/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45910532/usa-today-8262130.0.jpg)
Even with the addition of A.J. Hawk, the Cincinnati Bengals could use some more depth at linebacker.
That may be why they sent linebackers coach Matt Burke to the UC Bearcats' Pro Day to watch Jeff Luc in person. Luc, a 6-foot, 251-pound inside backer, ran the 40 in 4.61 and 4.57 seconds. He had a 34-inch vertical and an 8-10 broad jump while running the short shuttle in 4.56 and the 3-cone drill in 7.30 seconds.
Luc joined Cincinnati in the summer of 2012 after playing two seasons at Florida State. He went on to record 177 tackles (90 solo), eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and six pass deflections over his past two seasons. Still, he's projected as a 6th or 7th-round pick, so it won't be hard for the Bengals to get him if they want him.
Heck, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein doesn't even see Luc as an NFL backer, but as a fullback instead:
NFL COMPARISON Vonta Leach
BOTTOM LINE Tightly wound, old-school inside linebacker who plays the game with power over speed. While he has the functional quickness needed for the position, his straight-line stiffness and inability to diagnose and flow quickly limit his potential as an NFL middle linebacker. Luc has a solid shot of making a roster if he can prove himself on special teams, but his body type and athletic traits scream for a shot at fullback.
It's worth nothing Luc had a nice showing during Senior Bowl practices in January, so that may be where he originally caught the Bengals' eye.