Tyler Eifert is a big target with great hands. He's been a highly-productive receiver in his career. Eifert has above-average athleticism for the position. He's not particularly fast or quick, but does well to find creases in zone coverage. He'll catch anything in his area, although his aforementioned lack of speed doesn't offer much after the catch. When in-line blocking, he shows a good jump off the line and can hang some bigger defensive ends. He does well to push out the edge, forcing pass-rushers to take ineffective wide angles. When run blocking, he really gets after defenders and isn't afraid to scrap. Eifert gets his hands inside very well and blocks with heavy hands. He blocks very well in open space. Better receiver than blocker at this stage. When running downfield, he can go up and get the ball with his long arms and big hands. He can line up out wide, but will need to be more crisp in his route running to gain separation. He can definitely make big catches over the shoulders. Eifert looks to be athletic enough to be a first round pick, but his all-around game will get him close... [Read More]

Round 2, Pick 5 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina Ranked #63 in our Top 100 Prospects List
Coming off a torn ACL injury in 2010, University of North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard has put together two great seasons back-to-back to take the presumptive lead as the best prospect at this position heading into the evaluation period of the 2013 NFL Draft. Bernard has been an All-ACC performer since taking a redshirt after that aforementioned ACL injury. He was electric in 2012 with 1,228 rushing yards on just 184 carries, good for a 6.7 ypc average and 12 TDs. He also added 47 receptions for 490 yards and five TDs. He finished second in the nation in punt return average (16.4 ypr) and added another two PR TDs. Point here is of course that not only is Bernard multi-faceted, he produces with the ball in his hands in every way possible on offense. The keys to his game are his elusiveness, quick acceleration, one-cut ability, with just enough power in his lower half to battle through and break tackles. Running backs may be a dime a dozen in today's NFL, but Bernard breaks that home run threat each and every time he touches the ball. His ability to run, catch, and return only heightens his value. A powerful runner with great burst and vision, Bernard projects as a... [Read More]

Round 2, Pick 21 Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist Ranked #41 in our Top 100 Prospects List
When considering raw athleticism and size, SMU Mustangs defensive lineman Margus Hunt may have the highest potential in the 2013 draft class. Hunt is a huge prospect with limited football experience that should hear his named called in the first two days of the draft. Hunt was born in Estonia and will be 26 years old at the start of next season. He has only been playing football since his freshman year in 2009 and has a decorated background in track and field (shot put and discus). Lots of hype entering senior year and struggled at times with defenses really keying on him. Needs to get better against the run by staying low with his pad level. Can be driven off the ball. When pass-rushing, he does a great job of hitting the gaps by contorting his body through tight spaces. Will regularly get into the backfield although he is not a strong finisher when given an opportunity to bring down the ball-carrier. Elite talent at blocking kicks with his huge wingspan and height. Tremendous speed for a player his size (4.7 40-yard dash). At his best when he focus his pursuit downhill, extend his arms to take on blockers and disrupt the backfield. Hunt projects as a second round pic... [Read More]

Round 3, Pick 22 Shawn Williams, SS, Georgia University of Georgia strong safety Shawn Williams could prove to be a rookie starter once entering the NFL given his contributes in run support and coverage range. Williams is very aggressive in his style of play and looks to be at his best when running downhill towards the football. Ran very well at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.46 40-yard dash. Took on a vocal leadership role with the Bulldogs defense. Some measurables are below-average, such wingspan and hand size. Will likely struggle against bigger, more physical tight ends. Possesses enough speed to not get beat deep while also sticking with slot receiver man to man. Can easily come down and cover quicker players out of the slot or backfield. Very good pursuit angles. Tackles with good, clean technique. Diagnoses plays a step ahead of his teammates. Will rarely come down with interceptions. Adequate burst and closing speed. Keeps the play in front of him and seems to time his pass breakups on deep routes just at the right moment. Strong, well-built. Near-maxed out frame.... [Read More]

