Grading the Cincinnati Bengals 2014 Draft
Oct 5, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers defensive lineman Will Clarke (98) warms up befere the game against the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears defeated the Mountaineers 73-42. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 3rd round made more sense with another need, Will Clarke, a defensive end from West Virginia University. He looks to be the replacement for Michael Johnson, although he may not start right away with Wallace Gilberry competing for the starting job. Clarke will need some minor work but quickness off the line will help in justifying his position. Draft Grade B+
The Bengals traded up in the 4th to get their offensive line specialist in Russell Bodine from North Carolina. Bodine will almost certainly take the place of Anthony Collins in the Bengals roster. He blocked for Bernard in college and will compete to do it again in the NFL. Draft Grade B+
The quarterback from Alabama, AJ McCarron, was the 5th round pick that got the attention of Who Dey Nation. Andy Dalton enters the final year of his contract and with no playoff wins to his credit, McCarron is just the button to push to give Dalton a spark to compete for the starting role in Cincinnati. He has accuracy, good decision making skills, and big game experience, which is just what the Cincinnati Bengals orders. Draft Grade: A-