Bengals Upgrade Tight End Roster With Georgia Tight End Orson Charles

After waiting for over an hour since the start of the fourth round on Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals resumed their excellent draft this weekend selecting Georgia tight end Orson Charles at No. 116. Charles, described as a big, athletic and flexible tight end that runs well, posted 574 yards receiving on 45 receptions and five touchdowns during his final season at Georgia.

According to multiple scouting reports, blocking is not necessarily one of Charles' strength. In fact what separates Charles from the rest of Cincinnati's roster of tight ends is his route running. Scout Inc graded his separation skills, ball skill and big-play ability as above average, with exceptional competitiveness:

Great competitor. No afraid to work middle. Tough runner that fought for yards after contact. Flashes a mean streak. Not afraid to mix it up with bigger defenders.

Charles, A.J. Green's former roommate at Georgia, brings the Bengals an idealistic duel-tight end threat in the passing game. Combined with Mohamed Sanu in the third round, Andy Dalton's giddy reaction was the obvious result of having new toys that should improve Cincinnati's No. 20 ranked passing offense.

Read More: Orson Draft Profile At Dawg Sports

Bengals tight end coach Jonathan Hayes, who compared his body type to San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, said of Charles:

"To get this kid I think can really help make us a much better team. He's going to come in and fit right in."

In terms of the current structure with Cincinnati's tight end position, Charles likely backs up Jermaine Gresham on day one. Colin Cochart, a former undrafted free agent, and Donald Lee, veteran free agent signing, currently sit behind Gresham on the depth chart, combining for only 16 receptions for 159 yards receiving and a touchdown. Both were utilized more as run blockers (not very well either) than route runners last year. If we were forced to decide today, Lee would be the most logical cut to free up roster space on the 53-man roster when that day comes.

Charles will become the sixth player on the Bengals roster from Georgia, joining Green, Geno Atkins, Robert Geathers, Clint Boling and Dennis Roland.