NFL Draft 2015 Grades: Cedric Ogbuehi to the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals select Cedric Ogbuehi with the 21st overall pick.
With the 21st-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Cedric Ogbuehi, offensive tackle from Texas A&M.
Grade: A-
Going into the draft, the Bengals’ team needs sat at defensive tackle, offensive line and linebacker. By drafting Ogbuehi, the Bengals are well on their way to filling that need.
Ogbuehi is a good choice here. Prior to the draft, he was considered one of the best fits for the Bengals and, at number 21, he fell about where the mock draft “experts” thought he would. To fill a need without having to reach is a draft day blessing.
Ogbuehi is an extremely gifted athlete. He is quick and can move easily in space, especially when it comes to moving targets. Playing in the Texas A&M offense, Ogbuehi is well-conditioned and can play at a high speed. While the NFL is a faster game than college, his adjustment may be a bit easier than players coming out of a slower system.
When it comes to weaknesses, Ogbuehi’s lie in his core strength and the ability to anchor in pass protection. Obviously the Bengals are hoping that NFL experience can improve his technique. Additionally, he suffered a torn ACL in the Aggies’ Liberty Bowl game against West Virginia. As a result of the injury, Ogbuehi was unable to participate in NFL combine activities. For the Bengals, the existing film on the offensive tackle was enough to know they had their man.
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Overall, Erving is a good, safe pick for the Bengals. He gets rave reviews off the field and, assuming he can stay healthy and improve his technique, he can make an impact on it was well. The Bengals pride themselves on building their roster through the draft rather than throwing money at free agents. Erving seems to fit this mold.
Ultimately, this year’s draft is relatively offensive-line heavy – the Bengals saw a need and filled it. Their team will be better off for it.