The Cincinnati Bengals have some exciting potential in their 2018 undrafted free agents. Is wide receiver Ka’Raun White the most exciting of the group?
The Cincinnati Bengals brought in a great group of talent that can contribute right away in the 2018 NFL Draft. The team followed up by bringing in some exciting prospects as Undrafted Free Agents. Guys like Chris Worley, Quinton Flowers, Junior Joseph, and Ja’Von Rolland-Jones are all a part of that group. Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton says that Ka’Raun White is the most exciting out of the Bengals UDFA prospects.
The Western Virginia product put up just over 1,000-yards receiving in his final season and complemented those yards with 12 touchdowns. According to Moton, White’s best ability was on extended plays when the quarterback had to escape the pocket. Ka’Raun White, brother of Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White, may not have the great speed to cause separation but can get the separation needed on sharp intermediate routes.
"The former Mountaineer broke out for 61 catches, 1,004 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season at West Virginia. White didn’t impress with blazing speed in the 40-yard dash (4.52), but he knows how to create separation on sharp intermediate routes. His scoring volume shows the potential to become a threat in the red zone."
Given that the Bengals could cut some wide receivers at the bottom of their depth chart this season, it’s possible White finds himself fighting for a 53-man roster spot in 2018. Most likely he will find himself on a practice squad, but I could see a couple of players finding themselves off the team at the wide receiver position. Considering the Bengals were aggressive at bringing in young special teams return talent in the draft, I don’t see a place for Alex Erickson on the roster. Considering that offensive coordinator Bill Lazor wants to make this offense more verticle this season, I don’t know why White would not have a chance to make the roster.
Former #WVU WR Ka'Raun White ranked 17th in passer rating when targeted (107.6) and sixth in deep receiving yards (509) among qualifying draft-eligible FBS WRs in 2017.
— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) May 8, 2018
White, however, did drop 8-of-69 catchable targets in 2017, ranking outside the top-40 in the class. https://t.co/o9w35u2PkX
Next: Is Matt Barkley a lock as the backup quarterback in 2018?
White will have to show improvement on his drops if he wants to make the team in 2018. Finding a way to impress on special teams during camps would also go a long way for the young receiver. It could be a longshot for White to make the roster but there is no such thing as having too many red zone talented players on the team.