With the team wanting to return their focus rebuilding the running back roster with an explosive rushing offense, it's no surprise that the Cincinnati Bengals have shown interest in running backs at the NFL Combine this weekend. According to Carlos Holmes with the Dayton Daily News, the Bengals have already spoken with Baylor running back Terrance Ganaway.
From Holmes.
"The Bengals were the first team I spoke with in Indy, Ganaway said on Saturday. "I would love to play for Cincinnati. I’ll tell you one thing, whoever gets me is going to get a happy man, and the organization will be happy with their choice. I hope to meet with the team again. It would be a pleasant surprise."
Ganaway led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,547 yards and finished third in the NCAA with 21 rushing touchdowns. Ganaway was the Offensive MVP of the 2011 Alamo Bowl upstaging teammate Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
Joe Goodberry analyzes:
Ganaway is a very big running back with surprisingly good straight line speed. When I say big, he's 250 lbs and shredded. Ganaway is my 10th ranked RB and #117 overall. A 4th round grade that will probably go in the 5th round. I compared him to LaGarrett Blount.
Scout, Inc. ranks him as the 12th best running back prospect for this year's NFL Draft with summary traits roughly around average, except a poor grade in the passing game.
Work in progress. Has experience motioning out wide and flashes the ability to catch the ball away from frame. However, limited experience raises red flags when it comes to route running and ability to read defenses.. Big and strong enough to anchor in pass protection but technique needs work. Ducks head and lunges too much.
If Gruden applies a true west coast offense where running backs are expected to play a big roll in the passing game, then a guy like Ganaway might not fit.
Mocking the Draft ranked Ganaway 17th amongst running backs.