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Glance at 2017 CFA class


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http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Glance-at-2017-CFA-class/7ae4975a-e8a7-4d5f-9cc3-535d7c6416d7

 

 

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Penn State's Brandon Bell (11) made fans glad in Happy Valley.

LB BRANDON BELL, 6-1, 228, Penn State _ Productive, leader (team captain) and crowd favorite in four years at Penn State ... Second on team with 75 tackles in 2016 despite missing four games with injury ... Played biggest in big games, logging double-digit tackles in 2016 wins over Ohio State (18), Michigan State (18) and Big Ten Championship game comeback over Wisconsin (13) ... Had an INT in Rose Bowl thriller vs. USC that helped set up TD ... Ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at pro day …

TE/FB CETHAN CARTER, 6-3, 241, Nebraska _ Smooth and talented athlete with high ceiling ... Aggressive and experienced after four years in Huskers’ run-heavy offense ... Honorable-mention All-Big Ten as senior despite missing three games and most of a fourth with elbow injury ... Career 59 catches, 744 yards (13.9) and four TDs ... Also logged five carries for 82 yards and TD ... Football state champion in high school as well as standout on basketball team ... Ran 4.68 in the 40 at the NFL Combine …

S DEMETRIOUS COX, 6-0, 200, Michigan State _ Productive player and team captain from defensive backfield that produced likes of Darqueze Dennard and Trae Waynes ... Totaled 166 career tackles, 14 pass break-ups, four INTs and two fumble recoveries ... Versatile athlete switched in college between cornerback (nine starts) and safety (16 starts) ... All starts senior season were at safety, which is where Bengals will look at him ... Also productive special teams player for the Spartans ... Accomplished multi-sport athlete in high school as two-way star in football and 1,000-point scorer in basketball... Ran 4.55 in the 40 at pro day …

WR KAREL HAMILTON 6-1, 199 Samford _ Hamilton led nation in catches per game with 10 and second with 126 yards per game  … racked up 111 catches for season … extremely productive with nearly 1,400 yards and 14 TDs … holds school career records for receptions (279) and receiving yards (3,803), and tied for career record TDs (31) … Ran 4.61 40 at his pro day.

FB DARRIN LAUFASA, 6-0 250 Texas El-Paso _  Started last 37 straight games and 44 for his career … Aaron Jones followed Laufasa’s blocking  for school single-season rushing record 1,773 yards on way to setting UTEP

S’s all-time record …  As a team UTEP averaged 186 yards rushing and scored 20 rushing TDs … Brother Corey played at Washington State and is member of UTEP strength and conditioning staff … born in America Samoa …

OT LANDON LECHLER 6-7, 310 North Dakota State _ Classic size for Bengals tackle … Started 45 games at right tackle in last three seasons … In 2015 his offensive line ranked first in FCS time of possession (36:38) and third with 329 first downs … As sophomore started all 16 Games in rotation … In that 2014 season his O-line ranked first in FCS allowing just 3.38 tackles for loss per game while generating school-record 6,916 total yards …All-state basketball player in high school who scored 1,000 career points … Played some tight end in high school…

WR MONTY MADARIS 6-0, 196 Michigan State _ Hometown call … One of Moeller High school greats … A Cincinnati Enquirer Player of the Year … Coming out of Moeller rated 26th best receiver in country by scout.com … 24th best prospect in Midwest by ESPN.com … 34 games with 11 starts in East Lansing … Named Spartan Offensive Player of the Week with five catches for 85 yards in opening win over Furman this year … Saved first career TD catch for fourth quarter vs. Michigan this season … Played a little cornerback in 2015 …

LB HARDY NICKERSON, Jr. 5-11, 232 Illinois _  Now Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis feels really old … Nickerson is son of player he coached during  first season in  NFL in 1992 with Stealers … Nickerson the elder went to five Pro Bowls during 16 season with four clubs … Nickerson the younger graduate transfer from Cal when the elder became Illinois defensive coordinator … Tackling machine … Sideline-to-sideline guy … Young Hardy finished career with 353 tackles, sixth among active players, second among active FBS … had 14 tackles at Michigan last season … intercepted two passes against Purdue …. Ran 4.78-second 40 at combine … 4.74 at pro day …

