NFL Draft Grades 2013: Cincinnati Bengals

The 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now it’s time for some reflection. While some teams traded around to get who they want, others stood pat to see who would slide to them — and if there’s one thing to remember about this draft it’s players that slid around the rounds. But now that the draft is behind us, the all important grading phase has begun, so lets take a look at how the Cincinnati Bengals did in this year’s NFL Draft.

Draft Picks

• Tyler Eifert, tight end, Notre Dame — Round 1 (21)
• Giovani Bernard, running back, North Carolina — Round 2  (37)
• Margus Hunt, defensive end, SMU — Round 2 (53)
• Shawn Williams, safety, Georgia — Round 3 (84)
• Sean Porter, linebacker, Texas A&M — Round 4 (118)
• Tanner Hawkinson, offensive tackle, Kansas — Round 5 (156)
• Rex Burkhead, running back, Nebraska — Round 6 (190)
• Cobi Hamilton, wide receiver, Arkansas — Round 6 (197)
• Reid Fragel, offensive tackle, Ohio State — Round 7 (240)
• TJ Johnson, center, South Carolina — Round 7 (251)

Best Pick: Margus Hunt

Hunt has the ability to develop in to an incredible player in this league. If the Bengals would have bought in to the hype of him going in the late first-round, that would have been a major mistake. Instead, they waited patiently and addressed to major areas of need on the offensive side of the ball before making Hunt the pick and maximizing his talent.

Analysis: The Bengals did a very good job in this year’s draft by addressing key needs early and then adding hard-working players in the later rounds. Their first five selections in 2013 could go on to be major contributors in the next few years, while the selections in the final rounds add good depth to weaker positions and hungry players who will be fighting for a chance to make an NFL roster.

2013 Draft Grade: B