Grading the Cincinnati Bengals 2014 Draft
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell begins the draft and puts the Houston Texans on the clock at the start of the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Draft has come and gone. Every team has turned its focus onto getting ready for the 2014 NFL season. We take a look back at Thursday through Saturday to see just how the Cincinnati Bengals did in this year’s draft.
In the 1st round, the Bengals watched their top of the board slip closer and finally into their grasp as the Bengals took corner, Darqueze Dennard from Michigan State. A major need with the age of Adam Jones and Terrance Newman, and the second achilles injury to Leon Hall. Speed and athleticism made Dennard the right fit for the Cincinnati Bengals secondary. Draft Grade: A
In the 2nd round, the choice became a running back, Jeremy Hill from LSU. I think overall a puzzling choice for the Bengals, especially with Green-Ellis and Bernard in the backfield. Good downhill speed makes him a future back, unless there is an injury or roster move before the season starts. This gets a lower grade simply because of fit, not because of his talent. Draft Grade: C