BenJarvus Green-Ellis likely staying through 2014, despite addition of Jeremy Hill

The Cincinnati Bengals' second-round selection of LSU running back Jeremy Hill looked like a good indication BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who's set to be a free agent after this season, isn't going to be in Cincinnati much longer.

Over a 2-year span, Hill rushed 345 times for 2,156 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 254 yards. Hill is a powerful, downhill runner like Green-Ellis, but he has more speed, elusiveness and the ability to actually run away from defenders.

However, don't assume this all means Green-Ellis sin't going to be cut, at least in the near future.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on NFL Insiders that the Bengals are likely to keep BenJarvus Green-Ellis for the 2014 NFL season. Schefter says they're more likely to keep Green-Ellis as a mentor for Hill.

"There's no reason for the Bengals to get rid of BenJarvus Green-Ellis," Schefter said.

This actually jives with what Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson said, only he thinks the Bengals would allow Green-Ellis to stay if he wanted, but would also cut him if he wanted more playing time elsewhere:

"You take running backs in the second round in back-to-back years and they're playing," Hobson said. "But the fact they didn’t cut The Law Firm Monday shows something else might be in play. That tells me they have such high regard for him as a person and player that they want still want him on the team.

"If he’s willing to come in and have a reduced role, fine. If he wants to move on, fine. BJGE is the consummate pro and they want to treat him as such."

It's no secret Green-Ellis is one of the most-liked and respected players on the team by both his teammates and coaches.

LSU recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson coached Green-Ellis at Ole Miss and Hill at LSU, and he thinks thw two being in Cincinnati is a match made in Heaven.

"He’s the closest thing to BenJarvus when it comes to preparing himself for the season, for a game," Wilson said, via Bengals.com. "One of the traits he and Benny have (is being conscientious). BenJarvus is probably the most astute, attention-to-detail back I ever had. He’s very mature in his approach.

"That’s the way he’s wired mentally. His social life, his personal life are all geared around his professional career and how he acts on and off the field. Jeremy is like that in many ways."