The Cincinnati Bengals are now on the clock in our second annual Canal Street Chronicles community mock draft. They will be represented today by CSC member GRIZZ. Make the jump for his pick and analysis.
Mad props to GRIZZ for his participation. Word.
With the twenty-first pick in the 2010 CSC community mock draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
When's the last time the Cincinnati Bengals had a great tight end? I guess you could say every year if you include their cheerleaders (okay that's a pretty lame attempt at a joke). But seriously...can you think of any tight ends in recent Bengals history that's done anything for them? I sure as heck can't think of any. I think that's the one position that might be keeping them out of being a better football team. Now that they've signed Antonio Bryant and already have a great wide receiver in Chad Ochocinco, I think the only key element they need is Jermaine Gresham.
Gresham is gifted both physically and athletically, but his downfall is the injury that he suffered his senior year (ACL tear). I think you have to take the risk with the reward, though; maybe he's healed, maybe he hasn't...but I think he is too great of a talent to pass up here.
I'm sure Carson Palmer would agree with me - that they could use a great pass catching tight end - but the research I've done concludes that the fans don't want Gresham. But guess what? This is my pick and I can do what I want with it! And I would take the risk. Some of the guys at Cincy Jungle were suggesting possibly a safety like Taylor Mays or linebacker (Weatherspoon was already chosen). One member said Chase Coffman is going to be their guy; my answer to that is..."Who?" I say they take Gresham as their future tight end.
Check the video at 00:15; he shows great power, then outruns the rest of the defense!