2010 NFL Draft: The Cincinnati Bengals Select Oklahoma Tight End Jermaine Gresham

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 22, 2010 9:44 PM EDT in NFL Draft

With the 21st pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Oklahoma Tight End Jermaine Gresham. The Bengals addressed a position that was highly disputed as being unnecessary in the first round because it's a position that they've historically not used much during the Marvin Lewis/Bob Bratkowski era.

Problem is, fan favorite Dez Bryant was still on the board when the Bengals selected Gresham. This will cause some measure of controversy as the Bengals were still in need for wide receiver help, even after signing Antonio Bryant.

Admittedly, Tight End is a need. Was it a need to be addressed in the first round? Considering the team's lack of a philosophy using Tight Ends in the passing game, that'll be debatable. One could suggest that Gresham will be used primarily in short-yardage situations, especially in the Red Zone. Either way, the Bengals got their Tight End.

On the bright side, Gresham is rated as the best Tight End available in this year's NFL draft and if the team looks to utilize the position in the passing game for the first time during Marvin Lewis' era, then they got their guy. Mocking the Draft ranks Gresham as this year's best Tight End.

The following is ESPN's scouting report.

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Comments

Soooo stupid. Why the hell do you pass on a top 5 pick for Gresham. So stupid…lets just sit back and let him tear up his knee again

by ochocinco4pres on Apr 22, 2010 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

Gresham

WooooHoooo!!!!

by ALBengalFan on Apr 22, 2010 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

I bet my paycheck

Bryant goes to the Ravens and we have to chase that summabitch for the next 8 years !

by JamesShively on Apr 22, 2010 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

I would have lost my pay check woo hoo..

by JamesShively on Apr 22, 2010 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Bengals Tweet

CinBengalsNFL

Lewis on bryant-fits a need does a nice job after the catch no concern about the knee 2 minutes ago via txt

Boy Hob got that wrong!

by JamesShively on Apr 22, 2010 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

Despite his athletic ability

Bryant, apparently, had to always lineup on the side of the formation nearest his sideline so that the coaches could remind him of the play being run. That and he was chronically late, even for a game. Doesn’t bode well. Meanwhile, Gresham is a flat-out stud, no question, who takes coaching well and presents mismatches for both LBs and defensive backs. The clear pick over Bryant.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 22, 2010 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

I am OK with the pick but.....

with Bulaga (sp?) falling so unexpectedly maybe they could have missed the possibility of putting him at LT and moving Whit back to guard. We would have a potential for 3 pro bpwl caliber Olinemen maybe not this year. All young and very good. It is very hard to pass up on a player that good in that position on the Oline.

The word is that Gresham blocks better than some would have us think and he is potentially a very good TE and a big time target for Carson. Now if we can find a way to get McCluster for the slot we will have a top 10 O to go with our top 5 D and we could be very scary.

"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Apr 23, 2010 1:43 AM EDT reply actions