Cincinnati Bengals 7th Round Open Thread
By david
The Cincinnati Bengals have three picks in the 7th round, Nos. 215, 249 and 252. As they come in, this entry will be updated.
215: With their first pick in the 7th round, the Bengals select BYU RB Fui Vakapuna, who projects to fullback at the next level.
Vakapuna had 263 yards and 3 TDs in 2008. The Bengals have had their eye on him since late last month, at least. CDS calls him a short yardage specialist with good hands and a “decent” blocker.
The Bengals recently re-signed former starting FB Jeremi Johnson, who was cut last fall after showing up fat and out of shape and then hurting his knee.
249: The Bengals used their second pick this round on Memphis DE Clinton McDonald. NFL Draft Countdown has this to say about him:
"Strengths:Athletic with good speed and quickness…Explosive with a burst…Real smooth with decent range…Excellent strength…Can penetrate and make plays in the backfield…Has a great motor…Tough and will play through pain…Physical…Aggressive…Offers some versatility…Team leader…Great work ethic…Nice production…Has a lot of experience.Weaknesses:A bit of ‘tweener…Doesn’t have great bulk…Short arms…Is not overly stout at the point of attack…A sub par run defender…Doesn’t use his hands well…Has some trouble shedding blocks…Level of competition?Notes:A three-year starter for the Tigers…Named 1st Team All-Conference USA as a senior…Started 44 consecutive games before missing some time with an ankle injury in 2008…Recorded 4 sacks against Arkansas St. in 2008…At his Pro Day workout he ran a 4.83, bench pressed 225 pounds 36 times, vertical leaped 38 inches and broad jumped 10’1″…Former linebacker who might also be able to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme…Profiles as a three-technique at the next level and possesses an awfully intriguing blend of physical tools and intangibles."
The site graded him as a mid-rounder, so he looks like incredible value here.
252: With their last pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Utah WR Freddie Brown. CDS had him rated as a 6th round pick.
"OverviewOne year as a starter for the Utes. 2008 All MWC selection.StrengthsBig target with soft hands. Has shown he shows up big in big games as he had an excellent Sugar Bowl. Uses his body to shield the defender and catches most everything shown his way.WeaknessesHas some of the problems that big WRs have in that he needs to show he has the footspeed and can get in and out of cuts quickly instead of rounding them out. Needs to show he can transition from the spread offense. Needs to show he is more than a one year wonder."
Brown had 77 grabs for 900 yards and 7 TDs last year.
That’s all, folks. Here in full is your Cincinnati Bengals 2009 Draft Class:
1. OT Andre Smith, Alabama
2. LB Rey Maualuga, USC
3a. DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
3b. TE Chase Coffman, Missouri
4. C Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas
5. P Kevin Huber, UC
6a. CB Morgan Trent, Michigan
6b. RB Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian
7a. RB Fui Vakapuna, BYU
7b. DE Clinton McDonald, Memphis
7c. WR Freddie Brown, Utah