With the 209th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select running back Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian. The Bengals have been looking at running back, however couldn't pull the trigger during the mid-rounds, finding Scott with the final selection in the sixth round.
He did not play his senior season after being involved in an off-field fight. He has been arrested at least five times and is finishing 18 months of probation for giving false information to a police officerduring a traffic stop. He is attending his fourth college since 2003.
From Draft Countdown.
Strengths:
Excellent vision and natural instincts...More quick than fast and has a burst...Strong and runs hard...Hits the hole with authority...Shifty and elusive...Nice balance...Runs inside and outside effectively...Tough and durable...Soft hands...Good route runner...Extremely productive.
Weaknesses:
Ordinary size and bulk...Doesn't have great timed speed...Frail lower body...Not much of a blocker...Older than the average prospect...Was not a great student...Focus and maturity have been questioned...Did not play against top competition...Has significant character concerns.
Notes:
Won the Harlon Hill Award as the nation's top Division II player in 2008 after finishing second in the voting as a junior...Sat out his senior season of high school ball after being involved in an off-the-field fight...Attended four colleges since 2003...Began his college career at Southeastern Oklahoma St. but transferred after redshirting...Had a great freshman season at Central Arkansas in 2004 but was kicked off the team after allegedly hitting a coach...Took a year off before landing at Blinn College in Texas, where he helped lead his team to a JUCO championship....Reportedly attracted attention from Arkansas, Fresno State, Miami and Texas Tech but was academically ineligible to play in Division I and wound up at Abilene Christian...Is already 25-years-old...Has been arrested at least five times, most recently for stealing an iPod, giving false information to a police officer and fleeing a police officer...Looks like a legit mid-round pick on tape but could go undrafted...Probably doesn't profile as a starter but has the talent to play in the NFL if he can stay out of trouble, however that is a big " If ".
From NFL.com
Positives: Excellent burst through the hole, and hits it hard. Very good vision, and usually finds the best running lane. Uses that vision and excellent footwork to pick his way through traffic. Sidesteps defenders in the hole. Patient runner inside or on the edge who will wait for blocks to develop before hitting the gas. Runs with a nice lean and low center of gravity, getting through arm tackles in traffic or in space. Keeps legs churning inside; puts his hand on the ground to maintain balance and get more yards. Excellent hands for the reception and makes the first man miss. Quick to get into his route, and fast in and out of his cut.
Negatives: A bit leaner than most NFL teams like in their backs, although he runs low enough to handle a pounding. Runs with the ball in his left hand heading in either direction. Good second gear but lacks the elite third gear. Lack of experience in pass protection will be a concern as a third-down back. Major character issues and over-aged for a rookie running back.
BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who came to Abilene Christian by way of Central Arkansas. Received the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy as the nation's top player in Division II. Totals last season included 266/2,156/20 on the ground and 47/826/6 returning punts. Junior rushing numbers included 251/2,165/35 with 46/565/4 as a pass catcher. All-Conference and All-America player the past two years.
POSITIVES: Smallish, elusive ball carrier who creates his own yardage. Runs with excellent balance, body control, and patience. Displays good running vision, finds the cutback lanes, and quickly gets through them. Weaves his way through the traffic, finding the open spot in the defense, runs with a good degree of quickness, and squeaks through the small openings in the defense. Makes opponents miss, and loses little momentum when he cuts back against the grain. Terrific receiver who nicely adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride, looking the pass into his hands. Runs with a compact style, and is low to the ground. Darts around the field, looking for the open space. Displays vision as a blocker picking up the blitz.
NEGATIVES: Usually brought down by the first defender, and not a strong ball carrier who picks up much yardage off initial contact. Must turn up the intensity as a blocker. Turned 25 years old this past February.
ANALYSIS: Scott is a versatile ball carrier whose skills would fit a team looking for a third-down back/situational runner. He seems to have the underlying abilities to be used as a punt or kick returner, which would only add to his value at the next level.
