Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Grade and Recap

120. player. 56. They had to keep the trend going, it looks like. No knock on Shaw, but there were “safer” picks available at the time. Shaw might be a serious project in the NFL, and if he does work out, it’s not likely to be at cornerback. Definitely a boom-or-bust pick. <strong>Grade: C+</strong>. CB. USC. Josh Shaw

A very nice pick here. At #135, Hardison is a nice pick that has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber defender in the NFL. At 6’3″, 305, the Arizona State product certainly fits the mold of a competitor in the AFC North. With his size and quickness, he’ll be in the backfield constantly. The Bengals may have struck gold with this one. <strong>Grade: A</strong>. DE. Arizona State. Marcus Hardison. 135. player. 56

56. The great prospect followed by questionable talent trend is getting eerie now. Uzomah was viewed by many as a UDFA, borderline roster spot guy. Now, he’ll be a candidate to make the team as a 5th round pick. It’s hard to judge a selection at 157, but prospects with brighter futures were on the board. <strong>Grade: C</strong>. TE. Auburn. C.J. Uzomah. 157. player

player. 56. Almost slipping out of the top-200, Smith finds a home with Cincinnati. Really nice value here. Very productive in the Mountain West, Smith is a smooth cover safety who has starting traits. You can knock him for being 5’10” and his questionable tackling abilities, but you can’t knock the Bengals for getting a potentially rangy starting free safety at #197. <strong>Grade: A</strong>. S. Fresno State. Derron Smith. 197

Kevin White got much of the attention at WVU, but Alford contributed some nice things to the Mountaineer offense. He’s an absolutely speedster who will need a year or two of NFL coaching to help his pro outlook. A prime candidate for the practice squad. <strong>Grade: B+</strong> . WR. West Virginia. Mario Alford. 238. player. 56