Round 4, Pick 21 Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Sean Porter was a highly productive player in his collegiate career and displayed a knack for providing run support and could also develop into a three-down contributor early in his career. Porter does a lot of little things very well, which don't show up in the box score directly. Takes great angles and is rarely more than a half step late, which allows him to stay on assignment and occupy running lanes. Decent take-on abilities allow him to blitz with better than average effectiveness. Not a natural pass rusher yet, though. Plants and drives toward the ball-carrier, working through crowds to make the tackle. Closes and hits with a snap. Doesn't leave his feet much, but it does happen on occasion. Not a true 3-4 OLB. Flexes well on the outside and can shape the corner. Coverage ability is still in development. Long arms allow him to challenge passing lanes. A bit thin through the middle and could afford to add another 15 pounds of muscle. Short zone coverage is solid. Needs to keep his head on a swivel. Not physical, yet fluid enough to handle more athletic tight ends in man coverage. Played in 40 straight games at A&M.... [Read More]

Round 5, Pick 23 Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas Kansas Jayhawks offensive tackle Tanner Hawkinson could have ended up a tight end, yet grew out to move to the offensive line. A bit undersized, he has room on his frame to grow and is a developmental prospect with good movement skills. Has grown into his body over his collegiate career. Excellent foot quickness, takes choppy steps. Moves laterally well in pass protection and is ahead of the curve as a zone-blocker. Good vision and awareness when identifying the free man in blitzes and twists. Enough length to extend arms and deflect pass rushers off the edge. Strength is an immediate issue. Lets defenders into his frame when run blocking. Can lose balance too easily. Must always have good pad level to hold up and anchor. Loses too much ground. Technique lacks sinking hips and quality knee bend.... [Read More]

Round 6, Pick 22 Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska University of Nebraska Huskers running back Rex Burkhead has legit athleticism which he put on display at the NFL Combine. Should be a great value selection in the later rounds. Great change of direction. Lacks ideal power and must improve his lower half strength. Excellent lateral movements. Should be able to contribute on third down with good hands and a willingness to block. Pass protection needs improvement. Hard runner. Balance seems average at best. Must churn legs and fall forward more consistently. High character player, fan favorite.... [Read More]

Round 6, Pick 29 Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Cobi Hamilton has ideal height to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. Getting separation will be the key to his development. Hamilton has a long frame and adequate speed. Played in a pro-style offense at Arkansas. Average route runner with raw potential. Must learn to chop feet in and out of breaks and explode when changing direction. Shields his body well when securing the ball. Great catching radius and can manipulate body control to put himself in position. Legit threat to score on fade routes in the red zone. Needs improvement getting off the line. Can be jammed with limited resistance. Great with the ball in his hands and quickly transitions up the field. Long arms and can get up for 50/50 balls. Hands are average and will secure ball in his chest too often. Once he learns to reliably catch the ball with his fingers first, he can be a very good possession receiver. In a watered down class for receivers, Hamilton projects as a sixth round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.... [Read More]

Round 7, Pick 34 Reid Fragel, OT, Ohio State Ohio State Buckeyes offensive tackle Reid Fragel is a very tall prospect with raw talent and athleticism. Developmental, project player. Limited experience, formerly played tight end. Put himself on the map at the Combine. Must add more bulk. Shows a good tenacity and mauler's attitude. Can get swallowed up by bigger defenders. Lacks the strength to anchor the line. Highly aggressive play style leads to bouts of inconsistent play. Footwork is lacking. Too often plants his feet and can get pushed off-balance. High ceiling, long-term potential, will take time.... [Read More]

Round 7, Pick 45 T.J. Johnson, C, South Carolina South Carolina Gamecocks center T.J. Johnson has excellent size and bulk for the position. Good awareness of assignments, can be a leader of his line. Finishes hard and to the whistle. Moves up to the second level well. Anchor is inconsistent and will struggle with good interior defenders. Great at feeling out when his teammates need help and holds together the pocket well. Can be beat with speed and must learn how to counter when initial hand placement doesn't give immediate advantage. Could use more bulk and will need to fill out over time.... [Read More]

http://fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/2013/2013-nfl-draft-picks-by-team.cfm?team=CIN

[Zins30]

Was just reading some of last years post-draft comments.  Makes me feel really good that we have even more than our hall this year coming back. Got plenty of rightful pub for Zeitler and crew but some other things stood out to me....

