2012 NFL Draft: NFP Lists Underrated Offensive Players The Bengals Could Target In Later Rounds

by Jason Garrison on Feb 8, 2012 12:50 PM EST in NFL Draft

For the most part, the first few rounds of the draft are considered most important. That's where NFL teams find players that start or make some other immediate impact on offense, defense or sometimes on special teams. However, talented players can be found in rounds four through seven as well.

There are quite a few players in the NFL that were picked up in the last three rounds that went on to prove 31 teams wrong. The most famous of course is Tom Brady, but there are others on every team. For the Bengals, running back Bernard Scott was a sixth-round pick and there are a handful of other players that were late-round picks or came into the league as undrafted free agents.

National Football Post's Wes Bunting highlighted a few players that are underrated as we head into draft season. Some of those players play positions that we know the Bengals will be targeting to fill holes in their roster. Who knows, maybe one of them could end up in stripes in 2012.

There's no question that the Bengals are looking to find a new running back to replace Cedric Benson. Some mock drafts have them targeting Trent Richardson in the first round or drafting a guy like Doug Martin in the second. Bunting lists two underrated running backs who could make an impact on the team that drafts them and could be available in later rounds.

One of those backs is Utah State running back Robert Turbin (5-foot-10, 216 pounds).

Physically, he reminds me some of New York Jets RB Shonn Greene. But as a runner, he looks more natural as a zone guy who he can use his cut back ability to pick his way through traffic, square his shoulders and then attack daylight. Has the skill set to mature into a starter at the next level, but because of his lack of a great burst, he doesn't strike me as a guy who is ever going to have a real gaudy yards per carry average. Nevertheless, he should be able to keep you ahead of the chains and create the tough yards through contact.

I highly doubt the Bengals would not draft a running back in the first two rounds unless they picked up a guy like Michael Bush or re-signed Benson in free agency, so if they pick up a guy like Turbin in a later round, it would probably be to add depth.

Another position the Bengals will probably address in the draft or in free agency is wide receiver. Jerome Simpson was inconsistent as the team's No. 2 receiver and the team needs an upgrade to play on the opposite side of A.J. Green in order to give Green some more space and help open up the rest of the field for guys like Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley. They aren't likely to select a wide receiver high in the draft as they can find guys in free agency and there are bigger needs.

Bunting lists two wide receivers that could be available in the late rounds of the draft. The first is Fresno State's Devon Wylie (5-foot-9, 185 pounds).

Is limited a bit by his size, but is the kind of cat-quick slot guy with great ball skills who can make a living in the NFL. The major positive with him though is that he also has very good speed and can easily make plays down the field.

The other is Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright (5-foot-10, 180 pounds).

A coordinated athlete who is slippery as a route runner, tough over the middle and knows how to get open vs. man and zone. Will get re-routed vs. press at times and looks more like an inside player at the next level, but has the skill set to make a roster and carve out a big niche early.

Another position the Bengals are definitely looking to upgrade is guard. Bobbie Williams, Nate Livings and Mike McGlynn are all free agents and the team is more than likely only going to re-sign Williams if they re-sign any of them. They will be drafting a guard early, whether that turns out to be David DeCastro if he falls to them at No. 17, or a guy like Cordy Glenn.

They may select two guards, though, one in the first round and one in a later round to add depth. Bunting lists two guards, the first guard is a home-grown guy: Miami of Ohio's Brandon Brooks (6-foot-5, 343 pounds).

Is a big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size, but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, he has some upside and can win consistently in both the run and pass game, and looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.

And the second is Illinois guard Jeff Allen (6-foot-5, 315 pounds).

He's not an overpowering run blocker, but can bend, gain leverage and seal inside. He's smooth and coordinated in pass protection, can keep his base down and warrants a higher grade because of it. Needs to play inside at the next level, but looks like a guy who can start in the league.

Stay tuned to defensive players that are underrated and could be targeted in the later rounds in the draft.

0 recs | 14 comments

Comments

How about Devier Posey?

sofakingood - February 8, 2012 reply

That would awesome.

Posey with one of the 5th rounders would replace Simpson.

