Cincinnati Bengals Show Interest in Chris Wells: Good Fit?

(Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Throughout the drafting process, experts have said Chris "Beanie" Wells will be going in the middle to late first round.

They said the need for a running back wasn't all that important in this year's draft, just like quarterbacks.

Like usual, the Bengals beg to differ on those expert opinions.

The Bengals have expressed interest in Ohio State's former running back, and are having the former Buckeye in for a visit in early April.

If the Bengals would pick Wells in that first round, he would leave the board as the No. 6 pick in this year's draft.

So, are the Bengals, who were 4-11-1 last year, a good fit for the Heisman candidate?

I think they really are. Wells has grown up in Ohio, and Cincinnati isn't that far from his hometown of Akron. He played his college ball in Columbus, which still wasn't far from his hometown.

Location could be important to Wells.

Now, as far as football, I've been saying it all along that the Bengals need to draft Chris Wells. He's a dominant player with power to plow through the front lines and he has the speed to get past the second level.

If you look at his performance at the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.59 40 yard dash and was not satisfied with it. He prepared and trained so when he gets to Ohio State's pro day, he runs a 4.34 and a 4.46.

He's a work horse and that's what the Bengals need. They don't need another Ocho Cinco who's going to sit there and whine about his numbers, but rathern, Cincy needs someone who's working to improve them.

That is why Wells was going from a mid-first rounder to a potential top-10 selection.

As far as fitting into the Bengals system, Wells would fit nicely. The Bengals signed Cedric Benson last season, and he played well, but they need to go for depth. Players get hurt, and running back is one of the toughest jobs in the NFL.

Wells has had some injuries, but anyone that follows him knows he tries everything he can to get on the field. Buckeyes head coach coach Jim Tressel said that Chris Wells was very upset he didn't get any time against the USC Trojans back in September.

The Bengals need an offensive lineman, but they should be looking to solve that issue in free agency.

I've seen a Mock Draft that has them picking Michael Crabtree, but I don't think that would be a smart choice, especially after taking two wide receivers in last year's draft.

They need to draft the best at the position, and I clearly think Chris Wells is a better choice than Georgia's Knowshon Marino.

It would be a win-win for both parties. Wells gets to be close to home, and the Bengals get a difference maker.

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