With the 207 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Bengals select Villanova TE Matt Sherry

Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the pick here.

The Bengals had made public that they are definitely looking at the tight end spot. With guys like Ben Utecht and Reggie Kelly expected to rotate roles, the Bengals went after a sixth-round Tight End anyway with Sherry. Sherry is classified as a fast tight end that can run the seam, but not a great blocker. This will put Daniel Coats on notice however.

Strengths: Reaches top speed quickly once off the line, does an adequate job of tracking the ball downfield and can work the seam. Changes directions well, shows decent burst coming out of cuts and can separate from man coverage. Tall enough to compete for jump balls, flashes the ability to catch the ball in traffic and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target. Gets adequate hand placement and flashes the ability to lock onto defenders.

Weaknesses: Undersized for an in-line blocker, doesn't have great lower body strength and can driven back. Takes too many false steps, lacks ideal initial quickness and struggles to get into position. Doesn't deliver a powerful punch or roll hips into blocks and isn't going to jar many defenders at the point of contact. Doesn't use hands well, struggles to get a clean release working against press coverage and gets muscled out of routes. Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to adjust to the speed of the game at the NFL level.

Overall: Sherry redshirted his first season at Villanova (2003). In his first three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 33 games (seven starts) and had 52 receptions for 598 yards (11.5 average) and four touchdowns. As a senior, he started all 11 games and finished the season with team highs of 37 receptions and 461 yards (12.5 average), plus five TDs. Sherry is fast and athletic enough to develop into a productive situational receiving tight end but he is one-dimensional and it's imperative he get stronger so he projects as a late round pick or rookie free agent.

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