NFL Draft 2012: Grading the Cincinnati Bengals' Day 3

After an electrifying first two days of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals entered the third day with five more picks to attempt to upgrade the roster.

They didn’t disappoint.

After making smart value picks that addressed needs in the first two days of the draft, the Bengals continued the trend, beginning in round four by selecting Georgia tight end Orson Charles.

Charles is a huge target that fits the AFC North perfectly as he excels in run-blocking. Not only is he 6’3” and 251lbs, but at the scouting combine he managed to bench press 225 lbs 35 times, best out of any tight end to participate.

Charles also possesses great hands that allow him to snag any pass thrown his way. In a league that is quickly becoming very focused on the tight end position, Charles is a perfect selection.

The Bengals appear to be paying close attention to what is happening over in New England—Charles could be the Aaron Hernandez to Jermaine Gresham’s Rob Gronkowski.

At 156 the Bengals decided to go with Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater. It’s a depth move at this point, but a smart selection for the future.

Prater was extremely productive while playing in the Big Ten and will have time to develop before seeing more playing time in the seasons ahead.

Ten picks later the Bengals selected California receiver Marvin Jones, who was taken with the pick the Bengals received from shipping Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots.

Jones is an extremely talented receiver who at one point was this offseason was projected to go in the second round, so he’s an amazing value here. He adds some much-needed depth to the position while combining with third round pick Mohamed Sanu to address the need at the second receiver spot.

Right after picking Jones, the Bengals decided to take George Iloka, a safety from Boise State.

Iloka is an extremely athletic safety that excels when playing in the middle of the field. He’ll compete with Taylor Mays, Robert Sands and Jeromy Miles this offseason for the starting spot at strong safety.

To finish up the draft, in the sixth round at 191, the Bengals selected Ohio State running back Dan “Boom” Herron. Cincinnati made a similar more last year when they finished up the draft by selecting Baylor running back Jay Finley.

Like Finley, it’s hard to see Herron making the roster, thanks to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard and Cedric Peerman.

The coaching staff seems to have liked him enough to pick Herron instead of potentially signing him as a free agent. He’ll likely end up on the practice squad until he develops. He’s mediocre in pass protection and has issues catching passes.

At the end of the day, the Bengals had yet another incredible draft which is being critically acclaimed by many. Each pick addressed a need not only right now, but for the future as well. The value the Bengals found at almost every pick is also unprecedented.

There’s a trend developing here, and there’s only one grade to give the Bengals for their outstanding third day.

Final Grade: A

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