Bengals hold private workout with Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta

The Bengals have kept a pretty close eye on the quarterback class.

They have visited several pro days for the quarterbacks in this year’s class as well as brought in a few quarterbacks for visits, too. One guy they have had multiple looks at is Kyle Lauletta of Richmond.

The Bengals first showed their interest when they sent their quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt to Richmonds pro day. Now, the Bengals have had a private workout with the expected mid-round quarterback.

Lauletta caught the NFL’s eye in the last two seasons as he threw 52 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in the FCS from 2016-2017. He showed some tools worthy of a Day 3 quarterback in that time and he really helped his stock at the Senior Bowl.

While scouts were expecting to see the best from Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen, Lauletta stole the show. He was eight for twelve throwing the ball for a total of 198 yards, which included a 75-yard touchdown.

People may think the Bengals filled their backup quarterback position when they signed Matt Barkley this offseason after AJ McCarron left for Buffalo.

The Bengals also have Jeff Driskel, but he is still working his way back from a hand injury suffered at the end of last season in practice. With the way the Bengals have been keeping a close eye on quarterbacks we shouldn’t be surprised to see them try to add a rookie to that competition behind Andy Dalton.

Lauletta is an interesting prospect. He showed a great understanding of the game. He looked off coverage and anticipated throws very well at Richmond. Additionally, he showed good mobility in the pocket. The problem with Lauletta comes with his arm strength or lack thereof. He often pop flied balls giving safeties easy opportunities to intercept or deflect passes. That means he has a huge limitation on what he can do at the pro level.

Lauletta could provide good value though. Where his draft stock is currently sitting depends who you talk to. Some say he is a second day pick, but others will tell you he is a fifth rounder.

The Bengals currently have three fifth round picks, and if Lauletta is there in the fifth round, it would make sense for them to take him and use him as the primary backup going forward.