 

http://forum.go-bengals.com/index.php?/topic/64359-landslide-what-the-media-is-saying-about-the-bengals-draft/

 

 

Here's some tidbits from the first few pages that if pan out to be true should show up this season... just scrathcing the surface with most of these guys.  there was lots of love for the Marvin Jones and Iloka picks it seems.  Can;t wait to see what Kirkpatrick, Iloka and Prater can add to the scondary....

 

 

 

 

Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler (after a trade down from 21 to 27) in the first round represented strong work. But then to get Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still in the second round, and Rutgers receiver Mohammed Sanu and Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson in the third round put Cincy in the elite class in this year’s draft. That’s five potential starters who just walked into the door for Marvin Lewis, as well as coordinators Jay Gruden and Mike Zimmer.

 

 

 

Mel Kiper's Summary: The Bengals didn't hit any home runs in value, but as we sat on the set we'd nod to each other with every pick. (How's that for a behind-the-scenes glimpse?) They just crossed off needs, one pick after another. They needed a corner and nabbed Dre Kirkpatrick. I think he'd be more of an ace in Cover 2, but he's a good corner and can start immediately. Kevin Zeitler is a stud at guard, and upgrades a weakness. Devon Still provides immediate depth on the D-line, and Mohamed Sanu will stick. He was hugely productive at Rutgers. Orson Charles is a complete tight end -- he was my No. 5-ranked player at that spot, and the Bengals get him at No. 116. I thought George Iloka was a little overrated, but he's a steal in the sixth round. If he develops as a tackler, he has the upside of a starter. Overall, an excellent draft for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.

 

 

 

Surprising Pick - Orson Charles
It is the third straight year that they have taken a Georgia player in the fourth round but the Bengals were thought to be solid at tight end before the draft with Jermaine Gresham, Donald Lee and Colin  Cochart. With his ability as a receiver and a blocker, Charles just upped the competition level in the room with Lee, Cochart and Charles vying for the final two spots.

 

 

 

Based on mock drafts, their first three picks were projected in the first round, including Devon Still, Penn State's gap-quick defensive tackle who was the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. They also took the two players they designated two weeks ago: Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and rugged guard Kevin Zeitler from Wisconsin. Kirkpatrick was rated third at his position and Zeitler should start immediately. ... Then the Bengals satisfied Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu, who was crank-called on Thursday by a fan who said the Bengals had drafted him in the first round. Instead, Sanu went 83rd overall. He was a three-year starter and figures to be a slot receiver. ... Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson had second-round talent and was taken 93rd overall. ... Later, they took two solid players in Cal receiver Marvin Jones and 6-foot-4, 225-pound free safety George Iloka, a favorite of Deion Sanders. Iloka has the quickness to be put in man coverage. Grade: A

 

 

 

Steals
• Marvin Jones/WR/Cincinnati/Pick No. 166 -- Jones capped off a terrific college career with outstanding performances at the Senior Bowl and combine. Scouts were not enamored with Jones' size, allowing the Bengals to swipe him up in Round 5. Cincinnati continues to pluck quality receivers out of the late frames.

• George Iloka/S/Cincinnati/Pick No. 167 -- The Bengals will be mentioned as having one of the best draft's of 2012 and snatching falling talents such as Iloka is one of the reasons. Iloka combines linebacker size with defensive back athleticism to impose his will on receivers who come across the middle. He was third-round talent the Bengals scooped up in Round 5.

 

 

 

Bengals Draft Final Grade (A): They hit where they needed to, built depth and have a foundation that could be built to last longer than one season this time. Right now you can also see all nine picks possibly making the final roster in September. The biggest factor though is something that impacts all teams – injuries. If the Bengals can avoid the injuries to draft picks that hampered them from 2004-07, the second attempt at building a team with staying power might succeed.