OL KENT PERKINS 6-5, 320 Texas _ Had good numbers at his pro day with 35 reps of 225 pounds, which would have led O-linemen at the scouting combine … Also went 30.5 inches vertical and 8-11 in broad jump … 34 career starts, 22 at right guard and 12 at right tackle … before moving inside for all 10 games this past season …Helped running back D’Onta Foreman lead nation in rushing while Longhorns finished 19th in country with 239.3 rushing yards per game … Named to USA Today’s first team All-USA while at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas … 

OL DUSTIN STANTON 6-5, 300 Oregon State _ Captain … Pac-12 All-Academic first team … Started college career as tight end … Moved to tackle as red-shirt freshman … 30 career starts … 21 at RT … Nine at RG … Many teams reportedly believe has center potential … Last season started three at RT and nine at RG while Beavers set school rushing record … Last18 reps of 225 pounds at pro day …Trained for pro day with former Giants TE Kevin Bass and took some snaps with former NFL QB Drew Bledsoe …  Three-year captain at Lakewood High School in Marysville, WA … Father Marty played at Eastern Washington …

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Josh Tupou figures to hear Domata Peko comparisons.

NT JOSH TUPOU  6-3, 353 Colorado _ Scouts  love brute force in middle and quickness off ball … Great motor … In middle of nation’s No. 13 defense with 46 tackles, 1.5 sacks in 460 snaps … season-high seven tackles vs. Oregon … 28 reps of 225 at pro day … He’ll draw comparisons to former Bengals nose tackle Domata Peko … Great lineage … Three cousins played college football at same time, including two in the Pac-12. Mo Latu at Arizona State,  Walton Taumoepeau at New Mexico State and Siosifa Tufunga at Washington … Uncle is former Colorado defensive tackle Vili Maumau, who played defensive tackle from 1994-97 for the Buffaloes and in the NFL with Broncos …

RB JARVEON WILLIAMS 5-8, 202 Texas-San Antonio _Captain … Led five-year-old program  to first postseason with New Mexico Bowl bid … 775 yards as senior after break-out junior year … Held to minus-1 rushing yards on 10 carries vs. Arizona State, but caught five passes for 81 yards ... In 2015 went for 181 yards on just 19 carries in 30-27 win over Charlotte as he became school’s first 1,000-yard rusher with 1,042 yards … Honorable Mention Conference USA as junior …Ran 4.66 at his pro day …San Antonio columnist Tim Griffin observed, “After coming to UTSA as a recruiting afterthought, Williams has developed into a stalwart … His four-year career has helped him mature as a student, team leader, father and role model in the community.”   …

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Stanley Williams is a Baby Boom from the Bluegrass.

RB STANLEY WILLIAMS _ 5-7, 190 Kentucky _ Fan favorite in Lexington …. Got nickname “Boom,” with big runs and passionate play … Went pro early after three seasons rung up 2,513 yards on  gaudy 6.8 per … No. 7 on school’s all-time rushing list … Went for 1,170 yards this past season on 6.8 per pop for seven TDs … All 19 career kick returns for 26.9-yard average came freshman year … Ran 4.51-second 40 at combine … 4.52 40 at pro day …

 

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http://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2017/05/05/bengals-announce-udfa-signings/

 

The Cincinnati Bengals wasted no time getting after the undrafted players following their 11 selections in the 2017 NFL draft. Added to that number are 13 college free agents Cincinnati picked up.

NEWS: #Bengals announce signing of 13 College Free Agents

 
 

 

Of this list, Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson was among the best options available according to the NFL. Nickerson is expected to be a special teams player primarily thanks to his prolific tackle numbers at Illinois, but lacks the instincts or special physical traits to become anything more.

Even though these 13 players aren’t very likely to make the final 53-man roster, there is a chance it could happen. Properly grading and signing undrafted free agents is where a roster can really be finished off with cheap talent, especially if teams can get meaningful, productive snaps from them throughout the years.

The undrafted free agent rookies will suit up next to the Bengals’ 11 draft picks during the rookie minicamp that takes place from May 5-7.

