Late Round FB / RB prospect

[TwoADay]

We can talk all we want about top-tier prospects, but I'm a fan at looking at some of the later rounds. At least for now, since a lot could potentially change between now and the combine, let alone the draft.

So without further ado, I would like to bring Lex Hilliard (RB, Montana) to the table. 6-0, 240. He was redshirted do to injury in 2006, which may be a concern, but we're probably talking round 7 or signing him after the draft. Career stats from his Bio:

RUSHING G Att Yds TD Lg Avg/C Avg/G
2003................ 12 125 590 5 38 4.7 49.2
2004................ 14 190 972 17 61 5.1 69.4
2005................ 12 249 1322 12 69 5.3 110.2
2007................ 11 242 1132 16 54 4.7 102.9
TOTAL............. 49 806 4016 50 69 5.0 82.0

So he should be able to pound it, and with his size, we could probably make him a FB. Teach the man to block, and put him in a 2 back set with Irons, Dorsey, or Watson. When you need the power, let him rumble. When you need a lead block, he can probably do it. He probably won't be playing much at all next season, but I like his production, and might get some use if Rudi can't hold up next year.

[KBO]

Don't know if he'll last this long (late rounds), but how 'bout Owen Schmit of WVA. 6'2" 260lbs, world class weightlifter (potentially), 4.57 40, fullback- but also a potential tight end prospect and complete with an attitude. He's broken 10 facemasks at WVA w/ his combo of speed and power. I would love to see him come to us in Rd 4.

[Bengal Dude]

Jeremi is our FB. We gave him a big deal for a reason. It may be unpopular, but he's going to be the FB for us next season. He's a good blocker and that's what we need with our FB seeing how we barely use them.

Schmitt will not be there in the 4th. He's going to go in the late 2nd or early 3rd so I'm not anticipating on the Bengals selecting him.

[TwoADay]

Jeremi is our FB. We gave him a big deal for a reason. It may be unpopular, but he's going to be the FB for us next season. He's a good blocker and that's what we need with our FB seeing how we barely use them.

Schmitt will not be there in the 4th. He's going to go in the late 2nd or early 3rd so I'm not anticipating on the Bengals selecting him.

Which is why Hilliard could be a good guy to grab at 7 or as a college FA. He's a RB, but he's big enough to go at FB. Right now, unless I'm mistaken, we don't carry a backup FB. We also don't have a backup to Rudi that can pound it. Watson can be good for a couple of games, but he's not a grinder.

Putting a guy like Hilliard - a big RB that has production, but would probably translate better to FB - could help with the backup situation at both RB and FB.

And hey, at FA there's nothing to lose.

[easydudeus]

Jeremi is USELESS.. He is TOO FAT and IMMOBILE. We need to get a better FB....

[Who-Dey09]

Felix Jones, Arkansas.

[bengals 05]

Jeremi is our FB. We gave him a big deal for a reason. It may be unpopular, but he's going to be the FB for us next season. He's a good blocker and that's what we need with our FB seeing how we barely use them.

Schmitt will not be there in the 4th. He's going to go in the late 2nd or early 3rd so I'm not anticipating on the Bengals selecting him.

yes but you could tell during training camp that the coaches were tiredof him coming in oveweight and this is happening every year

[Bengal Dude]

Well, another thing to remember is that we Jim Anderson likes late picks and UDFAs when it comes to RBs. Chris Manderino was talked about a lot this past preseason and there was speculation that he could take over Jeremi's spot. I believe the coaches are going to make this a critical offseason for Jeremi. If he comes in overweight again, I expect to see Chris line up as our #1 FB.

[NATI BENGALS]

If we went into next year with Manderino as our FB i would be highly disappointed. Jeremi is good but we need better than him. He blocks well and thats about it. He is too slow to be a threat with the ball and we rarely ever use him on crucial short yardage situations.

I would trade up and get a extra second in order to get Schmitt. If we traded both Rudi (4th or 5th rounder) and Jeremi (4th or 5th rounder) it shouldnt be too hard to come up with another 2nd rd pick.

Carson will only get better if we surround him with more weapons and Owen Schmitt is a weapon. If we add Schmitt and a pass catching TE our offense will be the best in the NFL.

As for late round or free agent HB's i really like Tim Hightower from Richmond. He is 6' 1" 225 and runs about a 4.5. He almost had 2000 rush yards this year. He doesnt play for a big program so he should be around late or available as a undrafted FA. He is a senior but young. He will be 22 in May.

[goalpost]

Fullback would be a good choice albeit a later one. Also think center might be something to revisit. Seems like a lot of pressure keeps coming up the gut, to make Carson scramble, which he is not good at. Just a big bruiser, who can help sustain a pocket. Stays within 5 feet of Carson. Blocks great. Could care less if he is a marginal runner or receiver. Keeps Carson in the pocket, where he is best.

[bengalsbilly]

We can talk all we want about top-tier prospects, but I'm a fan at looking at some of the later rounds. At least for now, since a lot could potentially change between now and the combine, let alone the draft.

So without further ado, I would like to bring Lex Hilliard (RB, Montana) to the table. 6-0, 240. He was redshirted do to injury in 2006, which may be a concern, but we're probably talking round 7 or signing him after the draft. Career stats from his Bio:

RUSHING G Att Yds TD Lg Avg/C Avg/G
2003................ 12 125 590 5 38 4.7 49.2
2004................ 14 190 972 17 61 5.1 69.4
2005................ 12 249 1322 12 69 5.3 110.2
2007................ 11 242 1132 16 54 4.7 102.9
TOTAL............. 49 806 4016 50 69 5.0 82.0

So he should be able to pound it, and with his size, we could probably make him a FB. Teach the man to block, and put him in a 2 back set with Irons, Dorsey, or Watson. When you need the power, let him rumble. When you need a lead block, he can probably do it. He probably won't be playing much at all next season, but I like his production, and might get some use if Rudi can't hold up next year.

Can't say I've seen Montana play. I would agree that a #2 FB that can contribute as a lead blocker and on special teams would be a good thing (especially with all of the LB turnover). However, I would suggest going with Mike Cox, FB Georgia Tech in R6 or R7. He is a brutal lead blocker and can catch a little bit. Georgia Tech did have the #1 rusher in the ACC for the last two years with Cox as the lead. If Marvin wants to play physical, Mike Cox fits the bill. He also is used to never getting to run the ball, which would be the case on the Bengals, and he could play special teams. A Lo Neal type with a late round contract. Would be a lot cheaper than JJ, if the Bengals are looking to save some cash. Sounds good to me.