JoseOle - February 8, 2012 via iPhone app reply

brandon brooks

Brandon Brooks

School: Miami (OH)
Grade: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 343
Birthdate: 08-19-1989
Draft Projection: Seventh
Overall Rank: Unranked
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Guard (19)

Pass Blocking: Brooks is a naturally strong athlete that is exceptional anchoring in the pass game. The combination of length and strength allow him to win most of the leverage battles. He has strong hands that allow him to be sticky on contact. He’s tough to shake once he gets his arms extended and his hands inside the defenders chest plate. He doesn’t have great range which probably makes him best suited to play on the interior. His footwork in his slide needs a ton of work (crosses feet and gets off balance). He has a tendency to lunge into contact rather keeping his base and sliding with his feet.
Run Blocking: Brooks has a naturally strong build that allows him to push defenders where he wants. He has long arms and is sticky through contact. Keeps his pad level down and engages through the whistle. He’s not an explosive athlete by any means but doesn’t need to be with his strength. He’s not going to excel as a move blocker as he really struggles to break down in space.
Technique: His footwork leaves a bit to be desired. He crosses his feet and loses balance too easily. He does use good hand placement and is a force once his hands are on the defender.
Athleticism/Strength: Good athlete for his size. His natural strength and long arms make up for a lot of what he lacks athletically. He doesn’t possess elite range on the edge but good enough to be an effective RT in the league. His strength is other-worldly.
Bottom Line: Brandon Brooks is an impressive physical specimen that carries his weight really well. Played guard and tackle at Miami but his game fits better in-line in the NFL. He’s a perfect fit in a power run scheme that doesn’t require him to move block in open spaces often. Man on man, you won’t find many better than Brooks in this draft. This was a guy I was able to see in person on several occasions and was the clear standout in all the games. Impressive and intimidating size.

2007: Redshirted
2008: Started 12 games at left guard
2009: Started 12 games at left guard, second-team All-MAC
2010: Started 2 games at left tackle and 4 games at left guard, second-team ALL-MAC

sources:
http://nflsfuture.com/2012/02/07/brandon-brooks-scouting-report/
http://www.nfldraft101.com/draft/profiles/player/147344/Brandon_Brooks.jsp

national football post has a better report and ranks him number 5 in the guard class:

Has experience playing left tackle and both guard spots, but his body type says more guard only in the NFL. He is a long armed guy for his size. However, possesses a physical make-up and carries his weight well. Struggles in space when asked to get out and pull. Looks a little top heavy, doesn’t possess “plus” range when asked to get into the second level and lacks ideal balance when trying to breakdown and take proper angles. Has a tough time changing directions once he gets his momentum going and routinely will whiff into contact. Nevertheless, is a naturally strong kid in the run game as an in-line guy. Showcases good bend when asked to coil up into his stance. Did a much better job as a senior keeping his pad level down and running his legs through contact while staying engaged. Showcases quick hands off the snap. Doesn’t have a real explosive first step, but is so powerful he can create a push in-line as a run blocker.

Does a good job sitting into his stance in the pass game. His size and natural power allows him to be a “plus” anchor player vs. the bull rush. Plus, his length again allows him to gain leverage into contact and he’s really improved his punch as the year went on. Is an above-average athlete for his size and exhibits solid change of direction skills. But, isn’t real technically sound with his footwork in pass protection at times. Doesn’t stay real balanced, wants to be aggressive and get his hands on lineman, and will get caught lunging into contact. .

Impression: Is a big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, has some upside and can win consistently in the run game and pass game and looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.

source:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=og
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=37019

palewook - February 8, 2012 reply

I think Brooks is a pretty good prospect

But I think he goes round 3-4. Maybe if they get a guard in free agency,they can get him in the 3rd and have him backup in season 1 to work on his technique.

EPK1979 - February 8, 2012 via mobile reply

Marvin Jones WR Cal

Stephen Hill WR GT

Touhue Cha - February 8, 2012 reply

Both 2nd rounders for me

Joe Goodberry - February 8, 2012 via Android app reply

I really like Jeff Allen converting T to G is a good option T is deep in draft

other T Markus Zusevics, Ryan Miller, Landon Walker and Charles Burton Montana UDFA
WR AJ Jenkins BJ Cunningham TJ Graham and UDFA Da’Jon McKnight Minnesota and Toney Clemons Colorado

messjunk - February 8, 2012 reply