Along with signing a couple of doctors, the Bengals moved cornerback David Pender to the 80-man offseason roster on Friday. Pender has been a roster exemption since December 29 until Friday, when his roster exemption expired. Still classified as a first-year player, Pender played three games with the Indianapolis Colts before the team waived him and the Bengals claimed him in late December.
Pender originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. He was let go during final roster cuts before making his way on to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and soon after, the Indianapolis Colts active roster.
During his three seasons at Purdue, Pender finished second in school history with 33 passes defensed, also recording 129 tackles and three interceptions in that time. Pender was claimed after the Bengals placed third-down running back Brian Leonard on season-ending injured reserve.
According to CBSSports.com's Draft Analysis in 2010, Pender relies too much on his "size and speed to make plays" without great instincts for the position. He's a poor tackler and it takes time to close in on plays. He was best when he was in man coverage while maintaining contact with the receiver.