[Khatmandude]

If Burkhead's pass pro is good, I'd have no problem having him start with Gio the backup.  BJGE brings literally nothing to the table aside for not fumbling and falling forward.  Nothing 

[Oldcat]

If Burkhead's pass pro is good, I'd have no problem having him start with Gio the backup.  BJGE brings literally nothing to the table aside for not fumbling and falling forward.  Nothing 

 

A thousand yards of nothing.  That's a lot of nothing.

[Khatmandude]

 

A thousand yards of nothing.  That's a lot of nothing.

 

Well, if that's your standard...

[|kennethmw|]

Well, if that's your standard...

Since there were only 16 folks to do it last year, I'd assume that it's the NFL standard.

[unleashed]

Not sure why everyone wants to put BJGE on the back burner. Use him to wear down olines and short yardage and throw Gio in to change up the offense and keep the defense honest.

[Khatmandude]

Since there were only 16 folks to do it last year, I'd assume that it's the NFL standard.

 

Leaving money on the table.....that's the phrase that comes to mind with BJGE.   Hey, if that's the kind of production and dynamicism you want from your starting TB then more power to ya.   I think there are so many hidden yards we lose out on because it's him carrying the ball.  

[Khatmandude]

Not sure why everyone wants to put BJGE on the back burner. Use him to wear down olines and short yardage and throw Gio in to change up the offense and keep the defense honest.

 

Not everyone, I think I'm in the minority once again here.  I just feel he could very easily be upgraded.  I see more ability in Burkhead than in BJGE.  I'm sorry if my opinion is upsetting some. 

[Spinylumpsucker]

Not sure why people are knocking the Williams pick. Anyone who watches the SEC can tell you there is little drop of between Reid and Williams, physically. What you get more with Williams is leadership and intelligence. That is a huge quality once you look at the kind of players Zimmer has success with.

[Bengals1181]

Not sure why people are knocking the Williams pick. Anyone who watches the SEC can tell you there is little drop of between Reid and Williams, physically. What you get more with Williams is leadership and intelligence. That is a huge quality once you look at the kind of players Zimmer has success with.

 

 

given how Reid blew teams away with his intelligence at the combine, I don't know that I'd say that's true.  Reid is also the better athlete of the two.

[oldschooler]

Weird that all the posts from post #79 down and even the IDs are all italicized. 

 

The other day there was an all bolded thread.

[JBandJoeyV]

I remember in 2010 and 2011 we used to get stuffed on 3rd and 4th and 1 or 2 so regularly we would have to start throwing out of those formations. It cost us games sometimes.

 

In 2012 BJGE was so good at picking up those short yardage first downs. We very rarely were forced to throw the ball, just handed it to BJGE and he got the first.

 

 

Now is he an every down back that is a franchise RB? No. But I definitely wouldnt kick him to the curb either. Even if Bernard is good enough to start starting games and playing the majority of snaps, we still need Ellis to back him up and to come in to pick up the short yardage plays. BJGE definitely has an important role on this team one way or another.

[Bengals1181]

I remember in 2010 and 2011 we used to get stuffed on 3rd and 4th and 1 or 2 so regularly we would have to start throwing out of those formations. It cost us games sometimes.

 

In 2012 BJGE was so good at picking up those short yardage first downs. We very rarely were forced to throw the ball, just handed it to BJGE and he got the first.

 

 

Now is he an every down back that is a franchise RB? No. But I definitely wouldnt kick him to the curb either. Even if Bernard is good enough to start starting games and playing the majority of snaps, we still need Ellis to back him up and to come in to pick up the short yardage plays. BJGE definitely has an important role on this team one way or another.

