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According to Don Banks with Sports Illustrated, the Cincinnati Bengals have met with Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray.
NFL source tells me former Tenn Vols QB Tyler Bray is visiting Eagles today. Bray has met w/ Steelers, Bills, Bengals, at least 1 more team.
— Don Banks (@DonBanks) April 16, 2013
Cincinnati attended Bray's late March Pro Day in Tennessee, where he listed at 235 pounds. Bray left college a year early for the NFL draft, surprising some.
“I was really surprised he came out,” Mayock said of Bray. “I thought he should have come back and refined his name a little more. If you ask me, who are the quarterbacks with the most arm talent in this draft, he’d certainly be in the top three. He can wing it. There’s no doubt about that. however, the ball’s all over the place. He’s inconsistent from an accuracy perspective, and you also have to get comfortable with the kid. What kind of kid is he? What kind of work ethic does he have? There are some concerns there from several of the coaches I talk to.”
ESPN analyst Jon Gruden agreed.
“I just think there’s a lot of refinement that needs to take place,” Gruden said of Bray. He’s got to learn how to manage some situations better. He’s got to deliver at crunch time. He’s got to polish his game.
“He’s got to do better in terms of handling pressure. He’s not a mobile quarterback. He’s got to know where his hot receivers are. He’s got to know what audible to get to. I think his preparation needs to increase so he can be all that he can be.”
Bray finished his career with 7,444 yards passing, 69 touchdowns and 28 picks. According to Banks, at least five teams have shown interest, including the Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills (one team was unnamed).
The Bengals are believed to be interested in a rookie quarterback that they can develop into an eventual backup role. After Bruce Gradkowski left for Pittsburgh on a three-year deal, Cincinnati signed Josh Johnson and claimed John Skelton off waivers, adding Zac Robinson into a three-man training camp competition.