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The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly stock-piling positions on defense at defensive tackle and cornerback, while selecting potential starters at guard and wide receiver with a quality backup tight end. The Bengals returned to offense with their second third-round pick, stock-piling the wide receiver position. With the No. 166 pick of the 2012 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select California wide receiver Marvin Jones.
From NFL.com's Draft Page:
OVERVIEW
Jones has been a good possession-type receiver for the past three years. He does not possess great speed but seems to have a good understanding of how to play to his strengths and get open. Jones played with a quarterback last year who was always looking to throw on the run, and Jones has been a good option for him working to get open downfield.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Jones is big off the line and knows how to explode into a corner's face to get him to turn his hips early and keep him off balance. Jones is not a very smooth in-route runner and tends to drift away from the ball, but he is effective in stemming his routes off the line and understanding how to lean on DBs to get open at the top of routes. Jones has incredible hands and can extend to snatch balls that are thrown high over his head, and has the flexibility in his hips to go down and snag balls thrown at his ankles.
WEAKNESSES
Jones can find holes in coverage and use a lean to separate when running routes, but when he is covered closely at his hip by DBs, he has a tough time separating with his acceleration or speed. He is more of a smooth runner who won't blow by many NFL corners, and although he is a deep threat from his jumping ability and ability to adjust to and catch the ball, he doesn't use speed to win in anything that he does.
ESPN Scout Inc grades Jones' competitiveness as above average:
Tough. There's no hesitation and willing to extend both arms above head when working the middle of the field. Effective hand fighter that makes it difficult for corners to get their hands on him at the line of scrimmage and downfield. Calls for the ball when gets single coverage. Fights for yards after the catch. Can be more aggressive and tenacious but average job of getting in the way as a blocker.