Cincinnati Bengals add AJ McCarron in 5th Round
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) looks on from the sideline during the second quarter of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals got a steal for a QB who was projected to go late 3rd round to early 4th round in Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron.
AJ McCarron doesn’t have a Heisman trophy like some of the bigger prospects but he does have a National Championship ring, which means experience in the big games. Something they are lacking right now with Andy Dalton.
McCarron does not have the strongest arm, but is smart and accurate with the football. He has good field vision and isn’t afraid to get rid of the ball and throw it away when necessary. He was also a true leader on the Alabama offense.
His coach Nick Saban has experience at the NFL level and although he wasn’t the most successful in professional football, he can still teach to the system.
Some NFL profiles have AJ McCarron as a border line quarterback, not yet a starting QB material but too good to be a backup. He will have a chance to develop behind Andy Dalton, while putting the necessary pressure on Dalton for his starting role.
I look for McCarron to be the go to if Dalton falls behind quickly this season. This is Dalton’s prove it year. If he doesn’t, I like McCarron with this receiving core to have the success he has had at Alabama.