The 2013 NFL Draft has now passed us and the Bengals are once again getting high grades from most draft experts. The team surprised many with their 1st round pick as they selected Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert who was the highest rated TE coming into the draft. Tight End was not a top need for the team but Eifert along with TE Jermaine Gresham could become a scary tandem for teams to try to defend. Two tight ends of their caliber could provide numerous options for offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and the team clearly intends to own the middle of the field on offense. In the 2nd round the Bengals selected RB Giovani Bernard who could be the change of pace back they need to compliment Benjarvus Green-Ellis. They also drafted 6′ 8″ DE Margus Hunt and SS Shawn Williams in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Seven of the teams ten picks were offensive.
2013 Cincinnati Bengals Draft Class:
Rd 1, Pick 21 (21) Eifert, Tyler TE (Notre Dame)
Rd 2, Pick 5 (37) Bernard, Giovani RB (North Carolina)
Rd 2, Pick 21 (53) Hunt, Margus DE (Southern Methodist)
Rd 3, Pick 22 (84) Williams, Shawn SS (Georgia)
Rd 4, Pick 21 (118) Porter, Sean OLB (Texas A&M)
Rd 5, Pick 23 (156) Hawkinson, Tanner OT (Kansas)
Rd 6, Pick 22 (190) Burkhead, Rex RB (Nebraska)
Rd 6, Pick 29 (197) Hamilton, Cobi WR (Arkansas)
Rd 7, Pick 34 (240) Fragel, Reid OT (Ohio State)
Rd 7, Pick 45 (251) Johnson, T.J. C (South Carolina)
In addition to the draft the team announced this past Friday that starting right tackle Andre Smith signed a 3 year, $18 million deal which is good news. Smith was the top rated RT in the league last year and bringing him back allowed the team to have more flexibility in the draft.
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