I am a pretty big fan of what the Cincinnati Bengals did in this draft. They get QB Carson Palmer two big time offensive weapons; they get a first round talent in the second, and a DT to add to the rotation. The only thing they missed was a safety, but they did add a corner who will improve their defensive secondary.
With the 21st overall pick they selected TE Jermaine Gresham, and give Palmer his first big time Tight End since he came to the team. This adds another facet to the Bengal offense, and is a great draft pick.
In the second round they picked up DE Carlos Dunlap. Carlos had first round talent but fell to them here, due to off the field issues. However the Bengals have done pretty good taking guys that are so called character risks, and I think Dunlap will produce for them.
With the 84th pick in the third round they drafted WR Jordan Shipley. He has good hands, and excellent running skills. He is a big upgrade to the Bengals aerial attack.
With another third round pick as a compensatory selection the Bengals selected CB Brandon Ghee. He is somewhat of a flyer pick, but was the fastest corner in this draft. He needs a little work, but is well worth the risk.
With two picks in the 4th round the Bengals picked up DT Geno Atkins, and LB Roddrick Muckelroy. Atkins gives them another big body to use at the nose tackle position. Muckelroy on the other hand is a depth pick and will need to impress on special teams to earn a start with a pretty good LB crops in the future.
In the sixth, the Bengals went back to upgrading the aerial attack and selected WR Dezmon Briscoe. Briscoe has issues, but is a big physical back and well worth the risk of a sixth round selection.
With their last pick in the seventh round the Bengals took OL Reggie Stephens. He is a depth pick for the interior of the offensive line.
Now a more complete look at the 2010 Bengals draft class:
Round One (21)- TE Jermaine Gresham Oklahoma
Round Two (54)- DE Carlos Dunlap Florida
Round Three (84)- WR Jordan Shipley Texas
Round Three (96)- CB Brandon Ghee Wake Forrest
Round Four (120)- DT Geno Atkins Georgia
Round Four (131)- LB Roddrick Muckelroy Texas
Round Six (191)- WR Dezmon Briscoe Kansas
Round Seven (228)- OL Reggie Stephens Iowa State
Related Links:
• Cincinnati Bengals news and notes
• 2010 NFL Draft initial team grades
• The Business of the NFL
• MTR Football.com
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