Bengals Draft Preview: Running Backs

The re-signing of Cedric Benson took the running back position from a top need to second tier need in the upcoming NFL Draft. Benson showed a spark after joining the team at mid-season. He has a nice blend of power and burst which makes you feel like he could be an every down back. Speptics point out to 3.5 yards per carry and how the bulk of his yardage came against sub-par defenses while gaining just 52 yards on 26 carries vs. Pittsburgh and Baltimore. With the depth chart showing the names of Kenny Watson (a solid 3rd down back), Chris Perry (1st round bust), DeDe Dorsey (can't stay healthy), James Johnson (who?) and recently acquired Gary Russell (goal line back/returner?). With the above list hardly instilling confidence the Bengals will be looking to add a 2nd option to its ground attack in the draft. How early they select a back will speak volumes about confident they are in Benson. With some rumors having the Bengals showing heavy interest in Beanie Wells and Knowshon Moreno, you have to believe the team is either looking to reach for a running back at #6 or consider trading down in round one. Don't forget the team has a long tradition of drafting 2nd round running backs including Eric Ball, Harold Green, Corey Dillon and Kenny Irons. In addition, to running back the team will also be looking to draft a fullback as they do not have a quality fullback option on the roster. Do not expect the fullback to be selected earlier than round 5. Running Back: Round 1 Targets: Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno Round 2 Targets: Donald Brown, LeSean McCoy Mid-Round Targets (rounds 3-4): Shonn Greene, Andre Brown, Javon Ringer, Cedric Peerman, Rashad Jennings, Kory Sheets Late Round Sleepers (rounds 5-7): Gartrell Johnson, Mike Goodson, Ian Johnson, Glen Coffee, Marlon Lucky Fullback: Mid-Round Targets (rounds 3-4): Tony Fiametta Late Round Sleepers (rounds 5-7): Quinn Johnson, Frank Summers, Fui Vakapuna, Jason Cook