With the 210th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Georgia Defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Heading into the NFL Draft, the Bengals had a solid rotation of tackles with Domata Peko, Tank Johnson and Pat Sims. After them, it was Orien Harris and Clinton McDonald (who was a draft pick in the 2009 draft). Cincinnati was expected to address defensive tackle this weekend to help solidify the position.
Of the team's first four picks, two have come on the defensive line with Carlos Dunlap selected in the second round on Friday. Cincinnati's effort to (somewhat) rebuild the team's defensive front was expected due to questions across the board in terms of injuries and depth. Good selection. Scouts Inc ranks Atkins as the 12th best defensive tackle in the NFL draft (scouting report below). Mocking the Draft writes:
After a strong sophomore season where it appeared that he would be the next big thing in the SEC, Atkins totaled less than half the sacks from 2007 in his junior and senior years combined. While he played within a system that favored rotations, Atkins never took his performance to the next level. There were several effort and motor concerns with him at Georgia, and without the top tier physical package, that will be an issue in the NFL. However without any prior knowledge of him, one would think he could be a second round player after watching his performance at the Senior Bowl, as he was the one defensive lineman that gave Idaho guard Mike Iupati a fit on the field. His ability to penetrate a gap and free himself up in the backfield is something every defense wants. He will not get much bigger physically and his role at the next level will be limited, but he can be important piece to a strong unit if he remains focused. He will likely be a middle round option and especially attractive to the Tampa-2 defenses.
Interviews with Geno.