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.
