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2015 NFL Draft Grades For The Cincinnati Bengals

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2015 NFL Draft Grades For The Cincinnati Bengals

Cedric Ogbuehi Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft — The Cincinnati Bengals had several needs heading into the 2015 draft and did a nice job of addressing them for the most part. Despite a few questionable moves like drafting two developmental tight ends and drafting offensive linemen with their first two picks, I believe it was an overall success. Here are my grades for each of their nine picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals had several needs heading into the 2015 draft and did a nice job of addressing them for the most part. Despite a few questionable moves like drafting two developmental tight ends and drafting offensive linemen with their first two picks, I believe it was an overall success. Here are my grades for each of their nine picks in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Round 1 (21): Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Round 1 (21): Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Drafting Ogbuehi was risky for the Bengals at No. 21. Had he not suffered an ACL tear last December, he most likely would have been a top-10 pick, so many consider it a steal for the Bengals. However, there's no guarantee that he will come back from this injury 100 percent. Luckily, the Bengals may not really need him until 2016. With pass rushing being such an immediate need, I'm not sure this was the smartest move.

Grade: C+

Round 2 (53): Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon

Round 2 (53): Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon

Had the Bengals chosen a defensive pass rusher in the first round, getting Fisher in the second round would have been the ideal scenario. I'm not so sure this was exactly what they planned, but with Fisher still on the board at No. 53, they simply couldn't pass up on him, and rightfully so. After all, with Ogbuehi's immediate contributions in doubt, Fisher may be the go-to backup lineman in 2015.

Grade: B+

Round 3 (85): Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers

Round 3 (85): Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers

I foresee Kroft being a work in progress for the Bengals, but there's no doubt he will be utilized in this offense immediately, unless of course the Bengals pick up a veteran tight end before the start of the season. The loss of Jermaine Gresham made the tight end position a main priority in the draft, and I believe Kroft's pass-catching and blocking ability will match up nicely with Tyler Eifert.

Grade: B

Round 3 (99): Paul Dawson, LB, TCU

Round 3 (99): Paul Dawson, LB, TCU

This is my favorite pick in the draft for the Bengals. While Dawson's pre-draft workouts were less than impressive, his on-field ability is special. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is one to keep an eye on with the potential to make an immediate impact in this defense. I foresee him becoming a starter by the end of the 2015 season.

Grade: A

Round 4 (120): Josh Shaw, CB, USC

Round 4 (120): Josh Shaw, CB, USC

Shaw is a player who could be used at safety or cornerback depending on the Bengals' defensive alignment. That versatility could work to his advantage in regards to earning playing time sooner rather than later. He may not contribute very much right away as a defensive back, but I expect to see him a lot on special teams. His size and athleticism will allow him to be a force wherever he is placed on the field.

Grade: B-

Round 4 (135): Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona St.

Round 4 (135): Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona St.

Hardison had an impressive 2014 season, recording 10 QB sacks, 15 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. While I don't see him making much of an immediate contribution, he will add solid depth to this defensive line with the potential of becoming a starter in future years.

Grade: B+

Round 5 (157): C.J. Uzomah, TE, Auburn

Round 5 (157): C.J. Uzomah, TE, Auburn

This was my least favorite pick for the Bengals in the draft. Having already drafted a tight end in the third round, there were many other needs they could have addressed with this pick. In fact, many predicted he would end up an undrafted free agent when all was said and done.

Grade: C-

Round 6 (197): Derro Smith, S, Fresno St.

Round 6 (197): Derro Smith, S, Fresno St.

Smith was another favorite pick of mine with safety being a definite need for the Bengals this offseason. He was considered by many to be a second-round pick before suffering a sports hernia which led him to fall this far. With George Iloka and Reggie Nelson entering free agency next year, I predict Smith to be a starting safety in 2016. Until then, expect him to play a lot on special teams.

Grade: A

Round 7 (238): Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia

Round 7 (238): Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia

Alford is a player who can contribute both on offense and special teams. I see him getting a lot of action returning kicks right away for the Bengals, which could help him earn a long-term spot on this roster. With three Bengals receivers becoming free agents next year, he could find himself in the offensive rotation rather quickly if he proves himself to be reliable.

Grade: B

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Julie Swartz is a writer for RantSports.

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