Report: Bengals to Ink Quan Cosby
By david
The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bengals beat writer, Joe Reedy, tweets that the team will sign undrafted free agent wide receiver Quan Cosby in the wake of the ’09 draft.
Cosby was “adopted” by comedian Bill Cosby (no actual relation) and the two were featured on ESPN during the draft.
The former Longhorn has “superglue fingers” and runs precise routes, according to 40 Acres Sports.
"Strengths: With his Superglue fingers and disciplined routes, the Quan probably was the Horns’ second most valuable offensive player. Adjusts well when his quarterback in on the move, catches the ball in traffic and is a very enthusiastic downfield blocker. Quick enough to get initial separation and makes both the routine and the acrobatic catches, rarely suffering a concentration lapse. Very mature player who leads by example. Strong enough to consistently beat jams, and can go up and get the ball over taller corners. All things considered, he was one of the most clutch players in the Mack Brown era.Weaknesses: Small, only 5-9 and seems to have short arms. Quicker than he is fast, he couldn’t consistently get deep in college. Played in the spread, so he saw lots of single coverage. Just okay after the catch, if a DB wraps up he can’t power through. May be vulnerable to press coverage at the next level. Age (26) is a concern to some.Overall: Due to the long careers many receivers have, age should not be a determining factor. Probably will be a #3 receiver early in his career, but with his discipline and effort he should be able to beat nickel backs and find soft spots in zone. Teams that employ the 3 WR sets would be well served to give him a look. Same size and speed of Wes Welker… just saying."
The Austin American-Statesman says Cosby turned down seven other teams to sign with Cincinnati.
KFFL says the Bengals have also signed Purdue TE Greg Orton. CDS calls Orton maddeningly inconsistent.
"StrengthsPosses classic West Coast Offense #2 WR attributes, think John Taylor. Very good size, can extend outside of his long frame to snag the ball. Very good after the catch, has good speed and can make moves that normally you’d expect from a smaller man.WeaknessesThe mix of tantalizing flashes of talent with maddening inconsistency is why a player with Orton’s skill set is going off the board so late. Though he’s capable of big plays, he is not sudden enough to be a true deep threat. Is about 10 pounds over his ideal playing weight at present, and this may have cost him a tenths in the 40 at the Combine and at the Pro Day. Inconsistent hands.Can disappear when needed most, can get lazy about route precision and working back to a QB who’s in trouble. Has only put 9 pounds of muscle on in 4 years, could be 210+ without loosing anything, will need to dedicate himself to getting stronger.His best year was 2 seasons ago when it seemed a 1,000 yard season if not 2 were nearly inevitable. Did not step up as much as expected when Keller and Bryant left him with the chance to be the 1 target."
NE Patriots Draft adds more to the list:
"DL Dan Skuta (Grand Valley St.)FB Chris Pressley (Wisconsin)S Tom Nelson (Illinois)RB Marlon Lucky (Nebraska)"
"Dan was a very solid DII defensive end for one of the nations perennial DII powerhouses and NFL-feeder programs.While Dan played DE in college he is being looked at as a potential transition (LB) guy at the next level. He did nothing to hurt that cause at the GVSU Pro Day on 3/9/09, running a 4.71 forty, putting up 20 reps at 225, running a 4.47 short shuttle, a 6.91 3-cone drill, an 11.85 long shuttle, and a 9’9″ broad jump.He worked out in position drills as both a FB and a LB, as well as as a DL."
Pressley:
Nelson, potential kick returner?
Lucky is a solid pass-catcher who had a down senior year.
"With starter Brandon Jackson leaving for the NFL in 2007, the stage was set for Lucky to have a breakthrough season. Despite being nagged by injuries and off the field problems throughout the year, Lucky was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2007. The season not only saw the gifted runner go over the 1,000 yard barrier rushing (1,019), it also served to showcase his ability to catch passes out of the backfield as his 75 catches for 705 yards led all running backs in the nation.After two outstanding season’s though, his Senior season has been a bit of a let down for Lucky, his stats dropping across the board. Through 8 games in 2008, Lucky’s has average 57 yards rushing per contest, down from the 85 yards per game he averaged a year ago. Add to that the fact that he has only caught more than 3 passes in one game this year, and you may start to feel that he might have been better off had he entered last season’s Draft."