Mardy Gilyard improves his 40-time while the Bengals watch at the University of Cincinnati Pro Day

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 10, 2010 8:04 PM EST in NFL Draft

The University of Cincinnati held their Pro Day on Wednesday with guys like Mardy Gilyard and Tony Pike trying to improve upon their so-so numbers during the NFL Combine late last month. There were 13 players on display for 26 teams, including 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. In attendance for the Bengals were wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard, special teams coach Darrin Simmons and director of football operations Jim Lippencott.

Gilyard, Joe Reedy writes, improved his 40-time from 4.56 to 4.47 and made a few nice grabs. Tony Pike, on the other hand, "struggled early with a couple of his passes sailing high" and there "were also a couple times when he wasn’t on the same page as his receivers". He would eventually settle down.

Other Bearcats working out include defensive lineman Alex Daniels, who "bench-pressed 225 pounds 31 times" and had a "36.5-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, nine-inch broad jump.'" Defensive back Brad Jones "ran the 40 in 4.56 seconds, second-fastest behind Gilyard. Jones also had a 39-inch vertical. Safety Aaron Webster ran a 4.66 in the 40."

It's a good bet that the Bengals are scouting Gilyard, who would be the reason for the team's wide receiver coach and the special teams coach, considering the wide receiver is also really, really, really, really, really, really good at the return game. With that said, I still have a hard time believing that the Bengals would use their first round pick on Gilyard. Now if Gilyard does a Rey Maualuga and unexpectedly falls in the second round, which many project he will, then it would seem that Gilyard's chances of being selected by the team he really wants to play for go astronomically through the roof.

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

If that happen's someone's getting cut

or pushed to the practice squad..

by JamesShively on Mar 10, 2010 8:07 PM EST reply actions

With Bernard Scott I don't even see room for Gilyard

unless like I said they have intentions of cutting some guys that showed some promise in development.. which wouldn’t make sense either..

by JamesShively on Mar 10, 2010 8:09 PM EST reply actions

RE:

They might want to take Scott off though. He and Cedric have gotten hurt so they might want to keep Scott fresh by having him on the offense rather than offense and special teams. But I agree, if no better options are there, then Scott is the man.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 10, 2010 8:11 PM EST up reply actions

Caldwell is Definitely not the guy… I would like to see us pick up another power back to fill in where LJ is leaving us..

by JamesShively on Mar 10, 2010 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Most teams don't carry 4 active RBs.

by jsl413 on Mar 10, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

if Dez Bryant is there when we pick in the first round that would be sick

by vottoholic on Mar 10, 2010 8:47 PM EST up reply actions

Think it's possible?

From what I hear, him falling to the Bengals is more remote than remote.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 10, 2010 8:48 PM EST up reply actions

alot of scouts want to see him work out at the combine

thanks to his hamstring its not going to happen so we will pick him up if hes still there.That would help me to for give mikey for not signing TO

by vottoholic on Mar 10, 2010 8:53 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

Yea, I saw that his stock took a hit. Hopefully it helps him get to us — at least gives us another option.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 10, 2010 8:56 PM EST up reply actions

what round do you see that TE out of Iowa get taking in

by vottoholic on Mar 10, 2010 8:59 PM EST up reply actions

fourth?

most of the speculation has him around there. Talent might have him higher, but durability a concern: injured a lot in college, but very good all-around when he played. Pats apparently interested, and with free agent departures it’s an area of need for them…

by Mr. X on Mar 10, 2010 9:23 PM EST up reply actions

No no.. we cant have that

We need more Johnson’s.. not Bryant’s

by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Mar 10, 2010 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

RE

Admittedly, I’ve ripped on Caldwell for disappearing last year in the second half of the season — he went ten straight games to end the season without reaching 40 yards receiving.

But I’m going to be patient with him. Henry’s loss (injury) was big and Coles didn’t pan out which put a lot of pressure and focus on Caldwell who ran across the middle. My biggest complaint with Caldwell is that he struggled with separation.

However, Caldwell is working on a brand new training regiment this offseason by boxing like Chad did last year. So let’s see. They’re going to use him no matter what.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 10, 2010 8:46 PM EST up reply actions