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With the 246 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Bengals select Louisville WR Mario Urrutia

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

It's telling that the Bengals picked up their third wide receiver this weekend basically saying to Chad Johnson, we're moving on. Enjoy your 18 month off-season. Mel Kiper Jr. spoke highly of his talent, but questioned why he entered the draft as a junior when you're the 246th pick in the NFL -- 34th Wide Receiver, 2nd WR from Louisville.

From his strengths, it appears that Urrutia has the jumping abilities and frame of Chris Henry. Urrutia is 6'5" and 232 pounds.

Scouts, Inc.

Strengths: Possesses excellent size, uses wide frame to shield defenders from the ball and can make tough catches in traffic. Times jumps fairly well, has long arms and doesn't lose in many jump-ball situations. Doesn't have great top-end speed but tracks the ball well and is capable of making the occasional play downfield. Runs hard after the catch and flashes the ability to pick up yards after contact. Is strong enough to control defenders at the point of attack and has the potential to develop into an excellent blocker.

Weaknesses: Doesn't always run crisp routes, isn't explosive and is going to have problems separating from man coverage. While has big hands and can snatch the ball out of the air, loses focus at times and lets too many passes get to pads so can drop passes that should catch. Won't make many defenders miss after the catch, lacks the second gear to outrun NFL defenders and isn't much of a big-play threat after the catch. Missed three games of the 2007 season with a turf toe injury that hindered him throughout the year and durability is a concern. Has had some problems controlling emotions on the field and he got flagged for costly penalties far too often.

Overall: Urrutia started five of the 11 games he appeared in during his true freshman season in 2005 finishing with 797 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns and 37 catches. He started 11 of the 13 games he appeared in during the 2006 season finishing with 973 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns and 58 catches. Urrutia started two of the ten games he appeared in during the 2007 season finishing with 501 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns and 35 catches. Urrutia has the frame and athletic ability to develop into an effective possession receiver in the NFL. But his lack of focus as a route runner and pass catcher give us reason to believe he may never reach his full potential. In addition, he isn't going to be much of a big-play threat at the next level. That's why Urrutia projects as a late-round pick.

This page will be continuously updated with analysis.
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