If given the choice….

[SunsetBengal]

(03-26-2025, 03:23 PM)FormerlyBengalRugby Wrote: Not interested in a running back day one or two, and the need is bigger in many other areas, plus with their shelf life being so short, it makes the idea a harder pill to swallow. He is a quick cut and paste for five potential day three guys I would be in favor of. All power backs, as that is something the Bengals have been missing forever, and if the pick pans out, it is a plug and play replacement for Perine next year.

Damien Martinez (Miami, formerly Oregon State)
Why a Sleeper: Often overshadowed by flashier names, Martinez isn’t always in the top-five RB conversation despite consistent production.
Power Traits: At 5’11”, 217-232 pounds (depending on weigh-ins), he’s a physical runner with a 94.3 rushing grade in 2024 (per PFF) and 4.5 yards after contact per attempt—second among Power Four backs. His 1,000-yard season at Miami in 2024 followed two strong years at Oregon State.
Why He Fits: Martinez thrives as a downhill runner, using his size and surprising agility to punish defenders. He’s a Day 3 projection who could rise with a strong pre-draft process.

Phil Mafah (Clemson)
Why a Sleeper: Mafah flies under the radar in a loaded RB class, often ranked outside the top 10 by early analysts.
Power Traits: At 6’1”, 230 pounds, he’s built like a tank. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2024 for 1,976 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing patience and power in Clemson’s zone-heavy scheme. His “eye-catching wiggle” (per Pro Football Network) complements his ability to bulldoze tacklers.
Why He Fits: Mafah’s frame and tackle-breaking ability scream NFL power back. He’s a mid-to-late-round prospect with starter potential.

Corey Kiner (Cincinnati)
Why a Sleeper: Kiner’s not a household name, partly due to playing at Cincinnati rather than a marquee program.
Power Traits: At 5’9”, 208 pounds, he’s compact but explosive, with absurd contact balance. In 2024, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. Analysts note his “complete rushing skillset” and ability to “steamroll linebackers” (The 33rd Team).
Why He Fits: Kiner’s toughness and vision make him a bruiser in tight spaces. He’s a Day 3 candidate who could surprise if he lands in a gap-scheme offense.

Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Why a Sleeper: Monangai’s production at Rutgers hasn’t garnered the hype of Big Ten peers like Judkins or Henderson.
Power Traits: At 5’8”, 211 pounds, he’s a low-center-of-gravity powerhouse. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2024 for 1,703 yards and 19 touchdowns, with zero fumbles on 669 college carries (per NFL.com). His suddenness and physicality shine in close quarters.
Why He Fits: Monangai’s durability and tackle-breaking ability make him a classic power back. He’s a late-round prospect with a high floor as a rotational thumper.

Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
Why a Sleeper: Brooks often gets lost in the shuffle of a deep RB class, rarely cracking top-five lists.
Power Traits: At 5’9”, 224 pounds, he’s a rugged, patient runner who forced 154 missed tackles over his final two seasons (third-most in FBS, per PFF). In 2024, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 1,471 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Why He Fits: Brooks’ physicality and contact balance make him a bruising force. Projected as a Day 3 pick, he could thrive in a downhill system needing a workhorse.

Mafah carried the ball 335X??    Caution, use sparingly his rookie season.