Bengals Draft AJ McCarron

Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) celebrates following a touchdown run by running back Derrick Henry (not pictured) during the third quarter of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI– The Cincinnati Bengals drafted former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 164th pick. McCarron expressed confidence going into the draft that he would be selected much earlier. Instead the Alabama star had to wait until the third day of the draft to be selected.

McCarron a three year stater at Alabama led the Tide to 2 National Championships, he was also apart of the 2010 National Championship team. In his four years at Alabama McCarron passed for 9,019 yards, 77 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. His gaudy numbers should have made him a top pick in the draft but concerns pushed him down the board.

Measuring in at 6’4″ and 214 pounds McCarron is by all aspects the ideal quarterback size for an NFL quarterback. There are concerns however with his accuracy. While that is a concern McCarron was deadly behind center for the Tide.

Another thing that could have held McCarron back is his cockiness. According to Pro Football Talk he ‘rubbed’ teams the wrong way in his pre-draft interviews. Apparently McCarron’s cockiness is the wrong kind compared to Johnny Manziel. Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson doesn’t seem to mind the cockiness. “I’ve heard all the reports about me. Al lot of people call me cocky” Jackson said, noting that he likes a quarterback that is confident.

McCarron joins a Bengals team that has questions regarding starting quarterback Andy Dalton. Jackson said that Dalton is still the starting quarterback, although things could always change. For now though Dalton is the man in charge.