07-29-2015, 11:58 AM
1st:
Jaylon Smith - ILB/OLB - Notre Dame
Height: 6’2” Weight: 235
![[Image: 5235336136a4e.image.jpg]](http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/ndinsider.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/a6/9a6be673-032d-52a3-9e74-55e2e7e3199f/5235336136a4e.image.jpg)
If there is one thing that this coaching staff loves in it’s LBers it is versatility. With AJ Hawk and Maualuga only around for another year or so, expect the Bengals to draft a LB for the future.
Smith can play every LB position in the 4-3. His versatility is probably the best in this upcoming draft class. Smith shows impressive speed and athleticism for a middle LB and can provide sufficient support in defending the pass as well.
With a healthy Burfict… imagine a starting LB corps of
Dawson – Smith – Burfict
2nd:
Rashard Higgins – WR - Colorado State
Height: 6’2” Weight: 188
![[Image: 20140914__Rashard%20Higgins~p1.jpg]](http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2014/0914/20140914__Rashard%20Higgins~p1.jpg)
Who the hell is Rashard Higgins you may be asking yourself? Well I will tell you. He is a dominant receiver that had 96 receptions, 1,750 yards receiving and 17 TDs last season. Higgins exhibits excellent route running and well above average hands. At 6’2” he has great size, but does not have top end speed. He does however play faster than his 4.55 forty time. This is the #2 receiver we have been looking for!
3rd:
Nick Vannett –TE - Ohio State
Height: 6’6” Weight: 260
![[Image: nick-vannett-41250cf642ff4e69.jpg]](http://media.cleveland.com/osu_impact/photo/nick-vannett-41250cf642ff4e69.jpg)
Vannett made the most of what was available to him in the Urban Meyer offense. In a run dominant offense (which the Bengals intend to run as well) Vannett excelled. He only had 19 catches for 220 yards in 2014, but 5 of those catches went for TDs. Vannett gives us the perfect blocking TE (with the ability to catch the ball as well) to pair with Eifert long term.
4th:
Devonte Fields - DE/OLB - Louisville
Height: 6’4” Weight: 240
![[Image: 6596803_G.jpg]](http://wdrb.images.worldnow.com/images/6596803_G.jpg)
For those of you that may be confused. Fields was permanently suspended by Gary Patterson at TCU, therefore he transferred to Louisville. Fields is a first round talent, but questions concerning off the field drama could cause him to drop drastically. As a freshman, Fields posted impressive stats; 53 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 2 FF and 1 INT. Fields would give us the pass rush presence that we have been missing. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind taking a flier on Fields in the 3rd, but I feel like this is a good landing spot.
Jaylon Smith - ILB/OLB - Notre Dame
Height: 6’2” Weight: 235
If there is one thing that this coaching staff loves in it’s LBers it is versatility. With AJ Hawk and Maualuga only around for another year or so, expect the Bengals to draft a LB for the future.
Smith can play every LB position in the 4-3. His versatility is probably the best in this upcoming draft class. Smith shows impressive speed and athleticism for a middle LB and can provide sufficient support in defending the pass as well.
With a healthy Burfict… imagine a starting LB corps of
Dawson – Smith – Burfict
2nd:
Rashard Higgins – WR - Colorado State
Height: 6’2” Weight: 188
Who the hell is Rashard Higgins you may be asking yourself? Well I will tell you. He is a dominant receiver that had 96 receptions, 1,750 yards receiving and 17 TDs last season. Higgins exhibits excellent route running and well above average hands. At 6’2” he has great size, but does not have top end speed. He does however play faster than his 4.55 forty time. This is the #2 receiver we have been looking for!
3rd:
Nick Vannett –TE - Ohio State
Height: 6’6” Weight: 260
Vannett made the most of what was available to him in the Urban Meyer offense. In a run dominant offense (which the Bengals intend to run as well) Vannett excelled. He only had 19 catches for 220 yards in 2014, but 5 of those catches went for TDs. Vannett gives us the perfect blocking TE (with the ability to catch the ball as well) to pair with Eifert long term.
4th:
Devonte Fields - DE/OLB - Louisville
Height: 6’4” Weight: 240
For those of you that may be confused. Fields was permanently suspended by Gary Patterson at TCU, therefore he transferred to Louisville. Fields is a first round talent, but questions concerning off the field drama could cause him to drop drastically. As a freshman, Fields posted impressive stats; 53 tackles, 18.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 2 FF and 1 INT. Fields would give us the pass rush presence that we have been missing. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind taking a flier on Fields in the 3rd, but I feel like this is a good landing spot.
