MVN - Most Valuable Network

Taking A Look at the Bengals Undrafted Free Agent Class

With 10 draft picks this past season and the loss of NFL Europe roster exemptions the Bengals did not have as much room for undrafted free agents as in previous seasons.   While, it is not common to find key contributors from the undrafted ranks, this is where special teamers, and practice squads are often built from.   While, it is hard to rate undrafted free agent classes, the Bengals 2008 group is not likely to draw much attention in the name recognition department.   Nonetheless, expect at least 2 of these players to make it to final cutdown and with at least 1 making the practice squad a distinct possibility.    As it was on draft day wide receiver drew the most attention with 2 signees and possibly a 3rd.

Cincinnati Bengals 2008 Undrafted Free Agents:

CB/S Simeon Castille, Alabama - The biggest name player among the undrafted, Castille will benefit from his ability to play both CB and S.  He is a physical player with excellent awareness but his lack of speed will make it an uphill battle.

G/T James Blair, Western Michigan - A huge prospect at 6′3 323, Blair is a developmental type who was recruited as a DT before switching to offensive line after his freshman year.  He projects as a guard and is known for his strong run blocking skills.  This mauler may get my vote as the UFA’s best chance to make the roster.

WR Travis Brown, New Mexic0 - A late addition after getting an early heave ho from the Seahawks.   Solid possession type at 6′2 202 coming off a strong senior season in which he caught 76 passes for 1031 yards and 6 TDs.

G/C Justin Britt, Alabama - Has a chance because center is the weakest and thinnest unit on the offensive line.

RB Brad Glatthaar, Cincinnati

RB James Johnson, Kansas State

FB Tyler Whaley, Ohio State

LB Anthony Hoke, Cincinnati

DT Michael Marquardt, Arizona State

WR Clyde Logan, Idaho State

LB Dan Howell, Washington

In addition to these eleven, Bengals.com is reporting the team is nearing an agreement with WR Maurice Purify out of Nebraska.  Purify is a name many will recognize as he is a talented player with excellent size at 6′3 224.  He is known for making big plays esp. in the red zone.  He is coming off a senior season in which he caught 57 passes for 814 yards and 9 touchdowns.  In addition to his talent, Purify has character concerns resulting from two arrests prior to the 2007 season.  Before anyone (all the networks and PFT) gets too carried away, remember he would be an undrafted free agent (not a 1st rounder like Aqib Talib or a 3rd rounder like Mario Manningham) on a very short leash and a major uphill battle to make the team.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 7:23 pm and is filed under Bengal News, NFL Draft. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.