:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58457159/usa_today_10562763.0.jpg)
The Cincinnati Bengals are hard at work looking for potential NFL talent in Mobile, Alabama this week.
There, the 2018 Senior Bowl is taking place, and the Bengals have several coaches and scouts their to see who would look good in orange and black.
One player that could be of great service to Cincinnati is UTEP guard Will Hernandez. The Bengals were among several NFL teams to meet with the offensive lineman.
Our own John Sheeran got to hear Hernandez talk about his game, his week in Mobile and what he hopes to prove as a small-school prospect.
Interview with UTEP OL Will Hernandez at the Senior BowlThe Bengals spent a lot of time with UTEP OL Will Hernandez at the Senior Bowl this week. How would he fit in with the o-line?
Posted by Cincy Jungle on Thursday, January 25, 2018
Hernandez has had a strong showing this week, so he’s someone for Bengals fans to keep an eye on in the pre-draft process. He’s regarded as a mauler who could be a big boost for a Bengals offensive line that struggled to pound the rock in 2017.
Projected to be selected in the Round 2-3 range, Hernandez models his game after Bills All-Pro guard Richie Incognito, which is exactly the kind of lineman the Bengals need to find this offseason (sans the off-field baggage).
Another prospect the Bengals are getting a first-hand look at is Penn State wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton. In an interview with Bengals Wire, Hamilton revealed he’s been working with Bengals assistant Dan Pitcher.
“He (Dan) helped me put a lot. He was introducing me to life as a pro and practicing like a pro,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton has been one of the biggest standouts during Senior Bowl practices this week. This past season, Hamilton racked up 53 catches for 857 yards and nine scores for the Nittany Lions. NFL Draft Scout currently projects Hamilton as a Day 3 pick, which is probably the only day the Bengals will consider drafting a receiver.
Pitcher, who just finished his second season with the Bengals, is an offensive assistant/wide receivers coach, so it’s good to see him to work with Hamilton, who could be someone the Bengals look at later in the draft.
Hamilton actually had a strong showing in last week’s East-West Shrine festivities, catching two passes for 42 yards in Saturday’s game. That strong week helped earn him an invite to the Senior Bowl this week, where he’s continuing to turn heads.