2015 NFL Draft: The Bengals pick Texas A&M OT Cedric Ogbuehi

With the No. 21 pick of the 2015 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Texas A&M OT Cedric Ogbuehi.

Ogbuehi was projected as a top-five offensive tackle and has been rather coveted by the Bengals, who are preparing for contingencies with Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith entering the final year of their current deals.

Per Good Bull Hunting (SB Nation's Texas A&M site):

Cedric Ogbuehi started 6 games as a Redshirt Freshman in 2011 on the interior of the offensive line.  He moved out to right tackle in 2013 as Jake Matthews moved to left tackle.  He followed in Jake Matthews' footsteps and decided to stay on for his senior year and moved to the left tackle spot.  An ACL injury this season hampered his playing time and his draft stock.  Cedric Ogbuehi has been a solid contributor on the offensive line for Texas A&M and has experience at tackle and guard.

DRAFT OUTLOOK

Cedric Ogbuehi, 6'5" 305 lbs, has since had a solid showing at the combine with an overall Draft Grade of 5.9, according to NFL.com.  Ogbuehi is an interesting prospect as he has experience at both tackle spots.  Right now, the NFL chatter is on Ogbuehi going in the second round to any of a number of teams, perhaps most notably the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to provide protection for Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.  Wherever Ogbuehi ends up, he will have a front row seat to it all as he was invited to attend the NFL Draft in Chicago.  Here's hoping that the 1st round streak will continue for the Aggies with Cedric Ogbuehi.

ESPN's analysis:

NFL.com Draft Page:

Ogbuehi's name began to make the rounds in Cincinnati this week:

"The name to watch here is Cedric Ogbuehi," NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said on the Move the Sticks podcast. "The way I hear it, they view him as one of the top talents in the draft regardless of position. I could see them taking him. And it's a great spot because you don't have to play him this year. You can him sit behind Andrew Smith and Whitworth and eventually you have your left tackle."

The #Bengals select #TAMU LT Cedric Ogbuehi, the player they wanted the whole time. Think he’s the best left tackle in the draft.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2015

"Ogbuehi had ACL surgery in January after tearing it in his last college football game," writes Peter King during Wednesday's mailbag.

But now comes this revelation: Cincinnati, at 21, also is considering Ogbuehi, even with a cadre of good tackle prospects who actually would be able to play on opening day instead of likely being on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of the season. It’s an interesting dilemma. But it goes to show you that teams with a tackle need are willing to wait, say, a half-season or longer if they think there’s a premier player out there who will have a long career but just might not be ready to start at the beginning of his rookie year.

The projected four-year deal for the No. 21 pick is $8.421 million with a $4.384 million signing bonus and a projected $7.629 million guaranteed.

Cedric Ogbuehi was at Paul Brown Stadium two Mondays ago taking a visit while the #Bengals were returning for offseason workouts.

— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) May 1, 2015

Marvin Lewis pleased to draft Cedric Ogbuehi. "Obviously have to get him healthy from injury, but feel he has tremendous potential" #CINpick

— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) May 1, 2015

Marvin Lewis: "He's just a huge man." Called him a violent run blocker. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/qswaZGDhKW

— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) May 1, 2015

Marvin: Doctors look at reports with player llike that. We feel he's right on track for a great recovery. #Bengals

— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) May 1, 2015