Evaluating 2014 Cincinnati Bengals Draft Picks

Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) runs with the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. McCarron was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI- A closer look at the  Cincinnati Bengals picks:

Round 1/24 — Darqueze Dennard, CB, 5-11, 199, Michigan State

–The Bengals needed to get younger at corner and felt lucky Dennard slipped into their laps at 24. Most had him projected five to 10 picks earlier, but he fits perfectly into a man-press scheme.

Round 2/55 – Jeremy Hill, RB, 6-1, 233, Louisiana State

–BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn’t getting younger and Hill will provide the power running up the middle and explosive breakaway ability offensive coordinator Hue Jackson desires next to Giovani Bernard.

Round 3/88 – Will Clarke, DE, 6-6, 271, West Virginia

–The Bengals needed a replacement for Michael Johnson and you can’t get a more identical prospect than Clarke. He owns the sprawling wingspan the Bengals desire off the edge.

Round 4/11 – Russell Bodine, C, 6-3, 310, North Carolina

–Bodine is a powerful man who can handle being the big center in the AFC North. The Bengals thought enough of him to trade up for only the third time in franchise history.

Round 5/164 – A.J. McCarron, QB, 6-3, 220, Alabama

–The Bengals got their developmental quarterback behind Andy Dalton. McCarron is a proven winner and it wouldn’t be insane to see him competing to start next season should problems arise with Dalton.

Round 6/212 – Marquis Flowers, LB, 6-2, 231, Arizona

–Flowers brings speed and plenty of it. Plays well in space but will have a hard time making the 53-man roster.

Round 7/239 – James Wright, WR, 6-3, 203, Louisiana State

–Only caught 25 passes without a touchdown for LSU and never broke through as a starter, but Bengals like him for special teams possibilities.

Round 7/252 – Lavelle Westbrooks, CB, 5-11, 186, Georgia Southern

–A big hitter who plays well around the receivers.