Theres 12 days till the draft starts, and I want to talk about in depth 12 prospects the Bengals have showed interest in. And by interest I’d like to mention guys the team has either, A. Had in for a visit with them. B. Had a private workout with or. C. Went to their pro-day. During this segment I’ll be giving you guys the basic combine stats (height weight etc), my personal scouting notes and their draft position relative to where the Bengals pick.
The first player on my list is none other then Florida State signal caller, Christian Ponder. Christian was a three year starter at the Quarterback position and is recognized as one of the top draft eligible QB’s out there. First off here’s the basics.
Basic info:
Height: 6020 Weight: 229
40 Yrd Dash: 4.63 20 Yrd Dash: 2.62
10 Yrd Dash: 1.57 Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 09’08” 20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.09
3-Cone Drill: 6.85
Notes:
- Release isn’t very fast but isn’t slow.
- Delivery looks good.
- 3 step drop looks sketchy on some plays; on occasion he hops rather then using proper footwork.
- Medium and Deep drop looks great the mechanics are there.
- Very good sense of ‘touch’ he puts on the ball.
- Limited progressions to check through, but can struggle at times.
- Can take too many chances when his first check is covered; forcing the throw.
- Standing in pocket well with confidence. Knows the rush is coming but doesn’t abandon the play.
- Has trust in his arm, fits his pass in tight windows and can do it consistently.
- His short to mid-range pass accuracy is elite.
- On occasion he can air it out, but not consistently enough to be a fit in a non WCO system.
- His ability to throw on the run needs tuning. Sometimes uses poor footwork when preparing to throw on roll out.
- Has a lot of ability to get away from the D and pick up nice chunks of yards on the run.
Bottom Line
- Not timid about getting hit even after the stage III shoulder separation. Dives forwards for yards.
- His Wr’s rarely win any “jump ball” situations down field, not helping him out much.
- Games earlier in the Sr season don’t seem to him justice, as time progressed he looks better.
- Can be a starting NFL Quarterback, not ready right away but if patient could become a quality QB.
- FSU runs an ineffective quick slant, WR’s struggle to hold on to this quick pass effecting Ponders stats on paper.
- It’s not accuracy that he struggles with but pass selection.
- Accuracy and quickness help make Ponder a top talent despite his Non ideal build or Arm.
On his overall draft slot I believe Ponder is a late 1st/early 2nd grade, with interest from teams like Jacksonville and Seattle and Buffalo. As mentioned in one of my previous articles it may be very risky to try to get a QB in round 2 especially if Buffalo hasn’t addressed the position yet.(considering Chan Gailey recruited Ponder during his time at GT there is a connection) . Considering the Bengals draft at 35 he could very well be there it’s just going to be each teams personal preference(/Poison) on which QB’s they favor. Ponder ranks very close to Andy Dalton of TCU and Ryan Mallett of Arkansas. The question being which out of that group will be already drafted. So if the Bengals were to take Ponder without trading up or down. I’d say the most likely time is round 2.
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