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http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2017/04/29/cincinnati-bengals-2017-undrafted-free-agent-tracker/101082044/

 

The Cincinnati Bengals released their official list of undrafted free agents with the start of their three-day rookie mini-camp at Paul Brown Stadium on Friday.

The team places an emphasis on signing quality players to compete for roster spots.

In 2017, NFL teams can offer an undrafted player $98,340, per a league source. Teams can offer around a $20,000 signing bonus but the Bengals rarely do that.

Currently, the Bengals have Ryan Hewitt, Vontaze Burfict and Vinny Rey on the 53-man roster as undrafted free agent acquisitions.

Below is the list of players the Bengals signed this year:

Brandon Bell, LB, Penn State

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 229
  • Note: Honorable mention All-Big Ten last year and finished second on the team in tackles (88). 

 

Cethan Carter, TE/H-Back, Nebraska

 

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 241
  • Note: Honorable mention All-Big Ten and named Nebraska's most improved player in 2015. 

 

Demetrius Cox, S, Michigan State

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 200
  • Note: Versatile athlete who played both corner and safety at Michigan State. Starred on offense (31 touchdowns) and defense in high school, as well as on the basketball team. 

 

Karel Hamilton, WR, Samford

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 199
  • Note: Caught 111 passes for 1,389 yards and 14 touchdowns last year for Samford. 

 

Darrin Laufasa, FB, University of Texas El-Paso

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 240
  • Note: True fullback, rushed just 76 times in four-year career.

 

Landon Lechler, LT, North Dakota State

 

  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 310
  • Tackle who landed on first team All-Missouri Valley

 

Monty Madaris, WR, Michigan State

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 196
  • Note: Local product of Moeller High School. 

 

Hardy Nickerson, LB, Illinois

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 232
  • Note: Son of longtime Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay linebacker and five-time Pro Bowler Hardy Nickerson. 

 

Kent Perkins, OL, University of Texas

 

  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 320
  • Note: Second team All-Big 12 selection last year at right guard. 

 

Dustin Stanton, OL, Oregon State

 

  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 298
  • Note: Started every game last year and moved from right tackle to right guard in September. 

 

Josh Tupou, NT, Colorado

 

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 350
  • Note: Charged with assault at a campus party on charges that were soon after dropped but then was suspended for 2015 season on unspecified violation of team rules. Bounced back as a massive cog in center of Buffaloes' defense. 

 

Jarveon Williams, RB, University of Texas at San Antonio

 

  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 202
  • Note: Became UTSA's first 1,000-yard rusher.

 

Boom Williams, RB, Kentucky

 

  • Height: 5-8
  • Weight: 190
  • Note: Undersized scat back, but averaged 6.8 yards per carry during three years at UK. 
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Seems like a rough year to be a UDFA (regarding the Bengals at least). We had a ton of draft picks and don't really have many aging vets or underperforming youngsters compared to past years. A lot of the young guys are solid backups that I feel will be making the team again in 2017. It looks to be tough enough to figure out where we're making room for our top 4 or so draft picks, let alone the rest of the picks + anyone undrafted.

 

I'm interested in the RG/RT from Texas though. He put up more reps than anyone else on the OL at the combine, so I wonder Paul could coach that strength onto the field.

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On 5/6/2017 at 2:54 AM, BlackJesus said:

 

I do love a 350 lb DT. :17_heart_eyes:

 

Tupou is one of the guys I can see making the 53 roster, he had some injuries and off the field stuff that hurt his draft stock but if he can put it all together he will be a good NFL player. He clearly has the measurables to play at the NFL level, it's going to be interesting to see where he ends up. 

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 5/5/2017 at 0:00 PM, Kochman said:

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2017/04/29/cincinnati-bengals-2017-undrafted-free-agent-tracker/101082044/

 

The Cincinnati Bengals released their official list of undrafted free agents with the start of their three-day rookie mini-camp at Paul Brown Stadium on Friday.

The team places an emphasis on signing quality players to compete for roster spots.

In 2017, NFL teams can offer an undrafted player $98,340, per a league source. Teams can offer around a $20,000 signing bonus but the Bengals rarely do that.

Currently, the Bengals have Ryan Hewitt, Vontaze Burfict and Vinny Rey on the 53-man roster as undrafted free agent acquisitions.

