Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Giovani Bernard in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Bernard joined veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis as a dangerous tandem in the backfield. One year later, the Bengals selected another running back in the second round. This time, it was former LSU Tiger Jeremy Hill.
In the 2013 season, Green-Ellis led the team in carries, yards and touchdowns. He finished with 220 carries, 756 yards and seven touchdowns. The rookie had 170 carries, 695 yards and five touchdowns. However, Bernard had a huge impact in the passing game. He hauled in 56 passes for 514 yards and another three scores.
Hill had an excellent two years at LSU. He had 345 carries, 2,156 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in his two seasons. Hill is a power rusher and can run in between the tackles. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns from 10 yards or closer.
Despite having the explosive Bernard on the team, Green-Ellis finished as the team’s best rusher. Hill has the size to replace Law Firm if the Bengals decide to let him go. Hill can be the red-zone rusher will Bernard takes the ball to the outside.
Hill may not finish as the leading rusher like Green-Ellis did last season, but he could have a huge influence in the rushing game. A one-two punch of Bernard and Hill could keep opposing defenses at bay. Bernard is the speed guy while Hill is the bruiser.
Both running backs will have great success in their careers. Bernard should still be drafted as a top-15 running back, but looming in the background is Hill.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