 

 

 

Joe Reedy ‏@joereedy29 Apr

RT @Bengalfreak: @joereedy and how many 3 and 1's did we miss on. I wouldn't mind Tebow for that!>Bengals made 21 of 26, led the league

 

 

 

also, I don't see why Bernard can't be a franchise RB if he can add a little more bulk.  He's bigger than Ray Rice was coming out of college, though not everyone can add on the 15-20lbs.  Rice did.  I think Bernard only needs to add at most 10lbs though.

[JBandJoeyV]

 
 
 
Joe Reedy ‏@joereedy29 Apr
RT @Bengalfreak: @joereedy and how many 3 and 1's did we miss on. I wouldn't mind Tebow for that!>Bengals made 21 of 26, led the league
 
 
 
also, I don't see why Bernard can't be a franchise RB if he can add a little more bulk.  He's bigger than Ray Rice was coming out of college, though not everyone can add on the 15-20lbs.  Rice did.  I think Bernard only needs to add at most 10lbs though.

I wasn't sayin Bernard can't be, I was saying Ellis isn't even though he can be a decent starter and definitely a solid role player. I bet Bernard doesn't get a ton of carries right away but as the year goes on hell start to get more snaps.

[fluhartz]

Not sure why everyone wants to put BJGE on the back burner. Use him to wear down olines and short yardage and throw Gio in to change up the offense and keep the defense honest.

 

 

the new toy always looks better than the one that you have had and works.

 

I love the backs we have now and the competition should be great, can't wait to see it

[Bengals1181]

I wasn't sayin Bernard can't be, I was saying Ellis isn't even though he can be a decent starter and definitely a solid role player. I bet Bernard doesn't get a ton of carries right away but as the year goes on hell start to get more snaps.

 

 

I could definitely see the ray rice treatment. First year he had 107 rushes, 33 receptions, and 7 kickoff returns.  Jumped to 254 rushes year and 78 receptions in year two after gaining weight.

[Jamie_B]

Weird that all the posts from post #79 down and even the IDs are all italicized. 

 

The other day there was an all bolded thread.

 

 

The board upgrade to include the skin has been kind of shitty imo, hope the next one is much better.

[scharm]

If Burkhead's pass pro is good, I'd have no problem having him start with Gio the backup.  BJGE brings literally nothing to the table aside for not fumbling and falling forward.  Nothing 

 

Say What?

[alleycat]

 

 

I could definitely see the ray rice treatment. First year he had 107 rushes, 33 receptions, and 7 kickoff returns.  Jumped to 254 rushes year and 78 receptions in year two after gaining weight.

 

It's funny, but I spent several moments yesterday comparing Gio to Rey Rice as they were coming out to get an apples to apples comparison. Body wise, Gio may even have a little more bulk to him that Rey did - in the upper body.  I like Gio a lot but he simply didn't have the lower bower strength, balance, and ability to break tackles and stay on his feet quite the way Rice did coming out.  However, he does seem a hair smoother, and that silky quality may actually work in Gio's favor because it's deceptive - and IMO lends itself well to receiving.  Doug Martin (AKA the Muscle Hampster) is more similar to Rey Rice than Gio.

 

It's been said before but I think Gio compares quite favorably to LeSean McCoy.  And I certainly wouldn't complain to get that kind of production out of him...

[scharm]

 

Leaving money on the table.....that's the phrase that comes to mind with BJGE.   Hey, if that's the kind of production and dynamicism you want from your starting TB then more power to ya.   I think there are so many hidden yards we lose out on because it's him carrying the ball.  

 

Yeah, but you kinda said "nothing".    This a typical example of crap from you just like we see from you on Rey.

 

Start out all crazy talk then start walk yourself from the ledge.   Then the fail safe, "Well I'm just trying to improve the team blah, blah, blah, blah"

 

BJGE does leave yards on the field.   That I agree with.   The nothing part is kinda BS. 

[HairOnFire]

 

It's been said before but I think Gio compares quite favorably to LeSean McCoy.  And I certainly wouldn't complain to get that kind of production out of him...

 

I think the comparision has to be made with the player the Bengals picked when showing film to Bernard.

 

Darren Sproles.