Analyzing new Bengals Tackle Jeff Adams
By Jason Marcum
According to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals have signed OT Jeff Adams to the practice squad. He was a college free agent with Dallas, and played in two preseason games before the team released him. He was a standout linemen at Columbia University, where he was a three-time All-Ivy League left tackle at Columbia, Adams also was named a third-team Associated Press All-American in 2011.
He was ranked the 21st-best OT prospect by NFLDraftcountdown.com, the 14th-best by ESPN, and the 12-best by Optimum Scouting. All services had him graded as a 5th-6th round prospect, so he did have some promise coming into the preseason, but the Cowboys felt he was expendable. Hopefully their loss is the Bengals gain.
Here are some of his measurable:
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 300 lbs
40-Time Speed: 5.11
Birthdate: 09/06/1989
Hometown: Berwyn, IL
He was invited to the annual senior bowl which sports the nation’s top senior NFL draft prospects, but he didn’t have a good showing against division I talent:
"The same struggles popped up for Columbia University standout OT Jeff Adams on the other side of the ball. Adams struggles with his flexibility and pad level on contact. Therefore, he makes everyone he goes against look like a good pass rusher because he is consistently susceptible to the bull rush, which was apparent all day Tuesday."
Here’s his Pro Football Weekly Draft Profile:
"The Illinois prep also lettered in basketball. Did not see any varsity action in 2008. Started all 20 games at left tackle in 2009 and ’10 and earned All-Ivy League honors both seasons. Started the first seven contests in ’11 at left tackle before missing the final three games with a minor MCL sprain. Earned All-Ivy League honors for third consecutive season.Positives: Looks the part — tall and big-framed with long arms and large hands. Flashes strength in his hands. Slides effectively. Has enough length and foot quickness to mirror in pass protection. Can pull and trap and work to the second level. Intelligent and dependable. Is tough and will play through bumps and bruises. Durable three-year starter. Sound character — has a professional work ethic and loves football. Has some upside.Negatives: Body is not well-defined and could stand to bulk up. Average initial quickness, athletic ability and flexibility. Needs to get stronger and fortify his base. Inconsistent pad level — tends to lock his legs and play too upright. Does not physically dominate marginal competition in the run game. Average explosiveness and change of direction — stiffness shows when he has to shift his weight. Could play with more of a mean streak.Summary: Tall, lean, long-armed, finesse zone blocker who showed fairly well among a weak OT crop at the East-West Shrine Game and has potential as a developmental left tackle."
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