CINCINNATI -- A look back at the Cincinnati Bengals' 2015 NFL draft:
Best move: OLB Paul Dawson. With uncertainty lingering over the status of Vontaze Burfict's surgically repaired left knee, the Bengals went out and got an outside linebacker. But they didn't draft just anybody. They selected a player who they felt could not only fill Burfict's shoes if necessary, but who could also play like him. According to defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, Dawson has a bit of the same tenacity and intensity that a healthy Burfict showed his first three seasons. In just two years, Burfict went from undrafted free agent to the Pro Bowl. If the Bengals believe Dawson possesses similar potential, they just got a great pick. Originally projected as a second-rounder, Dawson's surprising fall to the very last pick of the third round meant the Bengals committed virtual highway robbery. The selection of the former TCU star was a quite strong pick.
Riskiest move: CB Josh Shaw. The risk factor was really quite low when it came to Shaw, but you still have to pin a red flag next the name of a player who told a brazen lie to his coaches and teammates. Shaw was the USC corner who originally told coaches and administrators he sprained both ankles while attempting to rescue his drowning nephew. Three days later, he told the truth when repeating the lie became too burdensome. The truth was Shaw hurt himself jumping out of a three-story balcony following an argument with his girlfriend. The lie alone made his pick risky, but the Bengals are quick to look past it. They view him as a versatile contributor who can line up at corner, the nickel corner position or safety.
Most surprising move: C.J. Uzomah. There was temptation to classify this as the Bengals' riskiest move. Uzomah's addition got classified as the most surprising because his was the one name least connected to the Bengals. Each of the other eight picks had been tied to Cincinnati in various projections and mock drafts, including those on this blog. A raw talent, Uzomah didn't have a tight ends coach at Auburn. As part of the Tigers' spread offense, he sought guidance from the receivers coach for pass-catching and got advice on blocking from the running backs coach. Of the Bengals' draft picks, he comes to Cincinnati the least pro-ready at his position.
File it away: Remember Derron Smith's name. Sure, he was only a sixth-round pick, but the safety could have long-term value for the Bengals. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, he's slightly undersized for the position, but coaches believe his intelligence can help him stick. "Anytime you are a four-year starter, that says a lot about who you are," co-defensive backs coach Mark Carrier said. Carrier also was impressed with Smith's tackling ability and instincts. A true athlete, Smith played quarterback and punter in addition to defensive back in high school.
My take: This was, in many ways, an unorthodox draft for the Bengals. Two offensive tackles. Two tight ends. A receiver with 4.27-second 40-yard speed. One defensive back with a story about feigned glory. Unorthodox or not, this still was a very strong group. With virtually the entire starting roster returning, the Bengals didn't need to go through Rounds 1-7 looking for immediate help. Their focus instead could be upon bolstering depth and packing in big men on the offensive line who could move a few defensive linemen around. Cincinnati made itself better with this draft. Thumbs up.
