Quote:It was clear who the star of the final day of minicamp was for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Quarterback Jake Dolegala, a college free agent out of Central Connecticut State, made some NFL-type throws in an unscripted 11-on-11 scrimmage. Dolegala is big (6-foot-7, 242 pounds) with a big arm.

He also showed nice touch, particularly on a touchdown pass to receiver Josh Malone on the final play. There was only one place for Dolegala to put the ball, and he put it there.

“That boy looked good,” running back Joe Mixon said. “I like him. He’s nice. He’s nice.”

Thursday was a day for the players deep on the depth chart. Dolegala had one rep in the two practices before Thursday.

Quote:“He had a great college career,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “We saw some good things on tape. That’s why we brought him in. He’s stayed focused. It’s not easy when you don’t get any reps, and you have to come out and compete with the guys. I thought Jake did a great job. That’s why he’s here. It’s always good to see those guys who don’t get a ton of reps get out there and show why they’re in the NFL.

“It was a good day for Jake.”

Dolegala is the fourth quarterback in camp behind starter Andy Dalton, fourth-year backup Jeff Driskel and fourth-round pick Ryan Finley. Finley got the other reps Thursday. It was no contest who was better.

(06-13-2019, 06:14 PM)XenoMorph Wrote: our new Backup QB... Finley to PS.. (as it currently stands long way to go lol)

(06-13-2019, 08:10 PM)OSUfan Wrote: This gets as much credit as Finley looking bad during previous workouts.

(06-13-2019, 08:42 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Yeah, likely so.  However, Dolegala at least showed a little poise and composure, by stepping right in and doing good things, after having to sit and spectate for 2.5 days.  Now, if he falls on his face in preseason games, looks like the game is too big for him, etc?  I'll be ready to throw that wet blanket on him.  

As for now, it's June.  The Bengals have as much chance of winning it all as any other team, so I'm going to enjoy the optimistic vibe for a while.

(06-13-2019, 08:42 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Yeah, likely so.  However, Dolegala at least showed a little poise and composure, by stepping right in and doing good things, after having to sit and spectate for 2.5 days.  Now, if he falls on his face in preseason games, looks like the game is too big for him, etc?  I'll be ready to throw that wet blanket on him.  

As for now, it's June.  The Bengals have as much chance of winning it all as any other team, so I'm going to enjoy the optimistic vibe for a while.

(06-13-2019, 09:54 PM)OSUfan Wrote: Point being most were ready to kick Finley to the curb because a week or so ago they said he did not look great. Which I found completely ridiculous. I think Dolegala is a very good prospect who just has not been tested against major competition. It would not shock me if he were to look outstanding in the preseason just like it would not shock me for Finley to look good. It is just to early to make any real judgements.

I am all for the optimistic vibe which is why I am not getting all worked up over a May/June report on Ryan Finley.

(06-13-2019, 10:42 PM)Bilbo Saggins Wrote: Is it too late to bring back the nickname thread? 

The Dolegala Aquifer

Dolegala make-me-holla

Dolegala borrow-dolla 

Finley had better step it up if he wants to avoid the "Dolegala Queue" 

(06-13-2019, 11:07 PM)jj22 Wrote: Giant Dolegala

Sounds promising. I just wonder if he's too tall.

(06-13-2019, 07:06 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Yep, a long way to go.  However, in light of all the negative reports we've been reading about Finley, I find this to be some surprisingly good news.

It seems like most every year, the board regulars latch onto one late round/UDFA guy and hope for the best to happen.  Usually it's some WR with about as much chance of making the 53, as I do of making the US Olympic Weight Lifting team.  So, why not a QB?  Dolegala is a National Champion, an imposing physical presence at 6'7" 242#, has a cannon for an arm, and can also take some off of it and show a little touch.  Not to mention, he stepped right on in there and did something to impress the coaches, after having to stand around and watch for 21/2 days...

(06-14-2019, 09:52 AM)Au165 Wrote: The historical success of QB's over 6'6 is pretty limited. We will see though, the NFL is always changing. 

(06-14-2019, 10:01 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: Yes it is. Since you can't even look at a QB anymore without getting flagged, probably not a huge deal.

(06-14-2019, 09:52 AM)Au165 Wrote: The historical success of QB's over 6'6 is pretty limited. We will see though, the NFL is always changing. 

(06-14-2019, 10:23 AM)XenoMorph Wrote: have there been a lot? only 1 comes to my mind.

(06-14-2019, 10:52 AM)Au165 Wrote: Whoops the stat was 6-6 or taller. That list includes...

Paxton Lynch, Brock Osweiler, Mike Glennon, Ryan Mallett, Joe Flacco, Tony Pike, Sean Mannion, Tyler Bray, Jamarcus Russell, Byron Leftwich, Derek Anderson, Nate Sudfeld, John Skelton, Josh Freeman, Jordan Palmer, Eric Ainge, John Navarre