Below is the list of players the Bengals signed this year:

Brandon Bell, LB, Penn State

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 229
  • Note: Honorable mention All-Big Ten last year and finished second on the team in tackles (88). 

 

Cethan Carter, TE/H-Back, Nebraska

 

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 241
  • Note: Honorable mention All-Big Ten and named Nebraska's most improved player in 2015. 

 

Demetrius Cox, S, Michigan State

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 200
  • Note: Versatile athlete who played both corner and safety at Michigan State. Starred on offense (31 touchdowns) and defense in high school, as well as on the basketball team. 

 

Karel Hamilton, WR, Samford

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 199
  • Note: Caught 111 passes for 1,389 yards and 14 touchdowns last year for Samford. 

 

Darrin Laufasa, FB, University of Texas El-Paso

 

  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 240
  • Note: True fullback, rushed just 76 times in four-year career.

 

Landon Lechler, LT, North Dakota State

 

  • Height: 6-7
  • Weight: 310
  • Tackle who landed on first team All-Missouri Valley

 

Monty Madaris, WR, Michigan State

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 196
  • Note: Local product of Moeller High School. 

 

Hardy Nickerson, LB, Illinois

 

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 232
  • Note: Son of longtime Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay linebacker and five-time Pro Bowler Hardy Nickerson. 

 

Kent Perkins, OL, University of Texas

 

  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 320
  • Note: Second team All-Big 12 selection last year at right guard. 

 

Dustin Stanton, OL, Oregon State

 

  • Height: 6-6
  • Weight: 298
  • Note: Started every game last year and moved from right tackle to right guard in September. 

 

Josh Tupou, NT, Colorado

 

  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 350
  • Note: Charged with assault at a campus party on charges that were soon after dropped but then was suspended for 2015 season on unspecified violation of team rules. Bounced back as a massive cog in center of Buffaloes' defense. 

 

Jarveon Williams, RB, University of Texas at San Antonio

 

  • Height: 5-9
  • Weight: 202
  • Note: Became UTSA's first 1,000-yard rusher.

 

Boom Williams, RB, Kentucky

 

  • Height: 5-8
  • Weight: 190
  • Note: Undersized scat back, but averaged 6.8 yards per carry during three years at UK. 

Josh Tupou had the charges dropped, but then later had the charges reinstated and was found guilty. He had to pay victim compensation to at least one of his victims. While at CU, he got in "trouble" a couple of times. Maybe he'll be able to channel that anger into defense.

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Wow...reading the arrest record of the incident: tackled one guy, then totaled his face with 3 punches. After that, kicked another guy in the family jewels, and finally clocked a third guy in the back of the head. Oh, and his group broke down the house perimeter fence to gain entry.

 

Must have been some party.

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I am more interested in the O-linemen as we may be needing them soon!  Love North Dakota State as a program.  Sounds like all three are athletic big men.  Hope they like to work.  The Bengals need one of them to work out.

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On 5/8/2017 at 11:05 AM, omgdrdoom said:

I'm interested in the RG/RT from Texas though. He put up more reps than anyone else on the OL at the combine, so I wonder Paul could coach that strength onto the field.

 

41 minutes ago, UncleEarl said:

I am more interested in the O-linemen as we may be needing them soon!  Love North Dakota State as a program.  Sounds like all three are athletic big men.  Hope they like to work.  The Bengals need one of them to work out.

 

 

Remember '09 when 3 of our starting O-linemen (Cook, Livings, Roland) and both our TE's (Foschi, Coats) were undrafted free agents? 

 

Don't want to see that happen again, but it was impressive to see what  the Bengals were able to accomplish with that crew.

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Other significant undrafted free agents that have played for the Bengals over the past decade.

 

John Kitna

Benjarvis Green-Ellis

Andrew Hawkins

Bryan Robinson (29 of 170 career NFL starts with Bengals)

Kevin Kaesviharn (44 of 58 career NFL starts with Bengals.  Very underarted by many fans.  Had 6 ints, 4 sacks, and 63 tackles in only 14 games in '06)

Dan Skuta (did not do much with Bengals but has started 28 games over the last 4 years for SF and Jax)

Rashad Jeanty (32 starts in 4 years with Bengals)

 

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