Cincinnati Bengals have options after Giovanni Bernard release
By Glenn Adams
3. Javian Hawkins (Louisville)
Hawkins ran a 4.44 40 yard dash at
, but he looks even faster than that on film. Hawkins shows great explosion and acceleration. Hawkins had amazing production in 2019.
In a shortened 2020 season, Hawkins averaged more than six yards a carry and showed he could be a productive pass-catcher out of the backfield. Hawkins is more of a body catcher, but so is Bernard. Despite his small stature, Hawkins always moves forward after contact.
At 5’8, 183 pounds, it is concerning how Hawkins would fair picking up blitzes. As of today, look for Hawkins to be chosen in the sixth or seventh round.
Gio Bernard asked for his release and the #Bengals granted it, source says. The team had asked him to take a pay cut two weeks into free agency, which hurt his chances of landing elsewhere. But he's expected to find a new gig soon.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 7, 2021
C. Post preseason pickup
Finally, every preseason, there are players who get released from their team who are surprise cuts. If the Bengals decided not to draft a RB and/or feel as if they could get a potential “upgrade” over what Williams shows them in the preseason, a surprise waiver wire pickup could be the way to go.
With all that said, Bernard will be missed in Cincinnati. It is always a tough day when a consensus fan favorite leaves your favorite team. But this is the business. All Bengals fans can do now is say thank you Gio for all the years you’ve given us and we wish you nothing but the best going forward.
Next. Bengals could target RB 2021 NFL Draft day three. dark
Unless you go to Pittsburgh. Then, it will be as if we never knew you at all.